And even more. Bingo has surpassed tennis in popularity, as hard it is to believe. While this is not a very healthy fact, it is a fact that can’t be ignored.
So, what made and still makes this game so appealing. The answer is as simple as the game itself and the way it entertains people.
Bingo is extremely easy to pick up and play. You can learn the basics in a matter of minutes and, while the game is played for money at bingo halls money is not a requirement to enjoy it. That makes it not only accessible to adults but also to kids. Nowadays, this type of activity is well needed to encourage family time and find a hobby that all members can enjoy together.
Raising popularity
Bingo was introduced into the United Kingdom around the 18th century, from France. The French got it from Italy, though.
The game was popular back then among the aristocracy, and then cut into the people as time passed, but the real boost in popularity arrived in the ’50s when bingo halls started to show up all over the UK, and to make it more interesting, they combined food, drinks, live shows and charming bingo callers.
At some point in the ’70s, Bingo’s popularity started to stall a bit, until the beginning of the ’80s, where big Bingo companies started to buy Art Deco design theatres and abandoned cinemas. This gave a new life not only to these landmarks but also to the game.
Buzz bingo and Majesty Bingo are famous for buying historical buildings to expand their branches.
Also, Bingo is very popular among stars and celebrities. Show business people such as singers Robbie Williams and Mick Jagger, actress Catherine Zeta-Jones and even Bono have an affinity for this game.
Often, these celebrities play for charity which is a good way to promote the game while helping others.
Undeniably, these actions put Bingo into people’s mind and if the game is good enough for Jagger, it’s definitely good enough for all of us.
Land casinos and Bingo halls boost
Another huge increment in popularity came with the migration from mechanical into electronic bingo. Not only bingo halls and casinos went massive in size and luxury. This took place mostly around the year 2010 when tablets and TVs got thin enough to fit into slot machines. This impacted bingo as well.
Bingo cards were replaced with tablets that would allow you to play several cards at the time increasing your winning chances.
There were even automatic number scratching features. You would still have to shout Bingo though. Hey, you can’t just lay there and let the machine take all the fun away from you, right?
Facts that make Bingo relevant in the UK
Caption: Some bingo cards, one of them with the pieces over the numbers
– The royal house is well known for playing bingo during the holiday season and the queen herself has been an avid bingo player for the longest time.
– As mentioned before, there are more bingo players than tennis players in the UK.
– Housey-Housey is a similar game that was played during the 30’s in the UK, while the game went on it is also referred as Bingo these days.
– A 90 ball version of the game is mostly played in the UK, but there are other versions that have 75 and 85 balls. The US version of the game has also the letters spelling BINGO o top of the card.
– National Bingo game has distributed around to one billion Pounds to date.
– The biggest Bingo prize was in 2008. The winner’s name was Soraya Lowell and she won more than a million Pounds.
– Margaret is the most winning name. Not sure it matters, but if you are called Margaret, you should be playing Bingo right now!
Digital era of Bingo
So, coming into the new era. Since around the year 2015 technology and internet connections have been growing exponentially. This takes us to the latest boost in the lifespan of Bingo.
Online bingo is co-existing with bingo halls to expand the experience. Now you access and play in top bingo sites in UK from your phone, your tablet or from your computer at any time.
With the cellular network speed increment that is being established currently (5G), you can play Bingo, literally, anywhere.
While still there’s a nostalgic feel to visiting a Bingo hall, there are some players that might not have the time to commute or are in the mood for a quick play. You can play a few cards and then move on with your daily life.
Many times, if you are only interested in playing but visiting a Bingo Hall will end up in, probably, taking the tube or driving your car, having to dine outside, dress accordingly, etc.
As mentioned before, going out is great to socialize or just have a wonderful evening with someone, but if you are just for a quick play nothing beats online bingo.
Online bingo offers various payment methods, and one of them will surely fit your wallet.
Also, they have huge jackpots and different ways to win, with attractive visuals and sound that resemble their land counterpart.
It’s an all-around experience that is definitely worth, at least, a try.
Conclusion
Bingo is a game that was born more than four hundred years ago, and somehow, has found its way to stay relevant to this day. It evolved from medieval Italy into what we know and love today.
It kept evolving from the bingo halls straight into our phones. And now it’s more alive than ever!
Players from all age ranges and even celebrities and royalty find the game appealing.
It may be a combination of its simple rules and its ability to adapt well to newer times. Bingo is out there for us all to enjoy and now is the best time to jump on board of the B-I-N-G-O wagon.
