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.

It is no secret that most online bingo sites targeting the UK operate offshore because of heavy taxation in the UK. Recently the UK government has investigated the offshore bingo sites and is considering legislation that would require all bingo sites doing business in the UK to be licensed in the country. Currently offshore bingo sites pay no taxes in the UK and sites licensed in the UK are currently subject to a 15% tax on online bingo games. The government’s investigation has triggered speculation that things are about to change for offshore bingo sites.

The offshore bingo sites are not illegal by newly proposed licensing requirements could have a great impact on the internet bingo industry. Bingo sites outside of the UK have a huge advantage over their land based counterparts and bingo sites licensed in the UK. Currently land based bingo halls are required to pay a 15% tax, a VAT tax and high local licensing fees. This year several local governments doubled and in some cases even quadrupled license fees for bingo halls. A clear majority of smaller land based operators support equal taxation levels at 15%. There are several major companies that have land based and offshore operations.

As if the high taxation rates haven’t caused enough problems the Gambling Commission recently forced several bingo halls to switch off hundreds of slot machines. In some bingo halls slot games account for as much as 40% of all income. Some bingo halls held multiple licenses giving them the ability to operate more fruit machines but the government has closed down the loophole. News reports said that one major bingo operator was forced to shut down 700 slot machines and the action by the Gambling Commission could spell disaster for several bingo halls in the UK.

Offshore bingo sites only pay a 1% tax compared with the 15% they would have to pay in the UK. Offshore companies are able to profit from advertising freely in the UK while paying no taxes for the privilege. At some major bingo sites 50% of all profits go towards affiliate fees and another 15% is paid in software licensing fees. Bingo sites must also pay for advertising and marketing to attract new players. Since bingo sites licensed in the UK have to pay all of these fees on top of high taxes it is easy to see that offshore online bingo sites have a clear competitive advantage. Given the massive deficits the UK government is facing it is inevitable that the government will close the tax loopholes and require bingo sites to have a British-specific licence.

Bingo is probably one of the simplest games to play. It is not necessary to learn complicated strategies and techniques; bingo is a random game of chance. Basically players purchase their bingo cards and mark them as the numbers are called. Players at bingo sites can use auto daub to mark their numbers automatically. This feature allows players to mark several cards at once. Like slots bingo is pretty random and based on luck but there are a few things bingo players can do to give themselves an edge.

Players should always try to find the best bonuses. Most bingo sites offer players substantial deposit bonuses. Usually deposit bonuses are based on a percentage of a deposit. Many bingo sites offer bonuses as high as 500%. Look for a site that has ongoing bonuses. Many bingo sites have started to offer various bonuses to established players designed to give players more value for their money. Don’t forget to read and understand the terms and conditions associated with bonus offers.

Players should find a favorite site and play often. Most reputable bingo sites have player loyalty programs and schemes. Many bingo sites are now giving players exclusive bonuses and cash back offers. Players can win points for every wager and collect real cash that can be used to play more games. Bingo bonuses are no longer limited to new players and more bingo providers are offering bonuses designed for player retention. Take advantage of all the bonuses available.

Players should save large wagers for progressive jackpot bingo games. Progressive jackpot bingo games are won if a player scores a full house within a certain number of calls. Players should keep a record of jackpot hits and look for any patterns that may emerge. The only time players should make large bets is when a large cash prize is on the line. It makes no sense to bet large for a small jackpot. Try to find games without a lot of players and your odds of winning will be increased.

Always check the game schedule for specials and promotions. Guaranteed jackpot games are always a good choice especially if the jackpot is large. Many bingo sites offer buy one get one free bingo cards. The more cards played the better the odds of winning. Players that take advantage of the best bonuses are ahead of the game and have increased their chances for a big bingo win.

According to recent figures the British population is estimated at about 60,000,000 people. A recent survey showed that 60% of the population used the internet daily. In 2010 there were 19.2 million British households with an internet connection. 73% of all UK households have an internet connection and broadband access in increasing. London has the largest internet access and 83% of all London households are connected to the internet. The lowest level of internet access is the north east where only 59% of all households had internet access. In 2010 30.1 million British adults (60%) used the internet every day or almost every day.

Internet bingo is big business in the UK and over 4,000,000 people play at bingo sites regularly. Industry estimates say that 30% of all online bingo players are under thirty years old. Most younger players played at bingo sites every day. Bingo is no longer looked upon as a game for the elderly. Amazingly out of a population of sixty million about 7% of the entire British population play online bingo regularly. This is good news for UK bingo sites and the number of online players has been increasing in recent years. Out of a population of sixty million forty eight million people use the internet daily and four million people play at bingo sites every day or almost daily.

In addition to those playing at bingo sites millions more play at live bingo halls. Many in the bingo industry look at live bingo players as potential online bingo players. Since the national smoking ban was implemented in 2007 millions of players turned to online bingo and bingo sites reported a rapid increase in the number of players online. Online bingo also has the advantage of being much less expensive than games at live bingo halls. This gives internet bingo a distinct advantage over live bingo clubs. Even better most bingo sites offer players an extensive selection of side games including video poker, roulette, casino games, pull tab games and slot games.

