It’s no secret that many in the UK have been greatly affected by the global recession. The nation has a high unemployment rate and social service budgets are strained. Stocks are down and currencies are fluctuating wildly. Believe it or not there is one business sector that is actually benefitting from the economic downturn. Online gambling, and in particular online bingo operators, are posting strong year end reports. According to an article by Reuters News Service 888 Holdings expects its core profits for 2011 to be well above market expectations. The business has benefitted from its bingo, casino and poker operations.

The dismal economy has actually helped internet bingo and gaming operators as cash strapped Britons stay at home watching television and gambling on the internet. Many Britons fear that the country will sink back into another recession and are cutting expenses and discretionary spending. 888 Holdings, which operates casino, internet bingo sport and bingo brands, said that the company will invest in several newly regulated markets across Europe. In a statement the company said “This significant strategic investment, along with the increases in gaming duty, will have an impact on the group’s profit expectations. However, the board still expects results for the year ending Dec. 31 2012 to be slightly ahead of current market expectations.”

Several internet gambling companies are trying to break government monopolies in several European Union nations. The new markets are very lucrative and produced more than 80 billion Euros in 2010 and the numbers are expected to increase making European markets even more attractive to internet gambling operators. 888 posted very strong third quarter figures and revenues jumped by an impressive 42% year on year. In a statement 888 said “888 therefore expects clean EBIDTA [earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization] for the year ending 31st December 2011 to be significantly ahead of market expectations. 2012 is set to be a year of major opportunity for 888, with the opening of several newly-regulated markets across Europe. The Group intends to invest in these markets in order to establish and build market share.”

For internet bingo operators winter is traditionally a profitable season. UK residents tend to stay at home and entertain themselves. Last year when a series of severe winter storms struck the UK internet bingo and gaming operators reported a spike in the number of players online at any given time. It looks like internet bingo and gaming has a very bright future.

Bingo is an exciting random game of chance. Because it is random every player has an equal chance of winning. There is little a player can do to influence the outcome of a bingo game. Online bingo players can play at less crowded bingo rooms to increase their chances of winning or they may purchase a large number of cards. Card costs at online bingo rooms are minimal and internet bingo is probably the most affordable internet gambling game available on the internet. Since bingo is so inexpensive most players do not keep track of their bingo bankroll. The excitement of the games and lively chat rooms cause many players to lost track of how much they are spending. Bingo players should keep close track of their bankrolls just like casino gamblers.

Online bingo players should always establish a budget and stick to it. People with more money will naturally have a bigger bankroll while other players will have a limited budget. Players with low bankrolls can take advantage of free bingo games until they accumulate more money. At some online bingo sites players can win real cash playing free online bingo. Once a player has accumulated more money they can take part in higher stakes bingo games.

Bingo Bonuses are a great way for players to stretch those dollars and pounds. Some bingo sites offer a fixes amount as a bonus but most offer welcome bonuses based on a percentage of a player’s initial deposit. In addition most bingo sites provide players with re load bonuses and many special promotions that can reduce the cost of playing online bingo to almost nothing. Loyalty points and VIP status can provide even more cash to purchase bingo cards. Welcome deposit bonuses of 500% and up are common and most bingo sites provide players with an ongoing selection of generous bonuses.

There are some players that no matter how hard they try cannot stick to a bingo budget. For these players a special bingo bank account may be a good option. Having a separate bank account for bingo will keep bingo money separate from money used to pay rent, mortgage, utility bills and other necessary expenses. A special bingo bank account will help players to keep close track of bingo expenses.

Many bingo sites allow players to limit the amount they spend on bingo. For players unable to stick to a budget this is a great option. Players can set weekly or monthly amounts and the software will keep track of the money spent and will not allow players to go over the set amount. Managing a bingo bankroll is important and most bingo sites have options in place to help those players on a tight budget.

