Bingo has been around for centuries, and people from different parts of the world considered it one of the best forms of entertainment for a very long time. However, the popularity of bingo halls did not really stand the test of time, but thanks to the emergence of online gaming, that cannot be said for the game itself. Bingo is making a comeback on virtual platforms, and if you’re curious to learn more about it, read on.
What Is Bingo?
Bingo is a popular game of chance that originated in 16th-century Italy. After that, the game quickly started to spread throughout Europe, and in the 19th century, it reached the United States as well. The rules of the game are fairly simple. It is played with a set of numbered balls, and each time one of them is called out, the participants mark off the matching numbers on their cards. The winner is the first player who completes a particular pattern or covers all the numbers on the card. Bingo is both fun and easy to learn, and those are the main reasons behind its international popularity.
The History of Bingo Halls
By the 1940s, bingo had become incredibly popular across the United States, and at the time, more than 10,000 game sessions were played every week. Soon after, bingo became widely used as a fundraising tool for churches and charities, and as such, it helped different organizations raise millions. Over in Europe, the game was also thriving in the UK where the popularity of bingo halls skyrocketed in the 1960s. In that period, it was a favoured pastime across the country, and there were more than 1,000 halls and about a million players in the area.
British vs. American Version
In the UK, people are used to 90-ball bingo which is played on a 5×5 square board with a range of numbers from 1 to 90. On the other hand, the Americans are more fond of the 75-ball variant which uses a board of the same size. However, there are also differences in how the game is perceived. For example, in the UK, people have a pretty relaxed approach to the game, while in the US it is much more competitive and intense. Also, in the United States, the game is usually played commercially in land-based casinos where it is enjoyed as a form of gambling. On the contrary, the British see it more as a social activity ideal for casual gatherings.
The Current State of Bingo
Even though people still love engaging in traditional bingo, the popularity of bingo halls started to decline in 2005. In Britain alone, the number of halls dropped from almost 600 in 2005 to fewer than 400 at the beginning of 2014. However, the game as we know and love has been going through a revival thanks to the rise of online gambling sites. At the moment, online bingo is available in a number of reputable virtual casinos, and fans are pretty excited about the launch of Bingo at SkyCity where they can play it both on their personal computers and on mobile devices. The web-based variant comes with a wide selection of themes and other gaming options, and users are simply thrilled to have the option to play from the comfort of their homes. On top of that, the expansion to the online sphere brought bingo closer to the younger demographic as well, as opposed to the experience of playing in bingo halls which was generally far more popular with older generations.
The Perks of Playing Online
In today’s digital age, playing bingo is more accessible than ever. Instead of paying a visit to the local hall, players can simply launch the game wherever they are, as long as they are connected to the internet. Also, with online operators being available 24/7, there is no need to think about opening and closing hours. Registering at online gambling sites is easy, and by playing virtually, users get to enjoy all sorts of game variants. Even though it may seem like playing on the web takes away the social aspect of the game, it is actually the opposite. With online bingo, users can interact with players from different parts of the world. They can chat about their experiences and preferences, build connections, and win exciting prizes at the same time.
Decades ago, bingo reached international popularity, especially in countries like the UK and the United States where it was enjoyed both as a form of gambling and as a fun, social activity. Even when the demand for bingo halls started to drop, the game made a big comeback thanks to the world of online gaming. As a result, users can now access bingo on the go, and enjoy their favourite pastime whenever they want.
