The rhythmic calls of numbers, the collective gasp of anticipation, and the triumphant cry of “Bingo!” – these iconic sounds resonate far beyond dusty halls filled with OAPs.
Bingo, with its simple rules and communal spirit, has transcended generations and borders, evolving into a vibrant global phenomenon.
But what about its popularity in 2024? Let’s explore the latest trends and delve into the diverse landscapes of bingo around the world, starting with the UK.
The UK: Tradition Meets Innovation
Bingo’s popularity in its birthplace remains strong.
According to the UK Gambling Commission, bingo halls were part of a £3.5 billion land-based betting industry in 2022 alone, showcasing continued interest. However, the landscape is shifting.
Greater focus on community, sofa-based comfort and instant-win potential have helped online bingo sites surge. Virtual platforms allow for convenience and offer a diverse range of themed games to suit a variety of tastes, while social features and messaging options enable users to play together and experience the thrills of competing against friends and family.
USA: Bingo Goes Big and Bold
Across the pond, bingo holds a special place in American hearts. While traditionally favoured by the older generation, its popularity is growing among millennials and Gen Z.
This resurgence is attributed to the rise of charity bingo events held at bars and restaurants, attracting younger crowds with a focus on socialising and supporting good causes. It has also become deeply connected with the charitable side of the LGBT community, with drag bingo becoming a particularly popular vehicle for charitable causes.
Italy: A Legacy of Lottery Games
Italy boasts a long and rich history with bingo, dating back to its 16th-century ancestor, “Il Gioco del Lotto d’Italia.” Today, bingo halls remain popular social hubs, especially in southern regions where the game most closely associated is known as tombola. Tombola cards will be familiar with bingo players, with lines of numbers that are ticked off as they are drawn by a caller. Believed to have originated in Naples, tombola is now a popular family pastime at Christmas in the country.
Japan: Embracing Bingo with Unique Twists
In Japan, bingo, or “bouzu bingo,” has undergone its own transformation, blending elements of traditional bingo with Japanese pop culture. Japanese bingo games often feature anime-inspired themes, vibrant visuals, and catchy soundtracks. Variations like ‘pachinko’, commonly played in specially designed parlours and featuring machines that combine pinball with elements of bingo and casino-style slot machines, are hugely popular. While players are not rewarded for cash directly, it is possible to win special tokens as prices – which can be sold away from the pachinko parlour.
