The History of Online Bingo: From Targeted Ads to Virtual Reality Rooms

Analysts from Data Bridge Market Research found that the online bingo market was worth $60 billion (£46 billion) in 2022. In the UK alone, UK Gambling Commission data shows that remote (online) bingo’s Gross Gambling Yield during the same period was more than £178 million.

Using the current figures and projected evolution of bingo technology, the analysts at Data Bridge Market Research also predict the market will be worth $145 billion (£111 billion) by 2030. This rise to prominence, as you’d expect, didn’t happen overnight.

Although online bingo is now a mainstream activity, it all started with a free-play platform known as Gamesville’s Bingo Zone. Launched in 1996, Bingo Zone was part of the Gamesville network, a free-to-play site that generated revenue through targeted ads. Users had to register to play. Part of that process included demographic information so that the software could link users to relevant advertisers.

From a Simple Game to Multifaceted Fun

Players didn’t have to pay for tickets on Bingo Zone, which meant it wasn’t classed as gambling. However, there were prizes up for grabs. This started a trend that subsequent sites, such as Bingo Blitz and Uproar, took to new levels. From there, we get into the noughties and the advent of regulated online gambling. This gave players the ability to play online bingo for real money prizes.

Today, it’s not only possible to play bingo for real money prizes, but also to do so in a variety of unique ways. Indeed, the products available at modern bingo sites are far beyond what early platforms such as Bingo Zone offered. From “Bargain Basement” games to Deal or No Deal 90 Ball Bingo and progressive jackpot rooms, there’s something for everyone.

In fact, what’s even more interesting about the bingo revolution is the innovations it has ushered in. Modern bingo sites have chat rooms where people can interact and compete for special prizes. The top sites also offer bonuses, such as free game tickets and mini-games (slots you can play while you’re in a bingo room). The introduction of mini-games has made bingo particularly attractive to tablet users. Basically, you can still have as much fun as desktop players despite the smaller screen size.

The Future of Bingo

The evolution of online bingo has made it popular with people around the world, but what will drive the industry forward over the next few years? More specifically, why do analysts believe that the industry will experience compound annual growth of 11.70% between now and 2030? Virtual reality (VR) could be the answer.

Although VR adoption isn’t happening as quickly as expected, there are signs that it could transform a variety of popular games, including bingo. The products currently on the market are, admittedly, experimental. That being said, there is promise. For example, Bingo VR for Meta puts a spin on the game by tying it in with an alien invasion. Basically, matching numbers helps the human race push back against the aliens. Assuming similar products prove popular, licensed gambling operators could easily create their own VR games where cash prizes replace aliens.

Maybe VR bingo will become a thing. Maybe it won’t. What matters, however, is that it’s now a multifaceted leisure activity thanks to digital technology. The primary aim remains the same, i.e., match numbers and win prizes. However, these innovations have given people more reasons to play. This has increased the game’s appeal and, more importantly, diversified its demographic.

Digital Innovations Increase Participation in All Games

Most interesting of all is how bingo’s evolution plays into broader trends within gambling and gaming. The advancement and proliferation of digital technologies have changed the way we play games. Chess is another great example.

Popular sites such as Chess.com have opened up the game to millions of players around the world. Couple these sites with artificial intelligence-based learning tools and popular streamers such as GothamChess, and more people are playing chess than ever before.

The message here is clear: digital technology has made gaming more accessible, exciting and appealing to the masses. Bingo is no longer a basic game. It’s layered, which is why more people are playing it. Moreover, if the experts are right, it will be even more popular in the coming years.