Not Just a Ladies' Game: Uncovering Why More Men Are Playing Bingo

Traditional bingo halls conjure pictures of ladies of a certain age group coming together to enjoy each others’ company while enjoying a few games at their local bingo hall.

Today, that picture no longer exists as bingo’s popularity has soared and appeals to all sexes and ages. 

This article will discuss how bingo has changed and why more men are enjoying bingo than ever before.

How Marketing Affects Popular Trends

For a few years, marketing campaigns were aimed at younger women nationwide to dispel the myth that the older female population only played (and enjoyed) bingo. 

Statistics provided by BingoSites.co.uk tell us that 90% of all bingo players in the United Kingdom are now under 50 years of age. Furthermore, the same statistics tell us that not only women play the game. 

In fact, with so many more men enjoying bingo, online bingo has reached the second spot in the popularity stakes in the UK, with 42.2% of players getting their eyes down. However, sports betting remains the number one spot, with 73% of men saying they preferred to bet on sports when placing a bet or wager online. 

Interestingly, bingo was never regarded as a female-only pastime in many parts of the world. If you trace the origins of the game to Italy, right back to the 16th century, it was the men and only the men in the cities who used to enjoy the game; the women got a look-in much later.

So, What Type of Men Play Bingo?

Men of all ages, straight men, gay men and men from all conceivable backgrounds now play bingo. They might not be visiting land-based venues in big groups, which is the norm for many women. Nevertheless, the increase in men repeatedly returning to bingo is evident. 

Today, many bingo lovers enjoy bingo parties, and  Bongo’s Bingo events are one of the most popular.  Bingo parties bring all the social side of bingo to the party arena, where almost anything goes, including outrageous hosts, spectacular prizes, dance-offs, and laughter.

Playing Online Bingo

Of course, if the man (or men) in your life doesn’t fancy a night out, there is always online bingo to play. Online bingo, like many other online gambling games, enjoyed increased traffic during the lockdown, with many people trying games they may not have previously considered. 

Online bingo is as social as its land-based counterpart, with sites providing hosts and chat features that allow players to interact with each other whilst enjoying a few games. 

Online bingo games are usually themed; because they are online, they come in many weird and wonderful variations. Today, newer bingo sites are also themed less towards women and more towards both sexes.

The Final Word

You don’t have to be a ‘certain type of man’ to play bingo. If you enjoy the game, whether a man or woman, you will still have a chance of winning whilst enjoying some fun and laughter at the same time. 

Bingo has survived in some shape or form for centuries, standing the test of time, and right now, it doesn’t appear to be decreasing in popularity anytime soon.

SWAGGER Staff

Collaborative content by SWAGGER's in-house editorial team.