It Had to Happen-MTV Bingo!
Posted on July 8th, 2010
The popularity of internet bingo is an established fact in the UK. The near demise of land based bingo caused by the smoking ban and double taxation has sent thousands of bingo players online. Online bingo has also attracted a new demographic to the game; younger affluent, tech savvy players who enjoy the fast paced action of internet bingo. It has become a common sight to see people playing online bingo via mobile devices on trains and buses. New smart phone applications allow users to access the internet including most internet bingo websites.
The younger generation of bingo players has also changed the way some land based games are played. The popularity of ‘Rebel Bingo’ which was started in the UK has spread across the Atlantic to New York and other cities. Rebel Bingo club rules clearly state; No old people, No boring people, no wankers, no office parties, no work suits and several other unorthodox rules. Obviously the younger generation is determined to leave their mark on the game of bingo. Most of the bingo players in this age group could be called the ‘MTV generation.’ Most members of this generation grew up watching the latest music videos and MTV has shaped the musical tastes of a whole new generation.
In the UK there are more than 250 bingo websites competing for new players. Despite a saturated and limited market new bingo sites come online frequently. Recently it was learned that music giant MTV is planning to enter the online bingo industry. Obviously MTV bingo will be geared towards the young MTV generation. It has been revealed that MTV has made a deal with gaming giant 888’s b2b division and expert bingo provider Dragonfish to offer online bingo in the UK and Ireland. The new bingo brand will be called ‘Up Your Bingo’ and will be advertised by the MTV and VIVA networks and at their respective websites. MTV bingo is expected to go live sometime in July. The managing director of Dragonfish and 888 chief executive Gigi Levy stated, “[W]e wish to form partnerships with market leaders from other business sectors seeking to monetize their assets. MTV Networks is an internationally renowned brand, and we are proud to launch their first entry into online gaming.”
Most bingo industry experts expect the new MTV bingo site to target younger players like the ones playing Rebel Bingo. Most expect the new site to offer lively music and graphics designed to appeal to a younger audience. It is not yet known whether MTV bingo will accept US players.
