The latest data from Gala Bingo – the UK'S leading operator with 166 clubs - has revealed that 7 out of 10 of its most frequent members are men; exploding the myth that Bingo is just a ladies game.

Men, it would seem, are abandoning traditional male entertainment pursuits in favour of a night at bingo.

In fact more people went to a Gala Bingo Club during the 2003/4 football season than to premier football matches.

Richard Sowerby, Gala Group’s sales and marketing director says of the findings: “A night at Gala Bingo obviously offers as much excitement as a game of football or a night at the pub. We’re delighted that more and more men are realising the appeal of bingo.”