Online Bingo On The Up
Once upon a time, bingo was confined to halls where reverent silence hung over expectant players clutching their cards, hoping for the jackpot.
These days bingo players from across the world get together to play and chat from the comfort of their computers. Interactive online bingo has taken the net by storm. Gala and other big bingo companies have branched out to include online gaming, and tabloid newspapers, magazines and betting websites are joining the fun. In 1999 there were five online bingo sites. Now there are over 300. White label gaming is the technology behind the development, with multiple sites making up networks using the same numbers and jackpots.
The internet is revolutionizing the way we gamble and bingo is no exception. What was once the domain of the older generation is now being tapped by a much wider demographic, especially young women who are keen to take advantage of the chat-room functions to spice up their gaming experience.
Around 50,000 out of the 3 million land-based bingo players are now going online for their bingo fix. 90% of these are under 50, proving that bingo definitely isn’t just for older folk. In fact, online bingo is the most popular leisure activity for women between 20 and 25.
So what’s the buzz? It’s all about the chat. Most sites offer ‘auto-daub’ and a best card sorting system so players don’t even need to interrupt their conversations when their numbers come up. Users have developed their own lingo and acronyms, like “WTG” (way to go) to congratulate a winner.
This chat function has proved to be a huge draw. When Costa Rica-based site BingoHouse decided to offer several games without chat-rooms to save bandwidth, the results were disastrous. “Each game failed miserably.” says online consultant Louella Wayne. “Chat is very important to the success of these games.”
However, land-based players haven’t abandoned the traditional bingo halls. The younger generation may be making use of virtual gaming, but old-timers aren’t ready to give up the real thing in favour of the cyber alternative. Time will tell if more bingo lovers will make the transition.
Be the first to comment on this
If you are a Gambling.com member, please login at the top left of this page.
If you are not a Gambling.com member, please complete our sign up form—membership is free and it takes just a minute or two to sign up.
Bookmark this page: (What are these?)