The Growth of Online Bingo

Since its early origins in the village halls and fairs of the 1920s, the classic game of Bingo has become a hugely popular part of British culture.

04:15 21 August 2025

Since its early origins in the village halls, carnivals, and fairs of the 1920s, the classic game of Bingo has become a hugely popular part of British culture. But what was once considered a game that was played in drafty old bingo halls by an ageing demographic, has been transformed into an exciting online experience that appeals to players 18 and above.

Thanks to the internet and advances in technology, the game is now a global phenomenon that has captured the attention of players worldwide. With live bingo games, themed options, and multiple formats to choose from, Bingo is once again the talk of the town.

The Golden Age

The catalyst for bingo’s golden era was the introduction of the Betting and Gaming Act in 1961 which legalised the winning of large cash-prizes and allowed bingo to be played in clubs. The game quickly grew in popularity as dedicated bingo halls sprang up around the country to meet demand.

During the 70s, bingo became a weekly activity for millions of people who enjoyed the social nature of the game. Ever increasing prize funds also helped maintain its success, yet more bingo halls opened in venues such as church halls, working men’s clubs, and holiday resorts.

By the 1980s and 1990s, Bingo started to see a decline in numbers, a cheap foreign travel, the growth of TV and other leisure activities competed for people’s attention.

The Digital Revolution

Surprisingly, online bingo has been around since 1996, but poor internet access and expensive computers were too prohibitive for many. However, by the mid-2000s, computers were more readily available, while internet access and speeds had improved considerably.

The transition to online was not instant, but as more bingo halls closed and broadband became more widespread, online gaming operators saw a gap in the market. However, it wasn’t until the arrival of the smartphone that online bingo really took off.

Why Online Bingo Boomed

While bingo has undergone many changes over the years, the excitement of waiting for that final number to be called and shouting “bingo!”, remains as thrilling as ever. But online bingo has many other reasons behind its remarkable rise in recent years, including:

Easy to Play

One of bingo’s most successful features is its simplicity. All online operators provide players with handy tips and guides on how to play bingo, but the rules are quick and easy to understand.

That means players of all abilities, both new and experienced, can quickly pick it up and start playing. The auto dabber option also allows players to manage their automatically and ensures they don’t miss a number, simplifying the process even more.

This makes bingo an attractive option compared to more complex games that can put people off due to the learning curve required. 

Convenience and Accessibility

Modern bingo halls are far more welcoming than their previous incarnations, with many venues providing impressive facilities to cater for the new wave of Bingo fans. However, the convenience of being able to play anytime and anywhere you want by using your smartphone or tablet, offers players unparalleled convenience.

No more having to travel to a bingo hall on a wet and windy night, no more queues, no more opening time restrictions. Players can now access their favourite games from the comfort of their own home 24/7. 

Operators also provide mobile and desktop applications for gamers to allow easy access to their games. They offer impressive features and functions and a smooth user interface, making bingo more accessible than ever before. 

Social Aspect

From its very early days, bingo has always been a social game that was often enjoyed with friends and family. Despite its transition to online, bingo remains a game that can be enjoyed socially.

Operators have sought to maintain this important aspect by creating chatroom facilities alongside each game. This means fans can still socialise with other players while online.

Bonuses and promotions

Land-based bingo halls often provide players with promotions to get them through the door. But the breadth and variety of options available does not compare with the offerings online.

With competition in the online sector fierce, operators are trying to attract and retain customers by offering multiple bonuses and promotions. This has allowed many new players to take advantage of these offers and try out bingo for the first time, while loyalty rewards keep them coming back to the platform.

Game Variety

Another contributing factor for the bingo boom, is the number of bingo games, versions, and gaming options to players can choose from. That means there’s usually a game out there that matches an individual player’s style and preferences.

Operators offer a speedy 30-ball bingo option, plus the more traditional 75-ball or 90-ball game. There are thousands of unique and original themed-bingo options available too, plus multiplayer game modes, live online bingo featuring a real-life caller. New bingo variants include Slingo, which combines bingo and slots, and bingo roulette.

As technology continues to improve, Virtual Reality, Artificial Intelligence, and Augmented Reality are promising to provide ever more immersive and creative games for players to enjoy, which means the future of bingo is more exciting than ever.