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The Bingo Comeback – Bringing New Fans to the Game Online
Bingo was in the wilderness, but thanks to the rise of online gambling and mobile gaming, the timeless game is making a comeback. Once a mainstay of towns and cities across the UK, the bingo hall had been pretty neglected for a couple of decades — the general thought was that it was a pastime for older people who fancied a chat or a snooze.
But now, with operators updating and refreshing the game for the 21st century, bingo is drawing in a whole new audience, one which transcends generations and adds some exciting flourishes to the action. There are plenty of reasons behind the comeback of this beloved British institution, so let’s take a look at the big bingo comeback, as well as websites like onlinebingocity.co.uk pushing it into the future.
Bingo’s Rise and Fall
Bingo has its roots in the 1900s and became popular at fairs and other events during the 1920s. After an initial boost in popularity following the Second World War, the 1960s ushered in the golden era of bingo in the UK. With their distinctive Art Deco designs, Bingo halls became a prominent feature of British towns and cities. The game attracted large crowds, and bingo became a social event where players could gather, socialize, and enjoy an evening of entertainment. At its apex in 1963, an incredible 25% of the UK population belonged to a bingo club.
But decline set in — although the game was still popular in the 1970s, it began to gradually wane throughout the next couple of decades and was dealt a heavy blow by the launch of the National Lottery in 1994. The 2007 smoking ban negatively affected the numbers going to the halls — many patrons liked to smoke cigarettes during a long bingo session without stepping outside and missing the calls. The pandemic also took its toll — at least 70 bingo halls went out of business between 2020 and 2022.
Online Resurgence
For a long time, bingo had the reputation of being a game for senior citizens, a dull and deeply uncool pursuit for younger people. However, thanks to the efforts of websites like Online Bingo City, which have publicized and vetted the game across a number of different providers, it has gone a long way to show us just how exciting and fun it can be for players of all ages. But what factors are driving online bingo? Let’s take a look:
Convenience
Perhaps the most significant benefit of online bingo — and a key factor behind the enormous popularity of online casinos — is its convenience. Players can enjoy the game from the comfort of their homes to escape the monotony of a commute or the sanctity of a work bathroom break. It also means that those unable to find a brick-and-mortar bingo hall can still enjoy the perennial game, as well as those with mobility issues.
Games
Online bingo platforms often offer a wide variety of bingo games, with traditional 75-ball and 90-ball bingo being the most prominent. But on sites like Online Bingo City, players will find operators that offer new bingo variations, such as Slingo — a fun mash-up of bingo and slot machines. Game developers are also harnessing the power of mobile technology to incorporate all kinds of other cutting-edge elements into the games.
Bonuses and Promotions
Online bingo sites frequently provide players with bonuses, promotions, and special offers. These can include free bingo games, deposit bonuses, loyalty rewards, and more. Such incentives enhance the overall gaming experience and can increase a player’s chances of winning. Check Online Bingo City to compare and contrast the best bonuses available.
Social Interaction
Contrary to the misconception that online gaming is isolating, online bingo platforms often feature chat rooms where players can interact with each other while playing. Bingo has always had a social aspect, and encourages interaction as part of its tradition — while it isn’t quite the same, online players can indeed find friends and interact.
Bingo Hall Renaissance
While COVID laid a heavy finger on the traditional bingo hall in the UK, with many closing their doors, there has been increased footfall for those wanting to enjoy bingo in its natural environment since restrictions were relaxed. And it seems that many of the new faces in the halls are younger people — a trip to the bingo is often a precursor to a night out on the town, or a proper night out in itself. As well as that, families are beginning to frequent the bingo halls once more, bringing in players of all ages.
Bingo halls often have electronic bingo on offer, and many now operate online options, so players can enjoy all the benefits of technology in a traditional and sociable environment.
Bingo is in safe hands — younger people are playing online, and traditional brick-and-mortar venues around the UK are reporting increased footfall. And with sites like Online Bingo City providing up-to-date information about the best online places, games, and bonuses, more and more new players are getting their dabbers out.