Earlier in the year several gaming companies released their first quarter figures. In the UK three of the biggest gaming companies credited online bingo for generating the most profits and supporting the rest of their gambling operations to some extent. 888 Holdings reported a 9% increase in first quarter revenues. 888 Holdings reported revenues of $75 million for the first quarter. The increase was caused by an increase in player numbers and spending. Player numbers in all gaming areas increased last year. Player numbers increased in the casino, poker, sports and bingo sectors.

Customer accounts increased across the board for most gaming operators but internet bingo was the star performer. It was an eventful time for 888 Holdings. The company had been considering a merger with Ladbrokes Plc since December 2010. The CEO of 888, Gigi Levy, said he was stepping down but remained on the board at 888 Holdings. Levy’s move helped the company avoid having to pay £48 million pounds for the purchase of well known Wink Bingo.888 Holdings had to stagger payments to for the buyout of Wink Bingo due to an unprecedented rise in gaming profits.

Rank Group, which owns several bingo halls and casinos as well as extensive internet bingo and casinos, reported a 2% increase in total revenues during the first quarter of 2011. Revenues from Rank’s Mecca bingo halls increased by 4% and the spending per customer continues to increase. Mecca bingo’s online operations experienced strong growth and revenues were aided by the launch of a new iPhone application.  Mobile bingo has become increasingly popular in the UK. Rank Group’s performance was helped by a tax refund of approximately £154million pounds but the decision is being appealed by the HMRC.

The third gaming company, Ladbrokes, reported strong first quarter figures. Ladbrokes’s casino and online bingo operations mitigated the damage caused by Ladbrokes exposure to a downturn in horseracing. Revenues from Ladbrokes’s bingo operations were up 18.8% and casino revenues grew by an astounding 23.9%. As a whole Ladbrokes’s revenues were up by 1.2%. So far online bingo has been recession resistant. Analysts say this is because more people are seeking inexpensive home based entertainment and more value for their pounds and dollars. The launch of new mobile applications has been a resounding success and some experts predict that mobile bingo will drive industry growth for the next two years. It is easy to see why many investors are enthusiastic about online bingo.

Fall is almost here and the long Labor Day weekend is just ahead. All around the world busy moms are making preparations for the upcoming school year. After all that hard work it’s time to relax with a good game of bingo and this month BingoHouse is hosting some very special events. Even better BingoHouse is offering some very generous Saturday deposit bonuses all month long. The fun begins with the Labor Day tournament that takes place on Monday September 5^th. Tournament games will take place in the autumn bingo room from 6PM (ET) to midnight. The Labor Day tournament will begin with a $50 free game will consist of starting multi part games, $10,000 coverall games and a mid hour High/Low game. Cards for this exciting tournament are only 75 cents. During the tournament every hour will start with a $50 free game. Bingo tournament games will feature special Labor Day patterns.

Bingo Coverall

On September 24^th BingoHouse is hosting a major bingo event. The 50K coverall and $10K minimum games will start at 8 PM (ET) with three $1K Guaranteed Games as Top of the Hour Games. The main event will start at 11 PM (ET) and is a bingo event not to be missed. Coverall games are popular with players because of their simplicity. Coverall games with jackpots this large are rare and BingoHouse is pleased to host this event. For those that have never played coverall games, or blackout bingo, coverall games require players to cover all of the spaced on the card to win. The card must be covered within a certain number of calls. Usually 50 to 60 of the 75 bingo numbers are called before there is a winner. Don’t miss these exciting games.

Bingo Deposit Bonuses

Throughout the month of September BingoHouse is giving current players some very generous deposit bonuses. Every Saturday huge bonuses will be awarded to players depositing $100 or more. On September 3^rd and the 17^th all deposits over $100 will receive a 5005 bonus during the Bonus Blowout promotion. On September 10^th and 24^th deposits of $100 will receive a 300% bonus as part of BingoHouse’s Bonus Bonanza. This is a great opportunity for current players with low account balances to boost their balances. As usual all new players will receive a 500% bonus on their first deposit at BingoHouse and all new players receive $20 worth of totally free bingo. For more information on these promotions, visit the BingoHouse Promotions page.

