Basque Parliament Reviews Law Reform Over Social Bingo in Senior Centres
A bingo session in Santutxu was recently interrupted by the Ertzaintza, prompting political debate and calls to clarify the legal framework. Lawmakers are now considering changes that would explicitly allow these activities, despite existing fines that could reach up to €60,000.
The Basque Parliament is currently examining a proposed reform of gambling laws following controversy over social bingo held in senior centres.
A bingo session in Santutxu was recently interrupted by the Ertzaintza, prompting political debate and calls to clarify the legal framework. Lawmakers are now considering changes that would explicitly allow these activities, despite existing fines that could reach up to €60,000.
Pedro Jiménez, spokesperson for the Association of Bingos of Euskadi, said social bingo in community centres represents “unfair competition” for bingo halls, many of which are struggling due to the rise of online gambling. He added that the main participants are retirees, who help sustain “crisis-ridden” businesses.
Iluminada Rosa Raimundo, president of the Santutxu centre, told lawmakers that banning social bingo would be “a mistake.” She stressed that these sessions are not only entertainment but also serve as a social hub and entry point to other activities, particularly for older women who often attend after being widowed.
Luis Carlos Matías, president of the Las Cuatro Torres de Araba pensioners’ association, also defended the practice, describing it as a “greatness” for older people. “We need to stay active. Seniors go home only to sleep,” he said.
A study by the Basque Observatory of Games found that 63.1% of senior associations in Euskadi have offered or currently offer social bingo. Participation varies by region: 25% in Araba, 42% in Bizkaia, and 71.2% in Gipuzkoa.
The research also shows that nearly half of these centres host bingo weekly, with sessions lasting around two hours and attracting an average of 50 participants. In 80% of cases, bingo is combined with other activities. Stakes are typically small (around 20 cents per card), which participants describe as a “motivation boost,” with 76% saying they would not join without the small wager.
The Gizakia foundation, which works on addiction issues in Bizkaia, noted that people over 65 do not generally display problematic gambling behaviour. It added that social bingo can support cognitive stimulation, memory, and social interaction among older adults.
