Bingo has been a favourite pastime for many for over 100 years. However where it was previously associated with old ladies going to local bingo halls on a school night, the game is seeing something of a revival amongst younger players online.
This new online version of the game has seen a surge in popularity from players of all ages, but why is online bingo suddenly so popular in the UK?
Money Saving
Whilst most online bingo players will tell you they’re not in it for the money, there’s a great element of money to be saved when sitting in playing bingo online in comparison to spending a night on the tiles, or undertaking another hobby. Some players may never scoop the huge £1,000 plus jackpots on offer, but with bingo sites offering 1p cards and games pretty much around the clock, it beats buying a set of golf clubs or bulk-buying salsa lessons. With a relatively cheap hobby available 24/7 and no need to get out of your pjs never mind the house, it’s easy to see why this is a chosen option.
The Social Aspect
Some may argue that the idea of playing bingo online defeats the social element of the game, by removing people from a room full of friends, with no bingo caller, bar or arcade. However, online bingo sites have attempted to combat this by providing chat room facilities within their individual games. Some games even offer the chance to automatically daub your numbers for you, meaning you have more time to chat to friends. Some bingo players even see their online communities as a close, like-minded family who are spread throughout the UK.
Side Games
While it’s true to say that most bingo halls in the UK also have an array of slot machines and arcade games, it’s also true that the footfall on these games has decreased dramatically over the last few years. A lot of people believe that the UK-wide smoking ban has had a lot to do with this, by forcing people outside for a cigarette break, away from the arcade games they’d normally play in between bingo games. However online players do not have this problem, as they are in the one position, can smoke if they wish in the comfort of their own home, and can easily play a slot game at the side of their main bingo game, provided the numbers are being daubed for them. Plus, you’ll usually find a far bigger library of slot titles online than you could ever fit in a bingo hall.
Prizes and Bonuses
Whilst most do argue it’s not about the money, there are certainly some tempting prizes on offer from bingo sites not found in bingo halls. The main example of this is with regards to the no-deposit bonuses and huge welcome bonuses players receive for joining a bingo site. There tends to be loads of free bingo playing cash up for grabs straight away on these sites, and that’s not to mention the fab promotional prizes that can range from the latest gadgets to a holiday abroad.
Sources
http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-22077252
http://www.pgbingo.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Online_bingo
http://www.academia.edu/2227086/Griffiths_M.D.2012._The_psychology_of_online_and_offline_bingo._i-Gaming_Business_Affiliate_October_November_38
