Hastings Bingo Hall Is Focusing on Community

_{Eyes down, Hastings: Deluxe Bingo reopened with £10K hospice pledge. Managing Director of Godden Gaming Corporation, and Mayor of Hastings joined the celebrations. (Image: Justin Lycett at the Sussex Express)}

After a two-year closure, Deluxe Bingo has returned to Hastings, drawing nearly 300 attendees for its grand reopening. The relaunch marked more than just a new coat of paint, it kicked off a community-driven mission to raise £10,000 for St. Michael’s Hospice.

Led by the Godden Gaming Corporation, the reopening included a brass band, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and two £1,000 jackpot winners. Local dignitaries including the mayor and Member of Parliament attended.

A Lifeline Reimagined for the Community

The reopening isn’t just about games; it's part of a broader initiative to support palliative care services in Hastings and Rother. Every time the number 90 is called during games, the club donates to St. Michael’s Hospice, which relies on donations for 80% of its funding.

Jeremy Godden, Managing Director of Godden Gaming Corporation, said giving back is fundamental to the company’s ethos. “Supporting local charities is at the heart of the Godden Gaming Organisation,” he said.

The Folkestone-based company has previously supported Pilgrims Hospices in Kent and saw Hastings as a natural extension of that effort.

 Crowds, Cheers and Community Spirit on Opening Day

The venue’s reopening drew families, long-time patrons, and newcomers alike. Guests played both traditional paper bingo and digital table games.

Godden said the strong turnout highlighted the enduring appeal of bingo as a social gathering point. “The whole community got involved. That’s the essence of a bingo club. It’s a social occasion,” he said.

With activities spanning generations and a welcoming environment, Deluxe Bingo aims to serve as an affordable entertainment hub for the town.

Why Bingo Still Resonates in 2025

Far from being a relic of the past, bingo continues to thrive as a digital-proof, face-to-face pastime. At Deluxe Bingo, visitors enjoy two hours of gameplay without screens, something Godden believes is increasingly valuable.

“It’s two hours without being able to look at your phone. You’ve got to be concentrating on the numbers, and just chat with your friends and have some fun,” he said.

Opening weekend included national link game winners of £275 and £100, but the prevailing sentiment was more about community than cash.

Economic Boost and Social Return

The reopening has also brought tangible economic benefits. Twenty local jobs were created, and the reactivation of one of Hastings’ most recognisable buildings adds foot traffic to the area.

According to Godden, bingo offers an alternative to traditional nightlife. “It’s brought joy and happiness to people who maybe the pub isn’t their thing,” he said.

Even on quieter weeknights, the club has seen as many as 100 attendees.

With doors opening at 11 a.m. and sessions running past 3 p.m., Deluxe Bingo offers a full afternoon of entertainment. A £35 session includes games, lunch, and refreshments, making it one of the most affordable outings in town.

Plans are already in motion to expand fundraising initiatives later this year, aiming to engage the wider community in fun and creative ways.

From Arcade Roots to Bingo Revival

Godden’s background in amusement arcades provided a natural transition to bingo halls. His family has operated seaside entertainment venues in Kent for decades, and the closure of Deluxe Bingo had struck a chord.

“We knew how important this club was to the community,” Godden said. “When it closed, it was a sad day for Hastings.”

Reopening the venue became a top priority after acquiring the building through the Godden Gaming Corporation.

Deluxe Bingo’s return is more than a business move, it’s a community investment. The combination of job creation, affordable entertainment, and charitable giving positions the venue as a key part of Hastings’ social landscape.

“It’s crucial to give back to the Hastings area,” Godden said. His favourite number? “Number 90, top of the house. I was born in 1990, and it’s the number we give to charity.”