Few games have attained worldwide popularity as Bingo has. First invented in 1929, the game has experienced several developments and iterations. For instance, the first version of Bingo required participants to complete a few simple patterns on their cards. Today, versions are more complex as the game continues to grow in popularity.
According to GeekInsider, one of the main reasons, broadly-speaking, that Bingo is becoming popular again is that the game is simply cultivating a wider audience. One Bingo site took demographics of the people playing their games and shared some very interesting findings. Whereas the average player some years ago was 58, that number has now fallen to 53. Bingo, once perceived as the haunt of the elderly, is now open to a wider age group.
Laws passed in 2014 made betting on the game much more feasible, as taxes on earnings were reduced. This meant that online Bingo games could increase their prizes, attracting more players.
In addition to being available on hundreds of websites, Bingo is available on Connected TV (CTV) platforms, such as Roku, which hosts the channel Bingo TV from VFR.ai.
Another form of Bingo on the rise in the US is Drag Bingo, in which a drag queen hosts the game. This began as a way to raise money for charities and is now offered at many bars and brunch restaurants.
In addition to being a popular pastime, this game offers players real benefits, which we explore below.
Boosts mental agility
Bingo is a seemingly simple game on the surface but has a few complex variations that can push a player to their limit. In a typical game, players must listen carefully, scan their sheets or screens quickly, and arrive at a decision before their competitors.
These skills push gamers’ brains to the right degree, building mental agility. Bingo is thus a great way for players to keep their minds in top shape without experiencing any stress usually associated with mental exercise.
The game also gives people a great outlet for their mental energy when bored, functioning as a mental refresher. Another factor that plays into its popularity is the almost non-existent learning curve. Given Bingo’s popularity, most people are familiar with its rules.
Even those new to the game can learn the rules easily, given its visual nature. Thus, players are quickly engaged, helping them pay attention and get their minds moving in the right direction.
Helps players build social connections
Every game builds social connections, but few have the power to build as many connections as Bingo. Whether playing individually or as a team in more complex iterations, Bingo places a high priority on social interactions.
In-person Bingo is a great way to spend a few hours interacting with like-minded people in a friendly environment. Online Bingo is a great way to catch up with friends and family when separated, and CTV Bingo gives families and friends a great way to spend time together.
Bingo’s social elements further boost mental health, forming lasting bonds with strangers and family.
Induces sportsmanship
Bingo offers its fair share of disappointments to players. Someone might strike a combination but fail to react in time or might miss out on a combination narrowly. No matter the outcome, Bingo forces players to be gracious in defeat and magnanimous in victory.
Bingo’s highly social nature also implicitly penalizes players for bad behavior, giving everyone a chance to enjoy the game in friendly surroundings. Sportsmanship, in short, is a key element in Bingo. Add to this the advantages Bingo already offers, benefits such as stress and anxiety relief, and it’s easy to see why it has remained a highly-popular game throughout the ages.
Bingo also has the advantage of being highly malleable. For instance, players can replace numbers with words, audio, or pictures, giving everyone a chance to exercise their unique skills. Some people might be better at identifying numbers than pictures, giving everyone a chance to win.
The result is every player knows they have a fair chance of winning, further increasing the sense of sportsmanship and graciousness when playing the game.
Boosts hand-eye coordination
At its heart, Bingo is a game of matching audio cues to visual patterns. Players must move quickly to spot patterns and adjust to changing rules. Thus, like any sport, Bingo trains a player’s hand-eye coordination in a physically stress-free environment.
After all, no one is likely to suffer a physical injury playing Bingo! Players can thus exercise their hand-eye coordination in a safe environment, benefitting both mentally and physically.
Enduring popularity
Bingo is one of the world’s most popular games for a few very good reasons. Given its physical and mental benefits, Bingo will surely remain one of the world’s most popular pastimes, no matter the medium on which the game is played.