Key facts
- Buzz Bingo's owner, ICG, has appointed bankers to explore a sale of the company.
- Group revenue rose 11% to £241.4 million in the 12 months to January 2026.
- Pre-tax losses widened to £65 million from £33 million.
- Underlying EBITDA fell 6% to £39.2 million.
- Buzz Bingo attracted 190,000 new retail customers, with half aged 35 or under.
- CEO Dominic Mansour warned that a Machine Gaming Duty hike could make sites unviable and lead to closures.
The owner of Buzz Bingo, one of Britain's largest bingo chains, is exploring a sale of the business. ICG, which acquired Buzz Bingo in 2021, has appointed Oakvale Capital to advise on discussions with potential buyers, aiming to secure new investors for growth.
Buzz Bingo has experienced a resurgence, with admissions and revenues rising for the first time since 2007. In the last financial year, group revenue increased 11% to £241.4 million, driven by an 11% rise in both retail and online revenues. The company attracted 190,000 new retail customers, with approximately half being under 35, indicating success in engaging younger demographics.
Despite the revenue growth, pre-tax losses widened to £65 million from £33 million in the prior year, attributed to increased employment costs, higher gambling taxes, and an impairment charge. Underlying EBITDA also declined by 6% to £39.2 million. The company operates 76 clubs across the UK, down from 79 the previous year.
CEO Dominic Mansour has voiced concerns about potential tax increases on gaming machines, warning that such a move could threaten the viability of bingo clubs in the UK and lead to job losses. A previous sale process for Buzz Bingo in 2023 was called off.