Under the spotlight: the evolution of bingo
Bingo is a national treasure in the UK. Bingo halls are monuments in city centres and pillars of community.
Bingo originated in Italy in the 1500s. It spread to France and the US. In the 40s, it came to the UK as a community game. The Betting and Gaming Act 1960 made it legal. It enabled the winning of cash prizes and bingo halls to be opened in every city.
After nearly fifty years of runaway success, the bino hall model began to show signs of failure. The onset of the coronavirus pandemic rendered the upkeep of halls unsustainable. Major bingo providers were forced to shutter their doors as a result.
Online bingo games are popular with younger players. They offer more flexibility in play than traditional bingos. Younger players are turning out at binging halls to preserve the game for generations to come.