UK Bingo operators believe the new advert that promotes the National Lottery’s Flamin’ Hot Bingo scratchcard offends the traditional bingo industry, which is going through a tough time due to government policies.

The ad features the image of an elderly woman on her mobility cart in front of a bingo venue with a “closed” sign. With the sound of a scratchcard, the image changes to the same lady with modern clothes in a Miami-style beach, speeding off on her enhanced, powerful scooter.

“I am outraged by this advert, in a time in which the bingo industry is reeling from the smoking ban, a reduction in £500 jackpot machines and double taxation in the form of both 15 per cent gross profits tax and 17.5 per cent VAT,” Paul Talboys, chief executive of the Bingo Association, said. Mr. Talboy added that the members of the Association are quite disappointed at the decision of the government-sponsored Lottery to make fun of bingo venues that are struggling not to close.

Camelot, the National Lottery operator, answered to the claims of the Bingo Association stating that the ad does not intend to mock the closure of bingo halls and the reason why the “closed” sign is shown is because it is early in the morning.

This week, the bingo industry’s campaign to remove the VAT will finally have an answer with the presentation of the 2008 Budget. Bingo operators argue that without fiscal aid, a third of the bingo clubs in the country could close.