An earlier report by Juniper about mobile gaming growth.

Mobile Gaming: Trending Upward

Earlier in the year a survey and report by Juniper Research predicted that the mobile entertainment market will be worth $54 billion in gross revenues by 2015. The report also said that mobile gaming will be the fastest growing sector. Smart phones are now a part of everyday life for millions, possible billions, and the number of applications available is being credited with the recent surge in revenues. The report valued the mobile entertainment in 2010 at $33 billion. The report observed that the combination of app stores and smart phones has created a widespread awareness of the services available including social media, games, video and streamed music.

Big Changes in Store For Mobile Bingo

A more recent study by H2 Gambling Capital, a UK gaming research specialist, predicts a bright future for mobile gaming in the UK and Europe during the next five years. The research firm has been monitoring online gaming information for about a year and has published the results. The study pointed out that last year mobile gambling accounted for 9.8% of all interactive gambling and 0.6% of gross gaming revenues globally. Analysts made a conservative prediction that mobile gaming will increase to 12.9% of all interactive gaming and will produce 0.9% of the gross gambling yield by 2013.

Current Figures & Predictions

The report pointed out that last year the mobile gaming market was worth about € 2.22 billion euros. Analysts expect this figure to double to € 5.4 billion euros by 2015. This equals an annual growth rate of 19.3%. The report contains more interesting information. Betting on racing accounts for 77% of the global mobile gaming market. In 2010 the Japanese Racing Association accounted for 57%of the total horseracing market. The report predicts that during the next five years the focus will shift from racing to online casino gaming. The report says that by 2015 betting will account for about 50% of the mobile gaming market and mobile casino and bingo will account for about 40% of the total gaming market.

Tips For Mobile Bingo Players

Many Online bingo operators have already realized the potential of mobile gaming and have launched mobile applications for their games. Many industry experts expect mobile bingo to be the fastest growing sector of the online bingo industry well into 2011. Mobile bingo is now widely available in the United Kingdom and Europe. Players love the convenience provided by mobile bingo and players can play a quick game from anywhere a signal can be received. Mobile technology is rapidly evolving and who knows what the future may hold for mobile bingo?

In 2006 the United States passed draconian legislation against online gambling. Enforcement was lax for a few years but for some reason the Obama administration suddenly decided to enforce the laws against online gambling. Poker sites were seized and one major bingo network went out of business. US officials actually seized one online bingo site. No reasons were given for the sudden actions and no explanation has been forthcoming from the Obama administration.

Enter Internet Cafes

After the passage of legislation banning online gambling many turned to internet cafes for their gambling fix. Basically internet cafes provide internet access for a fee and may charge by the hour or the minute. To make things even more interesting many internet cafes run private raffles and lotteries. Customers also have access to online slots and in some cases online bingo. The gaming activities at internet cafes have attracted the attention of authorities in many states.

In 2009 a man from Salt Lake City was charged with running illegal bingo games. Undercover agents discovered that customers were playing cash bingo online. The investigation lasted nine months and resulted in felony charges against the proprietor. During one visit undercover officers observed fifteen active computer screens that were not connected to the internet but displayed online bingo screens with the odds of winning and the payouts. Officers played a number of 25 cent bingo cards and filed charges. One officer was able to cash in his bingo winnings. On the day that officers served a search warrant fourteen people were playing cash bingo online.

Internet Cafes & The Authorities

Internet cafes have posed a problem for local authorities in many states. Authorities in many jurisdictions say the sweepstakes games and online bingo games are illegal. Some authorities say that internet cafes are designed to skirt gambling laws. Anti gambling groups have been very outspoken about their opposition to internet cafes. Keith Whyte, executive director of the National Council on Problem Gambling told reporters “What we’ve seen a lot with these Internet sweepstakes cafes is it’s a way to get around gambling laws. The only reason people are going to these facilities and spending so much time and money is because it’s gambling. If it wasn’t gambling, it wouldn’t be popular.”

