Over at the popular webzine sliversurfer a recent article pointed out the advantages of online bingo. The article emphasized that playing at bingo sites is easy, cheap and fun.  It is no secret that technology has a profound effect on society and the daily lives of millions. The internet has changed the way people shop, read news, access entertainment and play games and gamble. For some traditionalists online bingo seems like an attack on one of the great gambling games. Die hard bingo fans still crowd into bingo halls daubers at the ready waiting for the numbers to be called. For some traditionalists the advent of online bingo seems like “attack on the last bastion of gaming.”

The problem for traditionalists is that players are switching to online bingo in droves and with very good reason. The selection of games is huge and the jackpots are large. The days of two and three figure bingo jackpots are gone forever. Some traditionalists think that because the jackpots are huge at bingo sites it must cost a pretty penny to play online bingo games. Nothing could be further from the truth and at most bingo sites cards may be purchased for as little as a penny. While the stakes may be low the potential rewards are huge.

The generous bonuses available at most bingo sites has caused many a land based player to throw those old fashioned bingo daubers in the nearest trash bin. Bingo sites have made registration as easy as possible and are offering players generous player incentives and perks. Withdrawing winnings is quick and easy and in many cases bingo winnings can be directly deposited into personal bank accounts. During the past few months several bingo halls in the UK have participated in a program to teach pensioners and other players computer skills. Many older people are uncomfortable around computers and the program is designed to make players comfortable with computers.

Players who prefer the camaraderie of live bingo halls will be pleased to learn that they can still talk to other players online using bingo chat rooms. Games at bingo sites take place in a virtual bingo ‘room’ with a separate chat room. There is a moderator to make sure things remain civil and the chat never stops at bingo sites. For those that want to take a break from bingo there are plenty of side games to choose from. Games include online slots, poker, roulette, blackjack, keno and many others. It should come as no surprise why so many players prefer online bingo.

Summer is traditionally slow at most online bingo sites. Players abandon bingo games in favor of outdoor activities like swimming, camping, hiking and many other outdoor activities. In addition school is out leaving less time for busy moms to go online to play bingo games. Since there are few holidays during the summer bingo sites do not have many holiday promotions. Father’s Day is coming up and bingo sites are taking full advantage of the opportunity offered by this summer holiday. Since most online bingo players are women many people will not make the connection between online bingo and Father’s Day.

In the old days before online bingo fathers would head to the local pub while the wives attended games at the local High Street bingo hall. Back then many men would not be caught dead in a bingo hall but times have changed thanks to internet bingo. Today there are even a few websites devoted to bingo for men and one site has the slogan “putting the balls back in bingo.” In spite of all the advances men have made in the world of bingo the general consensus is still that bingo and men don’t mix. Bingo is still perceived as a game for women but that hasn’t stopped most bingo sites from running Father’s Day promotions.

For most people Father’s Day involves the purchase of a card and gift and listening to the old man’s stories. Thanks to the father’s day promotions bingo players can win some pretty nice gifts for dad. One site is offering bottles of champagne with custom printed labels with dad’s name on the bottle. Some bingo sites are offering increased bingo bonuses for father’s day and some are offering male oriented prizes. The increased jackpots some sites are offering will enable lucky winners to have a very special father’s day. Since father’s day is only four days away players have a limited time to take advantage of all of the father’s day bonuses, jackpots and prizes.

Father’s day is providing bingo sites with one of the few promotional opportunities available during the long summer months. Players should hop online and take advantage of all of the special father’s day promotions during the short time left until the holiday.

There are hundreds of bingo sites online and millions of people play bingo online on the internet weekly. In the UK there are over 3 million regular online players making the UK the world’s largest online bingo market. Globally there are over 100 million bingo players and a sizable portion of these players play bingo games online. There are generally two types of online bingo players; those that play at a single bingo site and those that play at multiple bingo sites. In the not so distant past it was common for bingo sites to offer free no deposit bingo games which led to the practice of ‘bonus jumping.’ Bonus jumping is when a player signs up at a bingo site, plays the bonus, and moves on to the next bonus offer. Bingo operators became aware of this practice and most have withdrawn their free no deposit games in favor of other player incentives such as larger deposit bonuses.

