Bingo is one of the most popular gambling games in the UK and has been for generations. But if you’ve never played bingo before, you might be wondering why. So, what’s all the buzz about?
In this article, we’ll share five reasons bingo is so popular in the UK.
Long history
Many Brits think that bingo began in the UK. But it actually began in 16th century Italy, before migrating to 18th century Britain via France, and only became a formally legalised gambling game in 1960.
After legalisation, bingo became a massive hit with more than 14 million British players and 1,600 British bingo halls according to some estimates. Although the near-vertical trajectory of bingo’s success began to even out towards the turn of the 21st century, it’s still one of the nation’s favourite games today, with more than 600 bingo premises in Great Britain as of 2022 – not to mention online bingo platforms.
Simple rules
Many forms of gambling like poker and blackjack are complicated, requiring players to strategise and think carefully about each move. This can make them monotonous and tiresome for people who just want to have some fun.
In contrast, bingo is extremely easy to play. You simply select a set of numbers, follow the numbers drawn and wait to see if you win. It’s so easy, you can even play several games in a row without ever feeling overwhelmed.
Socialisation
Bingo is an inherently social game. Traditional bingo halls are places to connect and have fun with like-minded family, friends and strangers. Virtual bingo platforms have maintained this important social element by incorporating chat rooms with perky chat hosts and moderators. Because of this, online bingo is a great way to connect with others from the comfort of your home.
Excitement
Bingo is a luck-based game, meaning that every player has a real chance of winning each game. No matter whether you’re a bingo veteran or a brand-new player, you’re guaranteed to be on the edge of your seat every time you play.
Good regulations
UK gambling regulations were first established in 1845 and have been continually revised and improved over the decades since then. Today, the UK’s gambling laws are some of the best in the world, and they include effective regulations for making bingo transparent and safe for players. There are clear rules around what constitutes bingo and providers need licenses to run games of bingo.
With bingo being such a simple, exciting and well-regulated game, it’s easy to see why it draws in such big crowds. The chance to socialise with others makes it an even more attractive way to pass the time. And now that players can enjoy all these benefits online and from the comfort of their homes, it’s unlikely bingo will run out of avid fans in the years to come.
