Bingo has been a popular game since it was first conceived in Italy, spreading around Europe and eventually the world as people learned how to play.
Combining luck and skill, it has instant appeal as it can be picked up instantly by anyone, but experienced players gain an advantage by getting a feel for the game and perfecting their ‘dabbing’ technique.
Bingo halls were once a mainstay of the social scene in almost every town in the UK and they were hugely popular among women who wanted the chance to have a night out, socialise with their friends and be in with a chance of winning big.
Bingo halls were among the earliest adopters of new technology as electronic bingo allowed players to increase their chances of winning with more cards than a person could play manually. Video bingo was such a hit that many bingo halls sold special packages to allow people to play more for less, much like free bingo sites do today.
Incorporating some of the earlier examples of touchscreen technology, bingo halls maximised the technology to allow them to maintain cashless accounts for their players. By pioneering the use of this technology, bingo halls paved the way for the bingo of the future: online bingo.
The birth of online bingo
As the internet became more ubiquitous, it became clear that the face of entertainment was changing, and early developers and designers began to create games that could be played online.
With better graphics and more engaging play, online bingo appealed to existing players as well as offering new players the chance to try the game from the comfort of their own homes.
As one of the most popular games in the world, bingo has evolved to provide its players with opportunities to play whenever and wherever they are. The convenience and flexibility of playing online brought the game into the 21st century, maintaining its appeal as bricks-and-mortar bingo halls were becoming less popular.
As smartphones became more popular, games designers brought out bingo apps to allow people to play on the go. They adapted the gameplay, making games shorter to accommodate the new playing patterns that players were adopting and making the most of the touch screen technology to make it easier to play.
With more than 4 million people regularly playing bingo in the UK, it’s no surprise that online bingo has been responsible for much of the game’s strong growth in recent years.
Many of the social elements of bingo have been recreated in digital form, with online chat rooms and social spaces that allow players to chat with one another sharing tips and celebrating their wins together.
Players appreciate the convenience of being able to share the experience of playing with friends by joining the same games online. This allows them to play together on mobile devices whether they are in the same room or on opposite sides of the world.
Online bingo players enjoy the convenience of being able to play game of bingo via their mobile phone.
The continuing popularity of bingo
As online bingo has become more popular, new players have been attracted to the modern format that allows them to play whenever and wherever they are.
Almost half of all online bingo players were aged 30 and under in 2020, suggesting that the appeal of online bingo continues to attract new gamers who enjoy the fun and excitement of the game.
Many of these players appreciate the fact that it is easy to find ways to play free bingo online, giving them the chance to test out new games and learn the ropes without even having to risk any cash.
With so many different versions of the game, there are plenty of ways to enjoy bingo and finding the one that you love best is even easier when you can play for free.
Many bingo sites specifically offer bonuses, promotions and other offers to encourage new players to join the site and these can take many forms including.
- Sign-up bonuses
- Deposit matching
- Daily promotions
- Free games
- Game enhancements.
- Cashback
- Slot spins
- Free tickets.
Entry into free rooms or sessions.
- Sharepots
- Winboosts
- Lossback
- Prize draws.
These promotions contribute to the continuing popularity of online bingo, an industry which is now worth around £190 million a year in the UK.
Online bingo sites typically offer new players bonuses and promotions to attract them to their site.
Bingo on the go keeps the game relevant
Makers of bingo apps are designing their games specifically to be played on mobile devices by creating games that are easy to play on smaller screens.
With simplified controls, options to allow players to game one-handed, and shorter games that are practical for those gaming on the go, online bingo is adapting to meet its audience’s needs.
Bingo sites are also making good use of social media to allow players to share their successes easily, as well as connecting with other players to exchange tips and advice.
This allows players and gaming sites to share their latest games and give new players the chance to discover the wealth of games available, offering them bonuses and discounts to encourage them to try out the latest versions of the games.
With so many ways to play for free, a choice of different games, and plenty of opportunities for online chat and social interaction, online bingo has replicated all the most popular elements of the original game in a format that is perfect for 21stcentury players.