Many new players may wonder whether it is better to play at a single bingo site or multiple sites. There are advantages to both strategies and both strategies enable players to get their hands on some really great deals and plenty of online bingo freebies. For those players who like to play at several bingo sites the main advantage is variety. Some players are easily bored and when they tire of games at one site they can simply go to a different bingo site. Players at multiple bingo sites can also take advantage of several bonuses and promotions. Today most bingo sites require a small deposit in order to access games but thanks to industry competition deposit offers have never been better.  There are generally two types of deposit bonuses; fixed amount bonuses and bonuses based on a percentage of an initial deposit. It is commo0n for bingo sites to offer bonuses in the 300% to 500% range on first deposits. Players that like variety can take advantage of several generous bonus offers.

There are also advantages for players that prefer to play at a single bingo site. Recently many bingo sites have revamped their loyalty programs and loyal players can find some really great deals. Long term players may be eligible for various ‘VIP’ programs. Many loyalty and VIP programs offer players cash back, free bonuses, exclusive high stakes games, gifts, loyalty points and other incentives. It is clear that there are advantages to both options and the choice is simply a matter of personal preference.

A recent survey by Virgin Games revealed some very interesting gambling statistics about online bingo players and their social lives. It has been well established that most online bingo players value social interaction and a sense of community. Generally bingo players are a gregarious lot and enjoy socializing during bingo games online. At land based bingo halls talking is taboo once the games begin and anyone foolish enough to talk during games will incur the wrath of other players. Players at bingo sites happily chat away during games using the chat feature available at most bingo sites.

The survey involved 627 players and showed that about 44% of all players at Virgin’s sites had made online friendships while playing online bingo. About 18% of these players arranged to meet in person and 22% of all respondents said they share personal and family issues with their online bingo friends. 34% said that playing bingo online had improved their social life and an amazing 695 said that online bingo had replaced playing at land based bingo halls. Out of the 627 surveyed four players said they had formed romantic relationships and one wedding between online players had been arranged.

Alan Thomas, the head of customer relations management at Virgin stated “When we put out this survey we really had no idea what to expect. We are genuinely thrilled that our customers get more than a bit of fun out of playing at Virgin Bingo – it seems a number of them have truly enriched their social lives through new friendships – and in one case a wedding! There is a lot of focus on the negative impact of online gaming, I think this demonstrates for a lot of people it provides a point of common interest and can bring something to people’s lives.”

One player shared how playing at bingo sites had enabled her to cope with taking care of her husband who has Alzheimer’s disease and how playing online bingo had helped her to deal with adversity. The unnamed player stated “Since I became completely dependent on family for outdoor transport (plus my husband needs 24 hour care he has Alzheimer’s disease) my life has taken on new meaning through my bingo friends. If I need to talk, whatever time of day or night, there is always someone there either online, Facebook or phone so I am in contact 24/7. Even with family close by they find it difficult to provide the conversation I need, and there is no communication with my husband – so my bingo friends provide that link. I could not survive if I couldn’t have a moan and a groan and of course the laughs. Then of course there is bingo itself – I used to go to landline clubs several times a week – now I log on and play whenever I want with the chance of winning some serious money (which I have a couple of times I’m pleased to say).”

It is clear that the ability to socialize is very important to most players at online bingo sites. For those that are homebound online bingo has been a blessing. The survey by Virgin revealed just how much players value their online friendships.

Many older bingo players have never used the internet and have no idea how to operate a computer. Statistics in the UK have shown that how a person plays bingo is determined by age. Younger players prefer to play at online bingo sites while older players prefer live bingo halls. Surprisingly there are many older online bingo players. A few years ago when the national smoking ban was imposed on bingo halls many older players learned how to use computers and play online. After the launch of the smoking ban bingo sites reported a 63% increase in player numbers. Today a clear majority of players at bingo sites are women between the ages of 18 through 35.

One Mecca bingo hall in Dagenham UK plans to offer free internet and will help people learn how to use the internet. Dotcom pioneer Martha Lane Fox launched the Mecca bingo program and will provide club members with free internet access and lessons on what players can do on the internet. The lessons will help players learn how to use email, Skype, shopping online and how to surf the internet. Fox told reporters, “So many companies only want to talk to you online, and for a lot of people that just isn’t possible. Getting people online is really about communication – seeing people Skype their family free, shop around for deals and email their friends and family is amazing.”

The Mecca bingo program is part of Fox’s Race Online 2012, her project to help the 9.2million adults in the UK who do not have internet access. Fox wants to make learning fun for participants. Fox stated, “We are talking to bingo halls, pubs and everywhere else people go, and we’re so pleased this has finally happened. People’s reaction has been amazing. It’s not about computers and the internet; it’s about people having fun.” The manager of the Mecca bingo hall said he hopes other Mecca clubs will adopt the idea.

