For many people bingo is not just a game – it's an important part of their lives.

And many Bristol players are angry at a government decision to increase tax on the game.

Some of them are worried they will no longer be able to afford to play.

The duty has just jumped from 15 per cent to 22 per cent – the only form of gambling to suffer the rise.

It means that a 10-page book of games at the Mecca Bingo centre in Lawrence Hill which currently costs £12 will rise by £1.50.

One of the regulars, Bel Wilkinson, 58, a nurse who lives in Northville Road, Filton, said: "I think it's terrible they are putting up the tax.

"Most of the people that come here are working class or the elderly – it's not like horse racing where punters have got lots of money to place big bets.

"It's not just the old people, though. A lot of women come here on their own because it's one of the few places where they can go out on their own and feel safe.

"Most of the people here know each other and make friends – it's a really friendly atmosphere.

"It's wrong to put the tax up."

The old folk enjoy a natter and a cup of tea – but as soon as the numbers start being called, a hush falls in the brightly carpeted auditorium.

There are 30 chances of winning a main prize on a 10-page book of games.

The cash pay-outs vary but can be as much as £1,000 for a full house.

Operations manager Kevin Butler said: "We've asked for a reason why they are putting up the tax on bingo but no other forms of gambling and we can't get an answer.

"We've sent about 2,500 letters from the 103 Mecca Bingo centres throughout the UK, objecting to the increase.

"For many of the people that come here, it's their only chance to get out of their home for some form of entertainment.

"There's a lot of elderly people who come here – for some of them, it's their only chance to meet their friends.

The tax increase means that Mecca will have to pay an extra £9 million a year in duty.

"That increase will have to be found one way or another.

"Most people who come here are already struggling to find the money because of the recession – a jump in prices might stop them coming."

He said that some of the old bingo halls in former cinemas were in danger of closing because of the tax increase.