Claimed to have originated in 16th century Europe, Bingo is perhaps the most persistent and enduring form of gambling.
Its popularity has seen it adapt constantly: the game has been played at dedicated halls, at home with board game versions, as computer games and now online where fans from all over the country can play together for real cash.
Online bingo is big business with a few major players licensing brands and powering games for others such as Big Brother Bingo which, like many games, is powered by 888.
Websites allow a single game engine to be rebranded endlessly, tying a proven technology platform to new brands and names as they gain in popularity.
This allows operators to cash in by bridging the gap between bingo and popular culture.
Another part of the draw on internet bingo is the social tools build into many games which – unlike traditional halls – allow chatting during play and the sharing of wins and invites to play through social media.
And of course we’ve all seen the bingo ads offering ‘free play’ when you sign up or make your first deposit – who can resist a free gamble? Certainly not us Brits – the game is now more popular than ever before.
But while online games help Bingo attract legions of new players ever week, anecdotally the game seems to play a big part in encouraging older players, more likely to be long-time fans, to go online and discover the internet.
