Even if you travel to all corners of the world, you’ll likely be able to find people who are interested in bingo. The game has become an international hit and is often played locally among friends and family as well as through online platforms with people from all over the world. In this article, we’ll look at the differences between online and land-based bingo, and what the key characteristics and variations have brought to the game.
Land-based Bingo
The earliest form of bingo can originally be traced back to the 16th century. Bingo as we know it now is said to have originated from the Italian lottery, known as “Il Gioco del Lotto d’Italia”. Following its growth in popularity, the game spread to France where it was known as “Le Loto”, before spreading all over Europe throughout the 18th century.
Bingo really picked up in popularity in the UK in the 1900s, whilst also branching out overseas and arriving in the US. The game became a source of community-based fun and could often be found at carnivals and social events where it was more commonly referred to as “Beano” at the time. This changed when a toy manufacturer from Long Island named Edwin Lowe observed a woman accidentally yell “Bingo!” whilst playing the game with his friends. Lowe then went on to manufacture the great with great success.
Since its inception, bingo has continued to grow in popularity and one of the key reasons for this is the social element that is infused with the game. In the UK, by the 1960s, bingo halls had started to open which were solely dedicated to playing bingo. Prior to this, games often took place in dance halls and other, similar venues. The opening of bingo halls took the game to new levels, whilst also making bingo nights a regular event for many people.
Bingo halls are still regularly visited by a wide audience today, and the game is often played in private venues between various communities. Whilst the game is often associated with an older crowd, bingo is popular amongst many different demographics and it appeals to a large range of people.
Certain characteristics of bingo have helped it stand out when compared to other games and have allowed it to be a more accessible form of entertainment for people. One popular factor is that players are able to play multiple bingo cards at once, which means there is more chance for people to win prizes. The game has also proven to be adaptable, which has made it accessible to people in a variety of formats.
Online Bingo
Thanks to advances in technology, bingo has been able to transition to online platforms which have helped introduce the game to an even wider audience. Players are now able to play against others from across the globe, with online bingo games being accessible through PCs, tablets, and smartphones like what this blackout bingo review mentioned that you can even earn extra cash!
Online bingo has been able to build on the fundamental aspects of the game that people love and create new types of entertaining experiences. There are many different variations available online, so players can choose from a range of themes and styles when selecting which game to play. Building on the land-based bingo format, you can still play multiple cards at once and can even choose to play different types of bingo at the same time. The social element of bingo has also been brought to fruition on online platforms through chatroom functions.
Players are able to communicate with each other through chat boxes whilst the game is ongoing, which helps maintains the social aspect of bingo. This aspect is often important for players and it is a factor that makes online bingo stand out when compared to other games. There is a community atmosphere on many of the platforms and there are even platforms targeted at specific communities, such as 888ladies, which is a ladies bingo site. Players are able to compete against each other whilst chatting with friends, family and other bingo enthusiasts from all over that are in the same online room.
Modern Bingo
More recently, bingo has been adapted even further which has made for some interesting events. An example of a modernized event that has proven a hit with bingo fans and dance enthusiasts alike is Bongo’s Bingo, a combined event that includes classic bingo elements with a twist.
We’ve got some big plans for 2021. More info on this one very soon. Any guesses? 🚴🏻 pic.twitter.com/yocQs2Wdl5
— Bongo’s Bingo (@BongosBingo) February 10, 2021
Bongo’s Bingo is described as a ‘wild shared social extravaganza’ and has become one of the most popular nightlife events in the UK. Bongo’s Bingo is a mixture of the traditional game with dance intervals and added audience participation. Its success has seen the event go international, and there are now Bongo’s Bingo events held in 8 countries and over 40 cities across the world.
Alternative types of live bingo events such as Bongo’s Bingo could possibly be a reaction to the vast popularity of online bingo. Overhauling the traditional game and creating a live experience has attracted more people to attend these live events as well as making modern variations of bingo a popular option. Put simply, the unique experience of modern live events has meant that live bingo has been able to thrive as well as online bingo.
Live events such as Bongo’s Bingo have helped to introduce the game to people that may not normally have been interested but have got involved because of the other aspects of the event. This has highlighted how bingo can work as a social activity and how there is more to the game than just the core gameplay itself.
Both land-based and online bingo has developed significantly, and the game continues to grow in popularity. Alternative modernized events have also shown that the game can be played in innovative and creative ways that can introduce new people to a social form of entertainment. Whether you prefer online gaming or live events, bingo in its various guises can provide you with great entertainment.