A recent industry report indicated that slots are very popular at most bingo sites and the online bingo industry has created a demand for new and original slot games. Figures show that while the land based bingo industry remains static the online bingo industry is experiencing steady growth. In recent years online bingo has expanded into new European markets and the expansion continues to this day.

The online bingo industry is constantly searching for new markets to enter. In the UK which is the world’s largest bingo market there are over 400 bingo sites targeting the UK and many experts say that the UK market is saturated. Latin America may be the new hot market for bingo sites. Bingo is well established in Latin America and electronic bingo is the most popular game at most Latin American casinos. 90 ball bingo is already a popular game throughout Central America, South America and Mexico. There are also US style 75 ball bingo games. Observers say that bingo games in these countries are very high energy and animated games.

In most Latin American countries gambling has traditionally been linked to the tourism industry. Latin America is home to about 569 million people who spend a large portion of their income on gambling. Some experts believe that if all legal and illegal gambling were combined the area would generate $150 billion dollars a year. Many bingo sites are licensed in Costa Rica which has a thriving online gambling industry. Costa Rica, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Peru and Venezuela are the most prolific countries for gambling and popular games include slot machines, casinos, horse-racing, lotteries, bingo and Internet gaming.

Recent years have seen a widespread increase in broadband access and increased computer ownership. This makes Latin American perfect for bingo sites and other internet gambling providers. Even better, most of these countries (with the exception of Venezuela) encourage foreign investment. In most Latin American countries foreign investors receive equal treatment with residents and in some countries foreign investors are given special treatment. Latin American countries are also well on their way to recovering from the global recession and in 2010 the region benefitted from 4% growth. Most economists expect economic growth to continue in Latin America.

Mobile penetration in Latin America has been extensive. In 2009 mobile phone use was well above the world average at 80% and over 469 million people are using mobile phones. This could easily create a burgeoning market for bingo sites offering mobile bingo. In Europe language barriers have been easily overcome by the bingo industry and games in Spanish and Portuguese could easily be provided to Latin American players.  Credit card use is extensive in Latin American making it easy for bingo players to establish accounts. Latin America could easily be the next hot market for bingo sites.

This year internet bingo operators will be paying close attention to the bottom line. The industry has gotten fiercely competitive and bingo operators are looking for any advantage. Many bingo sites are now targeting casual gamblers and affluent middle class players. For many bingo still has a dowdy reputation and many still think of the typical bingo player as a blue haired chain smoking pensioner sitting in a smoky bingo hall surrounded by a collection of outlandish daubers and good luck charms. For many middle class ladies in the UK playing at bingo sites has become a guilty pleasure. For many middle class players one of the main attractions of online bingo is that no one need know they are participating in a game dominated by negative stereotypes.

For the past few years land based bingo clubs in the UK have been beset by the implementation of a draconian smoking ban, double taxation, a £500 on slot machine jackpots and the effects of the global recession. All of these factors have combined into a perfect storm that has caused widespread bingo hall closures across the UK.  The very same factors have also been largely responsible for the rapid growth on internet bingo. In 2007 there were about 200-250 bingo sites targeting the UK and today there are about 400 almost double the 2007 figure.

Last year many bingo sites reported record profits. The series of severe storms in the UK sent stranded players online resulting in record fourth quarter profits for many bingo sites. The bingo industry, while not recession proof, has proved itself to be recession resistant. Online bingo fit the needs of players affected by the recession and provided inexpensive entertainment with the added benefit of a chance to win money. The difference in land based bingo demographics vs. online bingo was summed up by 888 CEO Gig Levy who stated, “Online bingo is booming everywhere. But it’s a mistake to link it to traditional bingo, because that’s a completely different proposition. Our women are young, above average income and typical internet consumers. Land-based bingo is about elderly people, smoking and aggressive slot machines.”

Male bingo players are somewhat unusual but several men play at bingo sites to avoid criticism. James Preece says it is less embarrassing to play at bingo sites than it is to play in a room filled with elderly female pensioners. The many new nontraditional players at bingo sites ensure that the industry will remain profitable for years to come.

Recent news reports indicate that Barney Frank’s 2010 bill that would tax and regulate online gambling has been revived. Frank has joined with republican John Campbell to introduce the Internet Gambling Regulation, Consumer Protection, and Enforcement Act in the House of Representatives. The internet bingo industry is following developments related to this piece of legislation closely. Industry hopes are high that this time the bill will be passed. The bill could re open the US market for bingo sites.

Since 2006 when strict anti online gambling legislation was passed UK and European online bingo sites were prohibited from accepting deposits from American players. Most of the leading UK bingo sites have turned American players away limiting the options of American players. Despite US laws many bingo sites still accept US players complicating the current situation. Most bingo sites accepting US players are not licensed in the UK or Europe. American players must resort to some exotic funding options since most online payment processors have exited the US market. Several prominent payment services attracted the attention of the US Department of Justice and were heavily fined and some have had millions in assets seized by the US government.

