Bingo Demographics Rapidly Changing

Posted on July 15th, 2009

The stereotype of the average bingo player is rapidly fading. Many people still think of bingo as a pastime for older people and dominated by female players. It is true that bingo provides valuable social interaction for pensioners but bingo demographics are rapidly changing. Younger players are flocking to trendy bingo clubs in London and other large urban areas. The popularity of internet bingo has grown and many tech savvy younger people play internet bingo frequently.

A new report from market research giant Mintel documents the growing popularity of internet bingo among young affluent professionals. The report points out that in the past ten years the number of internet bingo players under the age of 45 has increased by a whopping 62%. The report also points out changing social demographics with skilled workers and white collar professionals making up 38% of the 62% increase.The UK has an estimated 3.2 million bingo players and the report points out that approximately 700,000 players are young professionals aged 18-25.

Possible reasons cited for this change in bingo demographics include increasing access to the internet making internet bingo popular with younger players who are adept at computer use. Other reasons include the chance for social interaction through the use of chat rooms which are a very popular feature of internet bingo.UK bingo giants Mecca and Gala maintain a large online presence and while both have seen a decline in business at their land based operations both report increased online participation.

It is no secret that the UK bingo industry is struggling with the residual effects of a recent smoking ban and a 22% tax on profits. Many land based bingo halls have closed putting hundreds out of work. The recent decision by Parliament to leave the 22% tax rate intact has further hurt the land based bingo industry.Judging by recent events and industry reports it would appear that the future of the bingo industry will be online.

Internet bingo players can play their favorite game from the comfort of their own home. The current recession has helped the internet bingo industry as many seek inexpensive home based entertainment. Internet bingo sites are providing bigger and better bingo bonuses to attract new players. Most sites now give players a sizeable bingo deposit bonus and players can double or even triple a deposit. The changing demographics insure that online bingo will continue to offer players their favorite game.