Bingo is a game that most people living in the UK will have heard of, but it is safe to say that it has often been considered an older person’s game. Nevertheless, Bingo is a game that has seen a significant resurgence in recent years and that trend looks set to continue with people of all ages getting involved and discovering how fun it can be.
In this post, we’ll look at the history of Bingo in the UK, how the game seemed to fall into decline, and how it has found a new wave of support from online iterations.
A History of Bingo in the UK
Bingo has been a game enjoyed by millions of people in the UK for many years. Indeed, the game dates back to the 16th century and quickly became popular all over Europe. Perhaps the biggest milestone for Bingo in the UK arrived in 1960 with the Betting and Gaming Act, which allowed Bingo halls to be built and subsequently paved the way for mainstream enjoyment of the game.
When you consider what made the game so popular in those times, it’s difficult to look beyond the fact that it contained a social element, with families and friends using it as an opportunity to get out of the house and have some fun together. However, the game itself is also exciting and the addition of possibly winning a prize certainly doesn’t harm its appeal.
Bingo’s Decline
Considering the above, it’s no surprise that Bingo saw a major decline in interest over the years. From around 2005 onwards, many Bingo halls had already closed and those that remained open suffered from much lesser foot traffic.
Factors that contributed to this are likely to include the fact that the internet became a much more encompassing thing for many people, which meant there was less of a requirement to find entertainment outside of the home. Furthermore, we should also consider the likes of the smoking ban in public places and higher taxes for Bingo halls, which made it more difficult to continue to operate. Not only that, but newer generations likely believed the stereotype of Bingo being an old person’s game, which certainly reduces the appeal.
Bingo’s Resurgence and the Benefits of Playing Online
Thankfully, Bingo has seen a huge resurgence in recent years and much of this success can be attributed to modern online versions of the game. Indeed, there are lots of benefits to playing Bingo online, including the following:
Convenience
Perhaps the biggest benefit of playing online Bingo is that you don’t need to travel to a hall to take part. By enabling people to play online from the comfort of their homes or even when they are out and about, Bingo has been made accessible to a massive number of people, including those who have always wanted to play but don’t live near any halls.
Variety and Features
The best bingo sites offer an incredible variety of games in comparison to playing at a hall. For example, some games include themes based on popular TV shows, films, and music, and lots of them involve interesting patterns and styles. These online Bingo games also benefit from modern features, including mini-games and even slots that tie in with the main game.
Social Element
For those who enjoy the social aspect of playing Bingo, the great news is that you can enjoy this when playing it online too. For example, many online Bingo providers include a chatroom where you can interact with other players and even play mini-games in the chat with a moderator.
How Online Bingo Has Positively Changed Things
Online Bingo is certainly to thank for the game’s resurgence over the last few years and the great news is that it doesn’t seem to be a short-term trend. One of the best ways that it has positively changed things is that it has played a major role in changing the game’s demographic. Long gone are the days when Bingo was seen as an old person’s hobby, and it’s fair to say that online versions of the game have attracted a younger audience that continues to enjoy it. This is even true for in-person Bingo, which has seen a rise in popularity with younger people in recent years.
There’s no doubt that modern additions to the game have helped Bingo to remain relevant today but the same can be said for lots of other classic games. For example, the likes of roulette games at online casinos often contain themes and side games these days. Therefore, if Bingo is going to continue to be a success for generations to come, it will likely need to keep up with the times. Nevertheless, what is great about Bingo’s resurgence is that the game remains the same at its core, and the excitement of playing and possibly winning hasn’t changed over the years.
