Bingo In Tenerife - where you can play legally

Bingo in Tenerife. If you go for a wander in the evening around any tourist town, you may see numerous bars advertising the ubiquitous bingo on offer as part of the entertainment.

This is a lucrative source of income for bar owners, as well as being a popular pasttime for many holidaymakers.

but do you realise that it is illegal?

Photo: Kees Jonker

According to the law in Tenerife, the playing of bingo is only permitted in licensed bingo halls. You'll be relieved to know, no doubt, that the authorities turn a blind eye to the playing of bingo in bars for non-cash prizes, such as a bottle of booze or 200 cigarettes. The playing of the game for cash prizes, though, is supposed to be strictly confined to properly licensed premises.

Photo: Kees Jonker

According to the law in Tenerife, the playing of bingo is only permitted in licensed bingo halls. You'll be relieved to know, no doubt, that the authorities turn a blind eye to the playing of bingo in bars for non-cash prizes, such as a bottle of booze or 200 cigarettes. The playing of the game for cash prizes, though, is supposed to be strictly confined to properly licensed premises.

As is usually the case in Tenerife, there can suddenly be a blitz on illegal bingo, with government inspectors descending without warning on bars that are offering this innocent form of gambling and either issuing a stern warning, or issuing a quite hefty on-the-spot fine. Either way, the bingo ceases immediately.

Some bar owners that have complied with this law subsequently find themselves a little peeved that a neighbouring bar may be continuing with bingo regardless and reaping the financial benefit. It's a bit like pot luck, unfortunately.

At any rate, there are several licensed bingo halls throughout the island. Unfortunately, the only information I have on them is their address and phone number. None of them appear to have a website. Here's a list, anyway:

Image:
Abbey Hendrickson

Colombofilo

29, Avenida Islas Canarias,
Santa Cruz

Telephone: 922 241432

Las Chafiras

Avenida Claudio Delgado Diaz
San Miguel de Abona

Telephone: 922 736199

Bingo Siete Islas SA

3, Las Mercedes-Las Torres
La Laguna

Telephone: 922 820001

Bingo Canarias

9, Imeldo Seris
Santa Cruz

Telephone: 922 246910

Sala De Bingo CIT

2, Avenida Melchor Luz
Puerto de la Cruz

Telephone: 922 382178

Bingo El Trompo

Molinos de Gofio (Poligono Industrial San Jeronimo)
La Orotava

Telephone: 922 325999

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