It's fair to say that one of Britain's oldest games has been suffering from something of an image problem. Fewer and fewer of us are travelling to the local
bingo hall in the hope that our numbers come up. Statistics have shown that the popularity of bingo halls is on the wane - but this doesn't mean the game itself is suffering. Far from it, in fact.
Only recently has the perception of bingo begun to change. Forget about crammed bingo halls, blue rinses and disinterested bingo callers. This is the bingo of old and part of the reason why there are now just 460 bingo halls in Britain, a figure that has declined from 1997's figure of 650. Despite this, there are thousands of people out there who regularly play the game, so where do they all go?
The Internet of course!
Online bingo is a phenomenon sweeping the country. The premise is remarkably simple - you play bingo in the way that you're used to, but receive a whole heap more fun than you may be used to. What's more, not only has the social element remained intact, it's been improved immeasurably. Think using the Internet is a solitary activity? Think again.
Most sites hosting
bingo games are equipped with real time chat facilities, allowing you to interact with your fellow gamers. Perhaps you're a bingo newbie looking to learn the ropes? What better way than to speak online to a seasoned veteran. Who knows, they may even throw in a couple of tips for good measure. Bingo may be a game of luck, but familiarising yourself with its intricacies is always a good idea.
If you've ever been to a bingo hall you'll know that talking is frowned upon. While this may suit those looking to get really into the game and enjoy some peace and quiet, it doesn't exactly make for the most exhilarating afternoon or evening out. After all, the only voice you'll hear for an extended period of time is the bingo caller, and while some have larger than life characters, others sadly don't.
With online bingo, you'll be able to chat to fellow enthusiasts from all around the world. Who knows, you may even make some friends on your quest to secure a bingo jackpot? There is, of course, one very easy way to find out. Simply select a no deposit bingo website of your choosing, sign up and begin playing. You can use the chat facility while the game's in play, but it's always worth remembering some bingo etiquette. This pretty much begins and ends with not boasting if you're lucky enough to win some money - after all, you wouldn't want it rubbed in your face if someone got lucky!
The fantastic thing about online bingo is that it attracts such a diverse crowd. While arguably halls only appeal to one demographic, Internet bingo is accessible to everyone - all it takes is a few clicks of the mouse. This is highlighted by just how much the game is worth to the country's economy. While the US and Japan boast the world's biggest bingo markets, the UK isn't a million miles away, while India and Germany are catching up pretty quickly, too. With such an international audience, you might learn a thing or two about other people's lives and cultures - and how many other games are capable of doing that?
Interestingly, research has revealed that approximately three-quarters of online bingo players are women, many of whom are under 50 years of age. So, while the ladies have taken to online bingo like a duck to water, the question is: are the men likely to follow? Well, all the pointers suggest yes - particularly if there's a wife or girlfriend around to offer a little encouragement!
Celebrities including Robbie Williams, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Denise Van Outen have all professed their love for Internet bingo - and if it's good enough for them, surely it's worth a try? With accessibility to online bingo having improved immeasurably since the 90s, you can soon look forward to discovering what all the fuss is about.
Bingo's revolution can be partly attributed to the recession. While the UK's economy has fortunately started to improve, albeit pretty slowly, individuals the length and breadth of the country are keeping their purse strings tight. This has translated to people going out less, and instead many are looking at inexpensive, innovative forms of entertainment. Online bingo fits the bill perfectly. The game can be played from the comfort of your own home - so it's just a case of getting a bottle of wine in. What's more, bingo is equally perfect during a quiet evening in by yourself or enjoyed with a group of friends. You never know - you might even end the evening a little richer than when you started!
So, just how many people are playing bingo? Well, according the Gambling Commission, there are a staggering half a million bingo players in the UK, and most of these play regularly. Many are turning their backs on the bingo halls and are instead logging on to the Internet. They know where there is the most fun to be had - so why not give it a try yourself? These numbers are increasing all the time, so the chances are that you already know an online bingo enthusiast already.
Once you've taken the plunge, how can you maximise your chances of winning? Well, the big prize money is on a Friday or Saturday evening, when there can be as many as 20,000 playing online bingo at any one time. However, more people are competing for more money - so it may be harder to scoop the jackpot.
To give you the best head start, why not have a game during a weekday? With less people playing, you're more likely to win a share of the spoils - which will do your bingo-playing confidence the world of good. What are you waiting for? It's time to embrace the bingo revolution!
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