Many in the gaming industry had high hopes after the election of Obama but were disappointed by the inaction of house and senate Democrats in overturning online gambling laws. Most analysts say that the US is missing out on billions in potential tax revenue by continuing the ineffective ban on online gambling. The tough economic climate in the US has prompted several states to investigate the possibility of setting up official online gaming sites to help mitigate massive deficits. Many feel that Frank’s bill has a good chance of passage and that the US may see online gambling sometime in the near future.  Nevada and New Jersey may be the first states to offer legal online gambling.

Of course internet bingo operators are pleased at the prospect of millions of new American players. Most bingo sites are already prepared for the expected influx of American players should Frank’s bill be successful. The technology and infrastructure are already in place so the transition to legal online gaming the US should go smoothly. In addition to the US several European countries are liberalizing their online gambling laws. The Netherlands just legalized online gambling and expects to make millions auctioning gaming licenses. For online bingo 2011 looks like a very good year!

For anyone who spends a considerable amount of time online security is paramount. There are cyber criminals just waiting to steal personal banking information and many criminals have designed malicious programs that can wreck a computer in a matter of minutes. Internet security companies are having a hard time keeping up with the onslaught of malicious programs and security threats. Most cyber crime originates in three areas, Russia, Ukraine and China. A recent Reuters report detailed a company located in Ukraine whose specialty is creating malicious programs and fake anti spyware programs.

Are players at bingo sites safe? For the most part yes. Most online bingo sites go to great lengths to protect their players. After all if a player visits a bingo site and gets infected with a computer virus or a nasty piece of malware they are unlikely to visit that bingo site again. Fortunately most malware requires user interaction to be installed. There are some programs that are installed via a ‘drive by download.’ These programs can be installed without the consent or knowledge of the user. Programs installed in this manner are usually designed to steal banking information and can remain dormant and unnoticed until the user accesses a bank or credit card account. Once the user accesses the account the program goes into action and records account details and passwords. There are several security programs, some of them free that can eliminate these threats.

Players at bingo sites must provide certain information such as name, address, email, and other information. Fortunately for internet bingo players reputable bingo sites use sophisticated encryption programs that are constantly changing and are immune from hackers. Encryption programs are standard equipment for banks, credit card companies and payment services doing business online. Well known encryption programs include Thawte, Comodo, Geo Trust and Verisign. Most bingo sites have the logo of the encryption program they use on the home page or in the security or FAQ section.

One of the biggest problems faced by players and computer users in general is the proliferation of fake anti spyware programs. Usually a popup ad appears that says the computer is infected and offers a free scan. No matter what option is chosen the program is installed and within hours a computer can be wrecked. Fortunately it is easy for players to avoid infection since the installation requires user interaction. If such an ad appears simply disconnect from the internet or restart the computer. Under no circumstances should a player click on the popup.

Internet bingo is probably the safest form of online gambling. It is also one of the most entertaining and inexpensive form of internet gaming. Where else can players win so much money for such small wagers?

The town of Sarnia is located in Ontario Canada just across the bridge from Detroit. At one time millions of players regularly crossed the bridge into Canada to patronize the casinos in the Windsor Sarnia area. The recession which has hit Detroit hard has drastically cut the number of players crossing the bridge to play at Canadian casinos. Ten years ago Sarnia had ten bingo halls and was considered the ‘bingo capitol’ of Canada. Today only one bingo hall is left and the last remaining bingo hall is facing financial trouble.

Currently Bingo Country is the only bingo hall operating in Sarnia. In Canada charities take turns running games at commercial bingo halls. Many charities have been left homeless by the closure of Sarnia’s bingo halls. Bingo Country has agreed to accommodate 41 charities left homeless by the recent closure of Harvey’s Bingo.  Six months ago Bingo Country purchased the license of Harvey’s bingo and tried to make a go of the struggling business.  Game attendance declined and Bingo Country was forced to close the bingo hall forever. George Prue, regional manager at Bingo Country stated, “Charities at Harvey’s earned less than $100 per session, sometimes as little as $25. We tried very hard to turn things around at Harvey’s but it still wasn’t enough to keep it open.”

Bingo Country has added more nighttime and weekend games for the convenience of players. It has been estimated that now Bingo Country will handle bingo games for about 100 charities. The groups support a wide range of causes and include Canada Day, the kidney foundation, Bluewater Gymnastics, Rebound, several schools and numerous service clubs. Canada is not the only country where land based bingo is in trouble. Last year about two bingo clubs closed each week in the United Kingdom. Several factors contributed to the closures including the national smoking ban, high taxation and increased local licensing fees for bingo halls.

While the land based bingo industry suffered setbacks most bingo sites reported increased profits. The number of players at internet bingo sites has increased by 80% in the UK since the imposition of the smoking ban. In Canada the decline is blamed on commercial casinos and competition from commercial bingo operations. In Canada many First Nations have opened elaborate gambling operations including massive bingo halls. One First Nations reserve has become a premiere licensing jurisdiction for the global internet gaming industry. For Sarnia the days of being the ‘bingo capitol’ are clearly over.