The Bingo Games Guide to Bingo
Introduction/Contents
Bingo is a game of chance, patience, and observation. It’s incredibly easy to learn and at certain sites, can be enjoyed with friends. Its appeal is universal, and while bingo is often stereotyped as a game for older females, these days it is becoming increasingly common to see males and Millennials marking their tickets. (1)
The United Kingdom is home to over 3.5 million regular bingo players, which is more than 6.6% of the adult population.
The game experienced a lull in the UK during the first decade of the new millennium. The smoking ban and a new gaming tax seemed like the final nail in its coffin. Total player numbers plummeted. The golden age was over and it seemed like the game would never recover. (2) (3)
Things were looking pretty bleak. However, online bingo sites focused attention back on this game and those player numbers rose, reaching a peak the likes of which had never been seen before.
Today, bingo is one of the fastest-growing games in the United Kingdom and, in this guide, we’ll delve deeper into its history, rules, variants, and more.
Contents:
Introduction/Contents
Chapter 1: History of Bingo
Chapter 2: Types of Bingo
Chapter 3: How to Play
Chapter 4: Bingo Jargon
The chapters above are going to take you on quite a journey as you follow the twists and turns taken by bingo over the years. Whilst writing this guide we have enjoyed packing in as much trivia as we can about our beloved game. Even if you're not fond of the game, we think you'll agree that the nuggets we've included below as a taster are fascinating, so take a read:
-'In the 1920s, bingo had made its way across the Atlantic and was a common feature at fairs and carnivals. Players would mark their cards with beans instead of pens, referring to the game as “Beano”'.
-'90-Ball Bingo used to be known as “Housey-Housey” in the United Kingdom, but this name is rarely used today.'
-'In India, slot machines essentially masquerade as bingo games. You’ll see the same assortment of reels and symbols, and many of the pay lines and payouts are similar to video slots as well. But the outcomes are decided by a virtual bingo card that stays on the screen at all times. This is to keep on the right side of the law'.
If you enjoyed the above there is plenty more to be found and Chapter 1 is a great place to start.
References:
- “A Full House – Who is Driving Online Bingo’s Growth?” YouGov. September 24, 2018.
- “Bingo Halls Struggle to Get a Full House: Industry Leaders Blame Unfair Tax for Game’s Decline”. Independent.co.uk. January 12, 2014.
- “Online Bingo: A Very Full House”. BBC. April 12, 2013.