HUNDREDS of bingo customers in Stockton have signed a petition opposing changes to the gambling laws.

Bingo companies and their customers say the Government's proposed Gambling Bill will create virtual monopolies for the so-called super casinos, pushing many bingo halls out of business.

Customers at Mecca Bingo, in Stockton, have petitioned local MP Dari Taylor as part of a nationwide campaign to persuade the Government to amend the Bill.

More than 17,000 customers of Rank Group gaming division in the UK have supported the campaign.

Chris Wrigley, of Stockton Mecca Bingo, said: "We have had a massive response to this campaign - a clear demonstration of how passionately our customers feel about the future of their clubs."