Bingo may have had its origins in the 16th century (although it wasn’t originally called “bingo”) but thanks to technological advancements it has experienced its greatest transformation over the course of the last 50 years, particularly in terms of where it’s played and who’s playing it. 

According to statistics from the Casino.org article “Millennials Play Bingo More Than Any Other Age Group: Survey,” the average age of an online bingo player is 38, with the youngest being 18 and the oldest, 84. In addition, close to 84% of these players are millennials. In short, the game is an extremely popular pastime for people of all ages — and this has been the case for many decades.

Let’s take a look at how the popular social game has evolved over the last 50 years.

A Brief History

Bingo dates back to 16th-century Italy, originating in the lottery game “Lo Giuoco del Lotto D’Italia,” which is still played today. Early variations of the game that would become bingo gradually spread through the rest of Europe, infiltrating France in the 18th century and Germany in the 19th century.

The game eventually made its way to the US in the late 1920s, where it was named “beano” because players used beans to mark off numbers on their cards. Beano started out as a game played at country fairs and carnivals before becoming a popular way of raising money for churches. It was at one of these early carnivals in 1929 that Edwin S. Lowe, a traveling salesman, spotted the game. He decided to work on his own version of the game and, as the story goes, during a game with some of his friends, one of them accidentally called out “bingo” instead of beano and made history. Some years later, the game started popping up in casinos, dedicated bingo halls and retirement and nursing homes across the US.

By the 1970s and 1980s, bingo halls became popular and drew in hordes of players, the majority of whom were middle-aged and older women. Pretty much every night of the week became bingo night as people quickly realized what a fun and convenient opportunity bingo provided to meet and socialize with other people who had similar interests.

However, interest in the game appeared to decline in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Or did it?

Attracting a New Generation of Players

Technology advanced in leaps and bounds throughout the 1990s, 2000s and 2010s, bringing about a massive transformation in the bingo world. With the invention of the internet, online casinos were springing up by the dozen, offering people the luxury of gambling and gaming from the comfort of their homes. Soon, people who usually spent a lot of time and money at bingo halls across the country were learning how to play bingo online.

Furthermore, those who enjoyed playing other types of online casino games (like blackjack, roulette and poker) were starting to feel a pull towards trying bingo after seeing it offered and advertised by their preferred online casinos. As anyone who plays bingo knows all too well, once you start and experience the thrill and the many benefits of the game, you quickly become a bingo “lifer!”

As a result, a game that was once reserved for “housewives” and “old people” is now a go-to entertainment source for gamers of all ages, genders and backgrounds — especially as people can now play from virtually anywhere as long as they have a reasonable internet connection.

Different Types of Online Bingo Games

Contrary to popular belief, there isn’t only one type of bingo out there. There are actually many unique variants to choose from, including 75-ball bingo (most commonly played in the US) and 90-ball bingo (the preferred version in the UK and the rest of Europe). 

Another sought-after variant is speed bingo, an ideal choice for experienced players who prefer a faster pace and higher stakes. There’s usually only one winner and, because of this, a more sizable jackpot. With speed bingo, there are only 30 balls in play; you get a smaller, simplified bingo card with a 3×3 grid and a total of nine numbers. 

Competitive players can also sign up to participate in bingo tournaments, which can take place in an online or traditional bingo hall setting. However you decide to play, remember that it’s always vital that you gamble responsibly, even when you’re playing bingo online. 

If you enjoy slots and bingo, there’s a game called Slingo that combines both. It uses a reel to randomly generate different numbers and bonus symbols that you then mark off on a grid. If you get five numbers in a row, you’ll get a Slingo that also helps you climb a ladder which boosts your potential wins.

The Best Bingo Games To Play

At Borgata Online, you have a choice between computerized online bingo games and live bingo games. Our live bingo rooms are especially popular among players, with new games starting every few minutes. Currently, there are both 75-ball bingo and 90-ball bingo rooms.

Our computerized bingo games list promises plenty of titles that boast stunning graphics and exciting gameplay. Slingo games are a top choice if you’re a fan of online slots and are looking for something with a slightly different “spin.” Slingo favorites include Slingo Reveal, Slingo Cascade, Slingo Sweet Bonanza, Slingo Fluffy Favourites, Slingo Carnival and Slingo Starburst, to name just a handful.

Be sure to check out our promotions page to make the most of any virtual bingo games that you choose to play with us. Many unique offers await you, including bingo bonuses and free bingo tickets.

Explore the Best Online Casino Games at Borgata Online

While we certainly offer a wide range of online bingo games, Borgata Online has plenty more to entice gamers than just bingo online! Our gaming menu includes online slots, casino table games, arcade games and many other casino classics to get excited about.
Interested in exploring the collection? Then feel free to register via our convenient mobile portal.