Staffordshire-based Real Fun Group secures funding from Reward Funding
This article covers a six-figure funding deal on 21 October 2025 for Staffordshire-based gaming company Real Fun Group, an operator of 11 traditional bingo clubs founded by Kevin McGinnigle and David Gallimore. The six-figure funding was provided by lead investor Reward Funding and follows an earlier seven-figure facility from the same lender.
What does Real Fun Group do?
Real Fun Group operates and manages traditional bingo clubs and leisure venues across England and Wales. It provides venue-based bingo, social entertainment and licensed hospitality for customers to attend games and events.
Why is Real Fun Group useful?
Problem
People face the loss of local bingo and leisure venues that provide community entertainment. Closed or poorly run sites reduce social opportunities and limit affordable local nights out.
Solution
Real Fun Group explains that it buys and reopens traditional bingo halls to preserve community entertainment. It refurbishes venues, secures licences and reopens clubs to restore social nights and income.
How much did Real Fun Group raise?
Real Fun Group secured a six-figure funding deal worth approximately £100k-£999k from alternative finance lender Reward Funding to support the purchase of a bingo hall in Lowestoft.
Who invested in Real Fun Group?
The key investors were:
- Reward Funding: An alternative finance lender that provides tailored funding solutions to UK small and medium-sized businesses, including leisure and entertainment operators. It has previously provided a facility to Real Fun Group to support earlier acquisitions.
In the funding announcement, Gareth Boardman from Reward Funding said:
Real Fun Group is a prime example of the kind of entrepreneurial business we are proud to support. From their first acquisition to this latest deal, Kevin and David have shown a clear vision for the company.
The investor added that, as a long-term client, Real Fun Group demonstrates how Reward Funding's tailored approach to funding meets the needs of growing businesses across the UK.
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Who founded Real Fun Group?
The founders of Real Fun Group are Kevin McGinnigle and David Gallimore.
In the funding announcement, Kevin McGinnigle, founder of Real Fun Group explained:
Reward’s ongoing support has been instrumental in helping us scale quickly and seize strategic market opportunities. From day one, they have taken the time to understand our business, our model, and the potential of the leisure and entertainment market.
The company continued that the trust and confidence Real Fun Group had built with Reward was key to completing the finance deal, that the Lowestoft bingo hall was still trading prior to acquisition which allowed it to act quickly to secure and reopen the site to avoid losing additional revenue, and that after the Majestic acquisition it returned to Reward because it had found a lender it trusts and that had been a partner in its journey so far.
Where is Real Fun Group based?
Real Fun Group is based in Staffordshire, UK.
What sector is Real Fun Group in?
Real Fun Group operates in the bingo and leisure sector. It includes venues where people play bingo, socialise and enjoy simple live entertainment.
Key trends and challenges in the UK bingo and leisure venues sector:
Consolidation and estate revival
Many operators are buying closed or distressed venues to rebuild local entertainment estates, for example groups buying multiple halls.
Competition from online gambling
Online bingo and gambling apps draw players away, so venues must offer unique in-person experiences to stay relevant.
Modernisation to attract younger customers
Venues need better food, events, and tech like apps to attract younger adults and broaden customer base.
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