According to a recent study by Parlay Entertainments (on behalf of Chit Chat Bingo), it was seen that a very small percentage of Bingo players are familiar with the online game concept. Only 1% of the UK-based bingo players actually play bingo online; the rest 99% prefer playing it in the ‘old fashioned’ manner. So while the UK bingo market is claimed a saturated one (courtesy: the many different types of online bingo games companies), it is a lot of work that needs to be done for turning the ‘offline’ Bingo players towards the online versions. And undoubtedly, this is a piece of good news for the entire online industry.
There are roughly some 3 million active bingo members today in UK playing bingo on a regular basis; since there are 700 or so bingo clubs all over the country, it brings forth huge scopes for improvement in the field.
Considering the global market of Bingo that rotates roughly $150 million on a daily basis with 6 million players, the UK market itself makes up just 15% of those entire revenues. The statistics; however, is likely to change dramatically during the end of the year 2007. This is the time when the realization of the US gaming bill comes into force and the effects are fully seen and witnessed.
There are several genuine concerns for the future of the land-based industry of Bingo in the year 2007. Many Bingo operators are waiting to see the already heavy tax burdens put upon them. These tax burdens are way higher than any other sector of the gambling market and tougher economic conditions are also witnessed. To add up more trouble, the imposed smoking ban on public places that are all coupled with changes to gambling laws and potential further gaming costs are also matters of grave concerns.
The closure of independent bingo clubs will hit communities in several areas, especially when the social element of bingo provides a welcome respite to the daily rigors. This game particularly provides women with an outlet for their social requirements. This social outlet cannot be supplied by something like a pub nor football ground.
However, this is just good news for the online industry. The industry people are ready to provide those who want to play bingo, with a comfortable, easy and as sociable a solution. Online bingo provides many women with the outlet to continue their social routines, when the clubs around them shut down. The women also can socialize without actually being present. And the percentage of women playing bingo is far greater than men (by 85%) and spends around 50% of more time online than men.
It is true that online bingo would not be able to fulfill the community role that land-based bingo halls provide its players with. However, it does provide those who are unable to regularly attend bingo clubs with a place to socialize; have conversation and most importantly fulfill their own desires to play their favorite game.