In many states the gambling laws are vague and legislators have proposed new laws to regulate the activities at internet cafes. Owners of internet cafes say that the sweepstakes games they offer are not really gambling. Ultimately the courts will decide who is right.

The UK is the world’s largest internet bingo market and over four hundred bingo sites target British bingo players. Internet bingo is one of the most lucrative sectors of the online gaming industry and has exceeded previous predictions. In 2010 revenues from internet bingo hit the two billion dollar mark well ahead of industry forecasts. Bingo operators are using every marketing method at their disposal to get their share of the two billion dollar pie. During the past two years many bingo sites have launched a television advertising blitz. There is hardly a commercial television break without at least one ad for a bingo site. Some major bingo sites are sponsoring popular programs and characters like Jackpot joy’s ‘queen of bingo’ are well known nationally. Bingo sites without huge marketing budgets must use other marketing methods to survive.

Some bingo sites rely on affiliate marketing to acquire new players. Affiliate marketing is a relatively simple concept. One business, in this case a bingo site, pays a commission to other web based business, or affiliate business, for every new player that sign up at the bingo site. Some bingo sites have many affiliates that receive commissions for every new player. Online bingo is a perfect fit for affiliate marketing. Internet bingo is a unique niche market with very little competition from other gaming sectors such as online slots or poker. As has been mentioned bingo is a two billion dollar a year market and thanks to new mobile applications experts predict further bingo growth in 2011-12. The industry figures do not include the US market because currently the future of the US bingo market is uncertain because of recent government actions against several online gambling sites. So far most bingo sites have escaped the attention of US regulators but several bingo sites have withdrawn from the US market.

Internet bingo is seen by most as a ‘soft’ or ‘respectable’ form of gambling. The typical online bingo player is a female between the ages of 18 to 35. Most are middle class and have disposable income. Online bingo demographics make it a perfect fit for affiliate marketers. Studies have shown that women are more likely than men to play bingo online daily and spend significant amounts of time online. Affiliates for bingo sites could include women’s apparel sites, entertainment and gossip sites and just about any business that targets women. There are three very good reasons why internet bingo is suited for affiliate marketing; low competition, growing popularity and great niche marketing potential.

In the UK bingo has been a dazzling success story. Since the postwar years bingo has grown and is now considered a part of British culture. Although land based bingo suffered a severe decline after the imposition of a national smoking ban there has been a marked increase in the number of players now attending live bingo games. At some bingo halls business is so good that one major bingo operator plans to invest millions of pounds to update older bingo halls. Some in the industry say that internet bingo has been partially responsible for the renaissance of land based bingo in the UK.

Bingo is popular with players of all ages and economic backgrounds. Many well known British celebrities have been seen playing at bingo halls throughout the country. The game of bingo has lost none of its appeal despite the addition of new technologies and the astounding growth of internet bingo. For a few dark years many were afraid that live bingo could easily become a thing of the past due to many bingo hall closures and competition from bingo sites. Bingo halls were pressured by heavy taxation, increased local licensing fees, the smoking ban, the global recession and excessive regulation. Many bingo halls closed after the government set jackpot limits on slot and fruit machines in bingo halls.

Recent reports indicate that attendance at live bingo games is increasing. Many say that online bingo is partially responsible for the recent surge in players along with an improving economy. Many of the new players at bingo halls are under 30 and were first introduced to the game at online bingo sites. The new bingo statistics are reason for celebration by the live bingo industry. Just a few short years ago many were predicting the demise of land based bingo in the UK and at the time things looked pretty bleak for the live bingo industry. Coincidentally the rise of online poker has caused an increase in the number of players at live poker games. It is clear that online and land based gambling enjoy a symbiotic relationship that has benefited both industries.

