The growth of bingo in the last five years has been incredible – there are more ways to play the world’s favourite game than ever before. But how did bingo get this big? Online bingo is now one of the most popular online games next to slots and is played on PCs, laptops, tablets, and mobile devices across the globe.
Let’s take a look at how bingo got from where it was to where it is now and what the future might hold.
Where did it all start?
The first notes of bingo, or as it was called there, Il Gioco del Lotto, were from the 26th century in Italy – and like all good games, it spread like wildfire. The aristocrats of the period travelled, and with them, they took their games. Soon, Il Gioco del Lotto found itself in France and was renamed Le Lotto. With all the same features but a new name, the game started to spread further afield.
Fast forward a few years, and servicemen were playing bingo to pass the time, and Le Lotto found itself played in the US. Le Lotto was modified to suit the people, and before long, they were using beans to cover the called numbers. Around this time, the game was given another new name and called Beano.
Legend has it that one day, a player was so excited that instead of calling Beano, they yelled BINGO. Thus, Bingo was reborn again, and the name stuck. Hitting the shores of the UK and becoming one of the most played games of all time, the UK adopted it and had hundreds of bingo halls.
The move to online bingo was gradual at first, and then, just like how it had grown many years before it took off. Almost everyone was switching to online bingo, but why?
Why did people switch to playing bingo online?
GlobeNewsWire released a report that the online bingo market was worth a huge $1078.80 million in 2022, and they expect by the end of 2032 that will reach $1904.55 million—a huge increase – meaning that experts are expecting the bingo market to continue to grow.
But what made people switch from tapping dabbers in a local bingo hall to the automated dabbers on screen?
Cost
The cost of playing bingo at a land-based establishment isn’t just the ticket price. It stacks up pretty quickly. The ticket price, mini games as you sit at your table, food and drink cost, and travel price. And for many people, they had to add in the cost of childcare too!
With online bingo, people get more tickets for less money, and all the money saved on travel and food can go into the game. Online bingo also has free games, offers, promotions, and a lot more jackpots. In general, online bingo is significantly cheaper – no matter what country you are playing in.
Social Aspect
The social aspect of land-based bingo was what made it so popular with housewives and older ladies. And it was initially thought that online bingo would have the same feel.
But with the introduction of chat rooms and very friendly chat moderators, there is a strong social aspect. But perhaps what makes online bingo special is that so long as the country allows bingo websites, you can speak to people from all over the world.
Internet Access
Some countries were miles ahead when it came to having strong and stable internet, and they did get a head start on all online activities, including gaming. However, many countries that have remote villages or didn’t have internet for a while now have access.
In combination with better mobile devices, the stable internet has meant that more people than ever can enjoy bingo.
Ease
Perhaps one of the biggest reasons that bingo is growing at a rapid rate across the world is because it has never been faster or easier to access the great game of bingo. You can play bingo in the car to pass the time as a passenger or on the train on the way to work.
You can play from the comfort of your bed or couch any time of day that suits you. With online bingo rooms being available 24/7, with, of course, the special games being an exception – bingo can be played anytime, anywhere.
Not to mention that no matter what type of bingo you like to play, from 90 balls to speed bingo, you can find it online on your favourite bingo website. There is something for every type of bingo player.
The rapid rise and continuing success of bingo is down to game developers leveraging modern technology and connections and giving bingo players exactly what they need to make their game time fast, affordable, and enjoyable!
