Online bingo is generating exceptional revenues for the casino gaming industry. The demand for bingo games is rapidly increasing as new studies reveal.
According to one research study, the global online bingo market was valued at approximately $1078.80 million USD in 2022. By the end of 2023, the market is expected to be valued at $1161.37 million USD.
By the end of 2032, the market is expected to reach $1904.55 million USD. Experts believe that the market will only continue to grow and expand after 2032.
How has online bingo grown? How has it managed to remain popular and relevant after so many decades?
What can other industries and sectors learn from the bingo’s recent growth in popularity?
This article will answer these questions by exploring the history of bingo, the technological developments that have impacted the gaming industry, and the key reasons behind the success of the game.
History of bingo
Records seem to suggest that the very first version of bingo appeared in Italy during the 16th century. The game, believed to be the original bingo game, was called ‘Il Gioco del Lotto’.
It had very similar rules to modern-day bingo and soon became one of the most popular games in Italy. It was so successful that aristocrats and highly respected figures began to introduce other aristocrats from neighboring countries to the game.
Consequently, the game became very popular in France during the 17th century. Over there, it became known simply as ‘Le Lotto’.
However, it was mainly played within aristocratic circles, which limited the game’s expansion and popularity for a few decades. The game became extremely successful once all social classes began to play it.
The 20th century started to change the gaming industry in a number of ways. Legal bingo halls and casino venues began to open, which made the already famous game even more accessible to the general public.
However, bingo’s popularity reached new heights when online bingo games and virtual bingo venues were invented.
At the start of the 21st century, online bingo apps and venues had become common. Many game developers have started creating their own unique online venues and offering new and exciting bingo games to their clients.
By 2010, players had become more familiar and comfortable with online games and virtual platforms. Nowadays, online gaming, and in particular mobile gaming, has become the most popular form of gaming.
It has reached the point where the majority of players actually feel more comfortable visiting an online casino and playing on a casino app than going to a land-based venue.
The online bingo industry has succeeded in transitioning from land-based venues to online venues and bringing gamers with them. Not only did they manage to attract their existing gaming demographic, but they have now managed to attract newer and younger demographics.
Online bingo and its successful demographic expansion
During the 16th and 17th centuries, records suggest that bingo attracted aristocrats who had money to spend on games and entertainment.
During the 20th century, bingo halls acquired a reputation for bringing in older gamers, mostly women aged 65+.
Nowadays, in the 21st century, this reputation is changing. Bingo’s accessibility online has made it more attractive to younger players as well as older players aged 65+.
In other words, bingo has managed to retain its pre-existing demographic and bring in a younger demographic as well. This is the main reason behind the increasing popularity and success of the game.
One might ask: how did bingo attract new and younger demographics? Is it only because of its online format?
Although mobile apps and both online and offline bingo games have boosted its popularity, there are more reasons behind this demographic expansion.
One of the most important ones is the creation of new bingo variants. By creating new versions and variations of bingo, game developers have managed to reinvent the game itself and change its image.
Two of the most popular bingo variants include:
- Slingo games
- Club bingo (such as Bongo’s Bingo)
Slingo combines bingo with slots. This new variant makes bingo games even more exciting and entertaining to play by combining two iconic casino games together.
There are hundreds of slingo games to choose from, each with its own unique theme, visual look, and slot mechanism. The number of options available keeps the game fresh and new, even for experienced bingo players.
As for club bingo variants such as Bongo’s Bingo, these are extremely successful in attracting younger audiences by offering a club experience mixed with a live, in-person bingo game.
Final thoughts
This article discussed some of the key reasons behind the growth and popularity of online bingo. As studies suggest, this gaming sector will most likely continue to grow over the next few years.
