Bingo is a game that most people will have heard of because it has been a staple of community interaction and fun for many years. However, there’s no denying that the game has transformed somewhat in recent times, and much of this is thanks to technological advancements that have allowed providers to shift bingo’s focus from being just a land-based activity to one that takes advantage of the digital age. Nevertheless, whether you prefer in-person or online bingo will simply come down to preference and this is largely driven by which version you played first.
In this post, we’ll look at the history of bingo and will then evaluate the pros and cons of in-person and online versions of the game, so you can get an idea of which offering is better suited for your preferences.
The History of Bingo
Most people realise that bingo has been around for a long time, but did you know that the game can be traced back to the 16th century? Indeed, a game called lotto is what kickstarted the whole thing, with many evolutions taking place over subsequent centuries to create the version of bingo many of us know and love today.
Nevertheless, the name bingo doesn’t tend to create a singular image in the mind these days because there are lots of differences between in-person and online versions of the game. Although the core of the game remains the same, almost everything else about it is different in some way.
In-Person Bingo
Let’s start with in-person bingo, which is the version of the game that recent generations would consider the original way to play. It should be noted that in-person bingo remains popular to this day.
The Pros
- Community Interaction: Perhaps the biggest benefit of in-person bingo is that it involves meeting in one place to interact with other players. This has made it a social event for many people who play regularly with friends and family.
- Physical Experience: There’s something special about taking part in a physical game of bingo. Much like land-based casinos that offer immersive sights and sounds, bingo halls come with the benefit of a live caller and the sounds of players daubing their cards.
- Tradition: For older players, the feeling of taking part in a traditional game of bingo might feel more appealing.
- Local Business Support: When playing in-person bingo, you’re supporting a local business, rather than an online version hosted somewhere else in the world.
The Cons
- Limited Accessibility: Playing in-person bingo can be challenging for people who don’t live near a bingo hall.
- Time Constraints: Similarly, if you want to play in-person bingo, it will be on the business’s schedule, which may not align with your availability or that of other people you intend to play with.
- Limited Variety: In-person bingo halls are unlikely to offer the same range of game versions as an online establishment, which could mean players become bored quickly.
Online Bingo
Let’s now turn to online bingo, which has been around for a long time now but is still considered the modern version of the game to many.
The Pros
- Convenience: One of the best things about online bingo is that players can join a game whenever they want and wherever they are. The internet has genuinely brought the world of bingo into the comfort of homes around the world and has made it highly accessible.
- Beginner Friendly: Online bingo contains features like auto daubing, which makes it a great option for newcomers because there is no chance of them becoming overwhelmed as they try to keep up.
- Variation: One of the most exciting things about online bingo is that there are lots of variations to play, which can make things more fun and immersive. For example, you can expect to see bingo games themed on popular TV shows, such as Deal or No Deal, with bonus features for winners.
- International: Online bingo isn’t restricted to people living near a bingo hall. Instead, players can take part from all over the country and, in some cases, all over the world.
- Promotions: Perhaps the most enticing thing about online bingo is that players can benefit from top bingo offers, which often means bonus funds to play with for free.
The Cons
- Reduced Social Interaction: There’s no denying that there’s something special about the social side of in-person bingo. Of course, this isn’t as noticeable with online bingo, although modern chatrooms do help with this.
- Technical Barriers: Online bingo can be somewhat intimidating to those who aren’t comfortable with digital technology.
- Connection Issues: Likewise, online bingo is dependent on a stable internet connection, so any issues regarding this can disrupt the game immediately, which is frustrating.
- Unlimited Access: Although this could be seen as a positive, being able to play whenever you like can be a negative for those with gambling problems. If this sounds familiar, please seek advice from a gambling support organisation, such as GamCare.