This year online bingo is jam packed with opportunities, huge cash prizes and the chance for players to interact with each other while enjoying exciting bingo games online. Most in the industry say that 2011 will be the best year ever for players at online bingo sites.

Internet bingo companies have been quick to identify new trends and adopt new technologies. The increased use of computers has had a profound impact on society around the world. The internet is global in scope and enables people from different nations and cultures to communicate instantly for a very low cost. The increase in the use of social networking sites such as Facebook indicates that people are using these sites for a wide variety of activities. There are over 500,000,000 Facebook users and internet bingo companies have been quick to take advantage of the opportunities provided by social networking websites.

Bingo has always been a social game and bingo sites are doing everything possible to establish bingo ‘communities’ among online players. The ability to play bingo with friends has always been an important aspect of the game and many players value the social aspect more than winning. Many bingo companies originally started off as gaming portals offering players a few bingo games and little else. As broadband access increased and computers got fasters bingo sites were able to add more interactive features such as chat rooms. Chat rooms were an instant hit with online bingo players and many improvements have been made since the first bingo chat room was launched. Bingo sites went to great lengths to make sure that the social needs of players were met.

Bingo sites added additional tools such as auto daub which eliminated the need for players to mark their bingo cards manually. Bingo sites were faced with the problem of how to expand their player base and attract and retain new players. Traditional advertising can be extremely expensive so many bingo sites turned to internet marketing techniques. Bingo companies searched for a platform where they could display their games and technologies to a wider audience. Facebook allowed bingo sites to do just that. Although Facebook has a strict no gambling policy many bingo sites set up fan pages and some bingo sites have developed individual Facebook bingo applications that provide players with free bingo.

Facebook pages offer bingo sites two major benefits. Facebook bingo pages allow bingo sites to showcase their games and bonuses and promotions offered to players. Players can play free games and then decide whether they want to log on to the bingo site and make a deposit and play for real cash. The second benefit is massive publicity. As has been mentioned Facebook has about a half billion regular users and many of these are potential online bingo players. Facebook is an inexpensive and efficient marketing tool for bingo sites.

Gaming research firm ‘Media & Entertainment Consulting Network’ has just released their new report titles Casual Gaming and Gambling on the Internet – 2nd Edition. A previous report pointed to the growing importance of casual players to the online gaming industry. Casual gaming online is well established and has been around for some time. Until now casual gaming has had a low profile but online gaming companies looking for new players have realized just how important casual players are to the online gaming industry.

Recently gaming giants 888 Holdings, PartyGaming and Playtech have invested heavily in the internet bingo sector. Several first quarter reports by several gaming companies underscore the fact that online bingo has been a driving force for increased revenues for several online gaming companies. In liberalized markets such as Italy casual players are the primary revenue-generating sector. In Italy internet bingo has been a big hit and thousands of new players have signed up at bingo sites throughout Italy.

For many online gaming companies the US market has been a tough nut to crack. Fantasy sports and skill gaming are strategies frequently used to enter legally restricted markets such as the United States. The recent seizure of several poker sites by the US government has sent severe shock waves through the online gaming industry. So far only poker sites have been targeted and bingo sites have been left alone-for now. Many gaming sites including some bingo sites are quietly withdrawing from the American market and are losing revenues as a result.

The report divides casual gaming into two categories; games where the outcome is based on luck such as online bingo games and games where the outcome is determined by skill and know- how like poker blackjack and other skill based games.  The report details how women are the key to casual gaming and contains a detailed analysis of the online bingo industry and the future of online bingo during the next five years. The importance of online communities and networks is discussed. Bingo operators have long known the importance of social interaction among players. At most bingo sites regular players have a sense of community aided by chat rooms and other social networking opportunities.

Media & Entertainment Consulting Network is one of the premiere sources for information and analysis of online gaming markets worldwide. The research firm has many valuable studies and reports available on their website. According to most reports the online bingo industry has a bright future ahead.