Bingo has been around for hundreds of years in various forms and the earliest versions were played in Italy as far back as 1530. The game spread from Italy throughout Western Europe, reaching the UK in the 18th century and becoming an almost instant hit.
By the 1960s, there were bingo halls all over the country and bingo fever was at its peak. In 1963, 14 million people played bingo and many of these continued to do so, enjoying bingo as a life-long hobby that offers fun, excitement and the chance to win a prize.
Part of the appeal of bingo is the fact that it combines skill with luck in a way that means anyone can play and stand a chance of winning, but experienced players can develop tactics and strategies that increase their chances of winning. This makes bingo a great game to play with friends and the social side of bingo is one aspect of the game that appeals to players all over the world.
Bingo in the digital age
Although the number of physical bingo halls has decreased over the years, this has contributed to the success of online bingo sites, which have become increasingly popular in recent years. Many people game online, but bingo attracts players that like to connect with others, building online communities which replicate the social aspect of bricks-and-mortar bingo halls.
As the digital revolution began, bingo was one of the many popular games that were reincarnated online, attracting a whole new generation of bingo fans who appreciated the flexibility of online play. With appealing games designed to make bingo even more engaging, such as Heart Bingo, there are games to suit everyone, from new bingo converts to experienced players with years of wins behind them.
Sites now offer bingo whenever and wherever suits the players and many offer mobile apps so that players can take their gaming on the go and never miss a chance to play. Some games are designed to be shorter so that players don’t have to commit a huge chunk of time to a game, making online bingo a truly flexible and adaptable hobby that is well suited to modern living.
A wide variety keeps people coming back
Fans of online bingo often enjoy playing other traditional games online, so many of the most popular sites also offer other similar games alongside bingo, including popular favourites such as:
- slot machines
- roulette
- Texas hold ‘em poker
- baccarat
- blackjack
- craps
Many sites offer themed games that include an element of storytelling or adventure so players can follow particular characters or storylines from one game to the next. There are also plenty of games based on popular films like Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure or Beetlejuice and television shows such as Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, Wheel of Fortune, and Game of Thrones.
The kinds of games available vary hugely, although many of them are based around familiar game formats, so players can have a go at a few different ones to find out what style of play they find most engaging. Being able to play a choice of games across a single interface and manage your account for all of them in one is a huge advantage of playing bingo online.
Online bingo promotions
One of the things that makes online bingo so appealing is the wide range of promotions and special offers available, allowing people to play their favourites games with little or no cash outlay. This is ideal for anyone who is just starting out as it allows you to have a go at a few different games without having to spend your own money.
Experienced players will also become familiar with some of the most popular discounts and enjoy the winning potential of regular discounts and free games as well as seasonal offers, anniversary specials and tailored offers. Many bingo sites reward loyal players with points that they can convert into cash prizes or more games, and there are often daily games that can be played for free by those who log in regularly.
Online bingo also allows players to keep track of their deposits, withdrawals and the games they have played, making it an ideal way for players to manage their gaming budget. Some players use the information stored in their account to track their progress and work out which games they are best at so they can increase their chances of winning.
Bingo with friends
One of the most appealing elements of online bingo has always been the social side of playing with friends, and online bingo makes it easier to play with friends and family members all over the world. From best friends playing together on a quiet night into online family gatherings where everyone is vying for the big prize, bingo is a great game for any occasion.
For those who still want to spend time together while playing, the incredible leaps in mobile gaming make that even easier. As well as online communities and plenty of engagement through social media, players can now get together with their mobile devices and play on specially designed apps and spend time together in person all at once.
Bingo generates £910 million per year, proving its ongoing popularity. From bingo fans that have been paying for decades to those who have only ever played online, the enduring appeal of bingo could provide fans with another 500 years of fun.