By Mitch Rice
One of the reasons that bingo has earned so many fans over the years is the sheer simplicity of the game. Even players with no experience can learn the game and win, so it’s an ideal game for friends and family to play together as everyone can join in.
However, the fact that it is an easy game to play in no way means that experienced players cannot develop a range of skills that increase their chances of winning. Bingo players tend to have better-than-average hand-eye coordination as a result of the need to think and act quickly as the numbers are called.
Throughout the years, bingo has been used as a form of entertainment and as a teaching tool, providing children with a fun way to learn everything from mental arithmetic to historical dates. It has been popular as a parlour game among friends, and, more recently, as a form of public entertainment in bingo halls.
Why is bingo so popular?
One of the main reasons that bingo became so popular was a change in UK legislation in the 1960s when the Betting and Gaming Act came into play. This meant that larger prizes could be offered for games such as bingo, which attracted a lot more players than before.
Savvy businessman Eric Morely spotted an opportunity to capitalise on the new gaming rules using his existing network of dancehalls. By offering bingo in venues that were already attracting an audience, he could create ready-made entertainment hubs for people who wanted to have fun in a safe and familiar environment.
The key difference between bingo and other forms of gaming was that most of the people attending the newly created bingo halls were women. They wanted somewhere they could go with their friends to enjoy a night of socialising that might also include a big win, and the fact that bingo was so easy and fun to play made it a popular choice with women all over the country.
Players often came in groups, so bingo halls also became central elements of whole communities, particularly for those who wouldn’t have many other opportunities to socialise. Many of the women who spear-headed the bingo revolution of the 1960s remained loyal to the game, transitioning from busy bingo halls to buzzing bingo sites as the game went digital.
Modern bingo
As with so many games, digitisation made bingo a popular choice among online players and the reputation that it had before has only been enhanced by the sheer variety of games on offer. Anyone who wants to learn how to play bingo can develop their skills while enjoying some of the most fun and interesting games around.
While the essence of the game is simple, part of the fun of the game lies in the complexity of the variations, so new players might still want to do a little research before embarking on their bingoing journey. Online bingo offers a wide range of options for players who want to increase their chances of winning, so it’s important to understand all the terminology.
Traditional bingo had different calls for each number, and the new digital format still retains some of that charm. Players still use slang and shorthand when talking about the game, only now it includes elements of the digital game, such as:
Auto-play – players can choose to have the numbers called marked off their cards automatically using this feature, also sometimes called ‘autodauber’.
Deposit – online bingo players can load up their account with a deposit that can then be used to buy digital cards for games. Bingo sites will often offer bonuses or extra games based on the deposit amount, so it’s worth checking for any special offers before transferring money.
Bingo rooms – where once an entire hall played one game, online bingo sites can offer multiple games taking place at a time to suit the players. The online spaces where these games are played are known as ‘bingo rooms’.
Instant win bingo games – many bingo sites offer players other games alongside their bingo fun, such as scratchcards, blackjack, slots and other games.
Loyalty programmes – many online bingo providers appreciate the value of their online communities so they reward players that recommend friends.
Moneyball – a number drawn before the game starts that doubles the prize if it is the number that completes a player’s card.
No deposit games – new players do not need credit in their accounts to play these games.
Participation bingo – a game in which the prize value is determined by the number of players, also known as ‘Parti’.
Progressive jackpot – a prize pot that increases in value until it is won.
From veteran players with fond memories of bingo halls in every town to new fans who want to enjoy their favourite games, online bingo is one of the most fun games around.
