The future of bingo gaming
What’s one of the most well-known games of all time? There’s a few that come to mind. But one that has to be on most people’s lists is bingo.
Bingo is a game that’s been around for centuries, and has become as much of a social activity as it has a simple game. It’s a game that almost everyone can play and enjoy, and has even made it’s way into pop culture, having been shown in film and tv series either as a plot point or backdrop.
But what’s next for this game that’s enjoyed by millions around the world? And how will technology transform the bingo playing experience?
Read on to find out everything you need to know.
Brief history of bingo
As we mentioned earlier, bingo has been around for hundreds of years. In fact, many historians date the origins of bingo to the 1500s in Italy with a traditional lottery game known as “Il Giuoco del Lotto d’Italia”. It was said to have moved to France in the 1700s and was known as a lottery game called “Le Lotto” – played by the wealthy and the aristocracy.
During the 1920s, a version of the game of bingo called Beano was played in America. And in the 1960s, bingo mania hit the UK, where it was enjoyed by thousands of people in bingo halls across the country. This is where bingo received its status as a pastime and leisure activity played by so many, and became commonplace as a way to socialise and be entertained.
The decline of the bingo hall in the 1980s was soon followed by the internet boom. And with it, the rise of online bingo websites. These days, 100 million people play their favourite bingo games online – and it continues to reach more players, and people of varying demographics, every single day.
Benefits of online
The resurgence of bingo is due in massive part to the internet. With smartphone ownership at an all time high, we’re now working, socialising, shopping and enjoying our favourite forms of entertainment through our mobiles. This includes, of course, bingo.
And it’s easy to see why. One of the first huge benefits to playing bingo online as opposed to at land-based bingo halls is you can play it anywhere – for even short amounts of time. It’s a convenient and fun way to spend time on your commute to work, or on a lunch break. Or, if you’re hanging out at a friend’s house, you can both enjoy it on your mobile devices. You don’t have to leave the comfort of your couch to get a bingo game in. Wherever you may be, you can access some of the best bingo games out there in a variety of themes.
But it’s not just wherever – it’s whenever too. Unlike bingo halls, there’s no closing time for bingo websites. Which means you can play them at any time of day or night, 24/7.
As they’re digital, online bingo spaces can also offer a variety of games at any given time. That means that many bingo sites have a ranges of fun games in different themes so there’s always something fun you to enjoy.
Finally, one of the big benefits to online bingo sites is the sign up offers and promotions. Being actually rewarded to play with real money for free is something you’re unlikely to get at a bingo hall or as part of a bingo night at a venue. And with regular promotions encouraging new players back, it’s a great reason to try your bingo play online.
VR / AR Bingo
One of the most-talked about technologies that’s really changing the game – both when it comes to tech but also the gaming industry – is virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR).
With the Metaverse being one of the hottest conversation topics out there in the industry, it’s no surprise that many players and game-makers alike are thinking about how these new technologies will impact the game. It’s easy to see how virtual reality and augmented reality could bring some exciting elements to the game.
For example, through virtual reality you could experience that atmosphere and excitement of a live bingo hall all while being at home. Using augmented reality, that same bingo hall could be transported into your living room.
While the technology is still in the works, it will be exciting to see how VR and AR will transform bingo in the future.
Other predictions for the future
Bingo is likely to continue to evolve as technology does. We can continue to expect more realistic graphics and audio that makes the game much more immersive and entertaining for players. There will also be more variety when it comes to themes and the types of bingo games.
And of course we can expect more social features which will allow players to connect, socialise and have fun while doing it.