Operator Issues Statement On End Of Radio Bingo

The operator of Clare FM’s Radio Bingo has issued a statement to confirm that the game’s charity partner, Clarecastle Daycare Centre, will receive all money owed to it.

Elmco have ceased operation of the game from today, and says prize winners have until the end of January to claim their money.

The company is closing operations after incurring financial losses.

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Rehab, which entered into an agreement with Elmco to manage the game, says it could not continue to be a party to a “loss-making enterprise.”

The decision affects Clare FM and eight other local radio stations througout Ireland.

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The following statements have been issued by Elmco. and Rehab.

ELMCO. TO EXIT RADIO BINGO MARKET AND CLOSE OPERATIONS. Dublin, Friday, 1st December 2017.

ELMCo has today announced that it will be discontinuing its radio bingo activities and will close operations and exit from the market with immediate effect. Over the past several years, the profitability of these activities have declined due to changing market dynamics and rapidly evolving technology, resulting in accumulated financial losses being incurred by the company. The company has therefore decided that these activities are no longer viable and has decided to exit the business. The company confirms that from today (Friday, 1st December 2017) it will cease all radio bingo activities. Ensuring a smooth and responsible closure of the business is of utmost importance to the company and therefore the company will pay out on any prize money won up to the end of week 48 (Friday, 1st December 2017). Prize winners have until the 31st January 2018 to claim outstanding prize monies which will be paid in full. The company would like to assure its customers that any financial commitments owed to Clarecastle Daycare Centre, Clare FM’s charity partner will be fully honoured too. Speaking about this announcement, Stephen Broderick, General Manager at ELMCo said: “We recognise that many listeners will be disappointed with this announcement. This decision was extremely difficult to make and comes following an extensive exploration of all other options for the business. We would like to thank Clare FM Radio listeners for their support and acknowledge how they have helped the worthy charitable cause of Clarecastle Daycare Centre. We are incredibly grateful to our radio partner Clare FM for the trust and loyalty they have placed in ELMCo over the past years. Customers can also visit elmco.ie for more information.

STATEMENT FROM REHAB RE RADIO BINGO

In 2014 Rehab Group entered into an agreement with the External Lotteries Management Fund (ELMCO) to manage the operation of its lotteries, specifically Lucky Lottery scratch cards and a Radio Bingo game held in conjunction with nine regional radio stations across Ireland.

Rehab, and a number of other charitable causes, receive a portion of the funds generated by these lottery games. In Rehab these funds were used to support the provision of health and social care, training and education and employability for people with disabilities or who are disadvantaged in some way.

Continuing losses at ELMCO, amid a difficult trading environment for lotteries, has led us to have to make a tough decision which requires ELMCO to cease trading. As financial sustainability is a key pillar of Rehab’s long-term strategic plan and we could not continue to be party to a loss-making enterprise.

We regret as of Friday, December 1st, the Lucky Lottery scratch cards and Radio Bingo books will no longer be sold in retail outlets and the Radio Bingo will also end on this day.

We have been informed by ELMCO that it intends to honour its commitments to ensure any monies owed to the radio stations, prize winners, charities and suppliers will be honoured.

We sincerely regret the impact this decision may have on long-time supporters of these lottery games and would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who supported this cause over the years.