In a partnership with Gaming Realms, Mecca Bingo has launched Loose Women presents Stylish Slingo. The branded title is based on ITV Studios’ long-running daytime television show and is available exclusively on MeccaBingo.com, one of the UK's top bingo sites.
The release builds on Gaming Realms’ established Slingo format, incorporating new mechanics and a visual theme aligned with the Loose Women brand. Styled with fashion-led visuals and audio cues familiar to programme viewers, the game is designed to appeal to fans through recognisable aesthetics and interactive elements.
Gameplay sees users spin to match five numbers on a themed board. Matched numbers are cleared from play, triggering a cascade effect that introduces new numbers, offering further Slingo opportunities. Wild and Super Wild symbols allow players to select numbers directly, adding an element of strategic choice to the experience.
The latest collaboration between Mecca Bingo and Gaming Realms reflects a broader trend of leveraging licensed entertainment properties to engage audiences in regulated igaming markets. This release follows other Slingo adaptations tied to established media brands and supports both companies’ efforts to diversify their game portfolios through branded content.
Roni Nahum, Commercial Account Manager at Gaming Realms, said of the partnership:
“Building upon successful collaborations with recognisable iconic TV formats is in our DNA.
“The partnership with Rank and ITV Studios to bring Loose Women presents Stylish Slingo to life has been a pleasure, and we’re excited to see what players think.”
Robert Lee, Head of Mecca Brands at Rank, added:
“We’re excited to partner with Gaming Realms on this exclusive release, which brings together three iconic brands. We pride ourselves on offering a wide array of entertainment-led titles, and Loose Women presents Stylish Slingo encapsulates our drive to provide the best iGaming experiences to our players.
“We have a long-running relationship with ITV and the Loose Women team, with Stylish Slingo being an exciting addition to our existing Loose Women game offering. The new, exclusive Slingo game brings fans a fresh way to enjoy their favourite panel show, whenever and wherever they want.”
Steve Watling, SVP Gaming, Global Partnerships at ITV Studios, commented:
“Loose Women has captivated British audiences for over two decades, establishing itself as a daytime TV staple. Throughout its journey, the show has consistently innovated, introducing elements like Loose Men and a wide-ranging panel, ensuring it remains a dynamic source of engaging chat and entertainment.
“We’re thrilled to work with Mecca Bingo and Gaming Realms to extend the fun and energy of Loose Women into Stylish Slingo, which we believe will entertain players any time of the day.”
An Entirely Ethical Partnership?
Mecca Bingo’s latest venture, the “Loose Women presents Stylish Slingo” game, exemplifies a growing trend in the gambling industry: leveraging popular media brands to attract players. While this strategy may seem innovative, it raises critical questions about the ethical implications of intertwining entertainment with gambling.
By incorporating fashion-themed visuals and audio cues reminiscent of the television programme, the game aims to appeal to fans of the show. However, this approach can be seen as blurring the lines between entertainment and gambling, potentially normalising gambling behaviours among audiences who may not typically engage with such activities.
This isn't Mecca Bingo's first foray into merging entertainment with gambling. The company has previously launched Loose Women-themed bingo games and digital scratchcards, and even secured a sponsorship deal with the show. These initiatives suggest a concerted effort to capitalise on the show's popularity, potentially drawing in players through their affinity for the programme rather than an informed interest in gambling.
While such collaborations can be seen as innovative marketing strategies, they also raise concerns about responsible gambling practices. By associating gambling products with beloved television shows, there's a risk of trivialising the potential harms of gambling and targeting demographics that may be more vulnerable to its adverse effects.
A report by the University of Stirling highlighted that gambling marketing, including sponsorships, portrays gambling as an attractive and normal activity. This portrayal can be especially influential on children and young people, who may not fully comprehend the risks associated with gambling
Whilst the “Loose Women presents Stylish Slingo” game may offer a novel gaming experience, it's essential to critically assess the implications of blending entertainment with gambling. UK Bingo Operators like Mecca Bingo should consider the broader societal impacts of their marketing strategies, ensuring that they promote responsible gambling and do not exploit the trust and affection audiences have for established media brands.
BingoDaily has approached Mecca Bingo with a number of questions regarding the latest offering and their approach, and we shall update the article accordingly.
Ben has been an massive bingo enthusiast and fan since playing at the seaside as a kid. Dedicated to bringing you the latest and best bingo news from the UK