Delivering a fun bingo-led experience to high street shoppers is at the heart of the Bingo Nation brand which is being piloted in Ramsgate. Drawing on decades of hands-on experience in the sector CEO Mark Jepp is championing what he refers to as ‘Bus Stop’ style bingo complemented by a relaxed slots lounge where customers can play the latest games in a relaxed atmosphere.
The Kent coastal town of Ramsgate witnessed the launch of an exciting new bingo concept when Mark Labett, better known as The Beast from the popular quiz show The Chase, officially opened the first Bingo Nation venue on Bank Holiday Saturday. The brain child of Game Nation CEO, Mark Jepp, Bingo Nation has been created to add more ‘fun to the high street’ and provide shoppers with an authentic bingo experience.
Expanding on the background to the new brand, Jepp, who has decades of in-depth experience working across both the bingo and AGC sectors said: “We are delivering what I would refer to as ‘Bus Stop’ style bingo where bingo fans can pop in – after or before completing their shopping – and enjoy a game of bingo. The core offer is supplemented by a relaxed slots lounge where customers are able to play the very latest machines and meet with friends in an environment where they feel totally at home.”
He added: “I don’t regard Bingo Nation as being a disruptor brand as such. It’s more of an authentic high street bingo offer that takes its lead from the current best in the business.”
For Mark Jepp ‘best in the business’ refers to LOL Bingo something that he is swift to acknowledge. “The bingo element is supplied by Wexel and both Sean Young and Chris Shipley have been extremely supportive” he says. “In addition, being able to tap into the knowledge and experience of Mike Smith at LOL Bingo was a massive help in delivering the Bingo Nation concept.
“Mike kindly gave us the benefit of his experience which meant that we were ready to launch in the best shape possible. He has been a real friend to Game Nation from the day I joined and it’s been a real privilege to benefit from his experience operating his own authentic bingo venues.”
Providing an authentic bingo offer is pivotal to the customer experience and Mark Jepp believes that to be a part of a broader offering. He explains: “It’s important for us to be able to bring more fun to the high street. We are investing in equipment such as the Boomerang Jigsaw system that gives us the ability to engage with customers by offering fun games such as pig racing, pop the balloon, open the box and play your cards right all of which are delivered digitally.
“Alongside these attractions we will be running our typical Game Nation style promotions based on popular high profile events such as Halloween as well as our usual free play offers. The strategy is to offer entertainment for all ages whether that’s a typical bingo demographic, more male focused slots content or fun games that engage with a younger/newbie crowd.”
As to the future roll-out of Bingo Nation? “It’s a case of getting Ramsgate up and running first” states Jepp. “After which we will take our time to refine and to review. Intuitively, I do expect to rollout the Bingo Nation brand as part of the company’s broader growth plan.”
The bus stops here
Mark Jepp said…… “We are delivering what I would refer to as ‘Bus Stop’ style bingo where bingo fans can pop in – after or before completing their shopping – and enjoy a game of bingo. The core offer is supplemented by a relaxed slots lounge where customers are able to play the very latest machines and meet with friends in an environment where they feel totally at home……
