Grass roots motorcycle sport is to benefit directly from the proceeds of Bingo-Lotto; a brand new weekly TV game to be broadcast on digital TV, according to the sport’s governing body.
The Auto Cycle Union (ACU) will be one of the lucky beneficiaries of the game to be shown on the Challenge and Virgin 1 digital TV channels. Bingo-Lotto has been designed to raise money specifically for sport and the voluntary sector, and the ACU has pledged that any proceeds it receives from the game will be ploughed into both grass-roots and special project activity.
The introduction of the game to British TV screens follows Bingo-Lotto’s successful run in Sweden, where during the 17 years that it has been on-air, it has raised just under £1billion for charities and sports organisations in the country. To take part in the game, players must first buy tickets from outlets throughout the UK, and then play along in front of their TV. Game organisers claim that players have a 1 in 9.5 chance of winning a prize, which features a top prize of a £100,000 jackpot.
At least 20% of the cost of each ticket sold will be given to selected governing and representative bodies of sport and recreation within the UK, including the ACU. Motorcycle sport’s governing body says it will concentrate on using the money to improve infrastructure, as well as grass roots level, for which it receives no funding from other sources.
In return the ACU will promote the game to its members, and will take also part in the TV show, highlighting how the proceeds from the show have been spent. In addition, current and predicted future stars from Motorcycle Sport will also appear on the show.
Given the game’s phenomenal success in Scandinavia the ACU is anticipating a significant contribution from the profits, and its Chairman Jim Parker, believes that will make a big difference to the organisation’s members. He is looking forward to proceeds from the game providing the opportunity for many more people to enjoy and take part in Motorcycle sport.
Founded in 1903 with the aim of developing and promoting motorsport throughout the UK, the ACU is now the independent and official governing body for the sport. In addition to regulating and promoting the sport it also offers a range of benefits to its members including; cheap hotel stays, money off car rentals and discounted off-road bike insurance. Now, with the projected injection of cash from Bingo-lotto it is hoping to raise its profile, and people’s awareness of the sport of motorcycling.