In an age where consumer tastes often change like the wind, not many entertainment activities can genuinely claim to have stood the test of time.
However, a notable expectation to the rule is bingo, which can be traced all the way back to a 16th-century Italian lottery game. Several bingo variants were initially popular on the European mainland before migrating to other parts of the world during the 1700s.
The first modern versions of bingo were played extensively at fairs and carnivals in the United Kingdom and United States after the First World War. The game boomed massively in popularity after that, becoming the primary social activity for millions of people around the world. Changes in consumer habits during the 1990s threatened bingo’s future and forced the industry into a major rethink about the way it operated. High taxation and the ban on smoking indoors forced the closure of hundreds of land-based venues, but the internet proved to be a lifesaver for the bingo sector.
Brands such as 888ladies.com introduced bingo to a new audience in a digital way, and the industry is now more lucrative than it has ever been.
The internet is currently awash with bingo sites, but why have they proved to be so popular? We take a closer look at some of the advantages of playing it online.
1. Online bingo is convenient
One of the main benefits of online bingo is the convenience it offers, with the top sites available to players on a 24/7/365 basis. By contrast, bingo halls don’t have the same luxury and are generally only open for business for a maximum of 12 hours per day. Online bingo can be accessed on a wide range of digital devices, thus allowing people to play whenever or wherever they want. Many leading operators have ploughed significant resources into optimizing their sites to work on smartphones, providing players with even more convenience.
2. Playing online bingo games is inexpensive
During bingo’s heyday in the 20th-century it was a reasonably affordable activity, but a night out in a modern brick-and-mortar venue is now an expensive affair. These sites have a massive advantage in this regard, as they are susceptible to far lower overheads than their land-based counterparts. It is feasible to enjoy playing a lengthy online bingo session for just a couple of dollars, making it one of the most reasonably priced pastimes around. With many operators also regularly running free games, it is easy to see why online bingo has become so popular in recent years.
3. Choose from more games online
If you visit a land-based venue, it is highly likely that you will be given the opportunity to play the most common variants – 75-ball or 90-ball bingo. Online operators can be much more flexible in their offering, with their sites featuring dozens of different versions of this iconic game. In addition to the standard variants, many sites now offer innovative combination games that merge bingo with other casino genres. These include Slingo, Bingo Roulette and Flash Fives, all of which have helped power the online bingo industry into another stratosphere.
4. Players can access bonuses & promotions
Another huge advantage that online bingo sites have over their land-based counterparts is their ability to offer bonuses and promotions. The online environment is a highly competitive marketplace, which means that operators must find creative ways to attract new players and retain existing ones. Players can generally receive a generous welcome bonus when they first sign-up for an account, giving them a healthy financial boost when they make their initial deposit. Many sites also offer ongoing promotions to people who play regularly, further boosting their bankroll for playing online bingo games.
5. Online bingo is a global community
As mentioned earlier, bingo was the ‘go-to’ social activity for millions of people during the 20th century, with friends and family meeting up each week to play the game. Online operators have recognized the importance of the social aspect of bingo by incorporating chatroom facilities alongside each of the games. This has helped create a wonderful community feel around online bingo, with the vibrant chats adding a new dimension to proceedings.
Whereas traditional bingo halls tend to attract a local audience, online sites are a global affair where like-minded people can interact in a relaxed environment.
6. Playing online is good for your mental health
As we have alluded to, online bingo is a global community where people can meet up with others to play their favorite game. This is especially important for anyone who may not have the luxury of regularly seeing friends and family in person.
Online bingo provides people with a platform to stay connected, which is a hugely important factor in supporting positive mental health.
If someone is feeling low, firing up their desktop or mobile device and visiting it a site such as https://onlinebingoaustralia.co/online-bingo-real-money/, can provide them with support in times of need.
7. Senior citizens can benefit from online bingo
Numerous research studies have shown that bingo boosts memory and concentration – skills that are of particular importance to senior citizens. It has been proven to slow down the onset of Alzheimer’s Disease, providing seniors with improved quality of life as they grow older. Online sites have the ability to provide seniors with an invaluable link to the rest of society, allowing them to stay connected even if they are unable to get out and about. Playing online bingo can boost a senior citizen’s self-esteem, helping them to feel like they are part of something uplifting and meaningful.
