The game of bingo has been enjoyed for centuries across the world. Dating back as far as the 1500s in Italy, bingo shot to stardom in the mid-1900s in the United Kingdom. Bingo became part of popular culture in the post-World War II era. It was not only an enjoyable pastime, but it was also a way of life – a sense of community and belonging.
The big issue for bingo in the 21st century is the fast-paced entertainment landscape. In an ever-changing digital world, traditional bingo as we know it faces big issues in capturing the imagination of players new and old.
The move towards online bingo
The bingo industry’s pivot to online bingo gaming was a major catalyst for the sector in the early 21st century. Digital bingo games deliver accessibility and convenience, enabling players to sign up and enter their favourite bingo games at home or on the move.
These online bingo platforms also integrate engaging features like social chat rooms, whereby players can connect with others while they play. These rooms are managed by “chat hosts”, who are there to maintain the party vibes and congratulate winners during the session. Some of the chat hosts will also run their own games and prizes delivering ad-hoc side-wins.
How to appeal to the next generation of online bingo players
While it’s just as important for the bingo industry to keep its current clientele happy, it’s equally vital to do all it can to reach out to the next generation of players. Millennial and Gen Z players are individuals that typically favour fast, mobile-friendly, casual gaming experiences.
Consequently online bingo games are beginning to embed elements of gamification. Whether it’s rewards, real-time leaderboards or achievements, all of which can help to make bingo gameplay more engaging and satisfying.
Some of the major players in the UK online bingo market are now incorporating progressive jackpots into their games. Inspired by progressive jackpot slot games, these payouts can be triggered entirely at random by one lucky winner.
Popular culture is also being heavily intertwined with bingo action. You’ll get bingo games and “rooms” inspired by pop culture TV classics, as well as movie franchises, music, and much more. Imagine playing a bingo game inspired by Friends or an iconic movie like The Wizard of Oz? It’s all a way of fusing nostalgia with state-of-the-art gameplay.
Redefining the land-based bingo hall experience
Offline bingo halls are also having to work incredibly hard to stay relevant in a digital world. Themed bingo nights are trying to tap into a younger audience. Places like Bongo’s Bingo offer live DJs in between bingo games, as well as dancers and a general party-like atmosphere.
By creating a festival-like experience, bingo can remain an attractive entertainment option, especially for social gatherings.
Technology’s role in the advancement of bingo
Technological innovations will also help to shape the bingo industry for the better. Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are two powerful gaming developments which are improving the immersivity of almost any gaming genre right now. By donning a VR headset, it could soon be possible for players to transport themselves to virtual bingo halls, interact with others and experience a brick-and-mortar bingo hall from the confines of their own home.
Artificial intelligence (AI) will also play a role in bingo’s sustainability. It can already be used as a personalization tool, monitoring player gameplay and recommending other bingo games aligned with their favoured experiences.
Bingo’s cross-generational appeal lies in its simplicity. It’s a game with genuine pick-up-and-play appeal. The challenge is for online bingo operators and bingo halls to engage with the tech-savvy next generation to deliver memorable, community-driven events.