Although the lessons will take place in a live bingo hall many players will probably go online to check out the hundreds of bingo sites targeting the UK market. Many bingo sites offer free bingo which is a perfect opportunity for these new computer users to learn how to play online bingo. Computers are a necessity nowadays and the program is sure to benefit pensioners and older citizens.

Many people have suggested that 2011 may be the year when the US will loosen its internet gambling laws and allow US citizens to dispose of their hard earned dollars as they see fit. Since the passage of draconian US laws in 2006 billions of dollars have flowed offshore to unregulated and untaxed gambling sites that continue to accept American players. There has been a recent bipartisan effort in the US House of Representatives to introduce legislation that would license and tax online gaming companies doing business in the United States. Obviously this will include bingo sites and currently thousands of Americans continue to play online bingo in spite of federal regulations.

In the UK just about every town has its own bingo hall which serves as a social center for many seniors and pensioners. Just about every pub has slot machines and most cities have at least one casino. In the UK there is little or no criminal activity associated with gambling. In contrast many US states ban gambling entirely including online gambling and electronic games. In Alabama there has been a long and drawn out court battle regarding electronic bingo. Many Europeans find it unusual that a country would ban bingo sites but allow citizens to purchase firearms easily.

Currently US law bars banks, credit card companies and online payment processors from handling gambling related transactions. Because of these regulations the law of unintended consequences has kicked in. American players at bingo sites are forced to use the services of less than scrupulous banking options and American players at bingo sites do not enjoy the protections provided to European and UK players. Americans must play at sites operating outside of US law and unfortunately there are shady operators taking advantage of the current situation.

Regulation of offshore operators would protect American players. The bingo industry is hoping that some sort of US legislation can be passed this year but many political observers are not optimistic. The current Republican majority in the House is seen as unsympathetic to online gambling including bingo sites. In fact one of the representatives that sponsored the original anti online gambling legislation now chairs the committee that would review and approve the legislation to regulate online gambling.

Licensed and regulation would put the dishonest operators out of business quickly. Legalized internet gaming would also stem the flow of billions of untaxed dollars offshore. It is time for the US to move into the 21st century and join the rest of the world in regulating and taxing online gambling.

February has come and gone and most bingo players are thinking about spring after a long cold winter. In November and December of 2010 UK and European bingo players were kept homebound by a series of severe winter storms that made roads impassable and travel all but impossible. To keep warm millions of players logged on at their favorite online bingo sites and spent hours playing online bingo. February was a busy month for online bingo and several new bingo sites were launched. Winter is usually the busiest time for most bingo sites and as the weather gets warmer bingo players abandon their usual bingo games in favor of outdoor activities.

Some of the new bingo sites had a familiar look and are part of a bingo network and others are stand alone bingo sites. Networked bingo sites are usually a turnkey operation and all of the work has already been done by the network provider. Stand alone bingo sites must employ game developers and software specialists and are typically more expensive to launch. All of the new bingo sites have one thing in common; they are all offering spectacular bonuses and incentives to new players. Industry competition is fierce and many new bingo sites are competing against well established industry giants with plenty of capital to spare. Deposit bonuses at the new sites range from 100% to 300% on all initial deposits. In addition many new sites are providing players with re deposit bingo bonuses.

It is a well established fact that bingo sites have a very high player retention rate. New bingo sites must offer players something different if they are to compete against the big boys in the industry. Progressive jackpot games and side games like slots are a big attraction some players. Some of the new bingo sites have added slot games with sizable progressive jackpots. Site reviews for the new players have been mixed. Some have been given high ratings by players while others have not garnered favorable reviews.

One of the new bingo sites has added webcams to the mix and many in the industry are watching developments closely. Web Cams provide players with face to face communication and many sites are already using webcams for live bingo callers. In the very near future several new bingo sites will be launched and several site launched are planned for March. Rumor has it that there is a possibility that the US may repeal its online gambling laws. If that happens things could get really interesting!

Just about everyone has made an assumption not based on evidence at one time or another. Stereotyping can lead many to make erroneous assumptions about groups of people or cultures and sub cultures. When most people think of bingo they usually imaging groups of older women sitting in smoky bingo halls and church basements. For decades bingo has been seen as dominated by pensioners and older players. Very few people picture male players when they think of bingo and although there are many more female players than male players the true figures may surprise some.

A random sampling of 2,167 online bingo players in the United Kingdom showed that about 27.2% of all players at British bingo sites are male, a higher percentage than previously thought. The remaining 83% are women of various ages. Most players at bingo sites tend to be younger players who are comfortable with using computers and new technologies. In fact there are very few internet bingo players over the age of 65. There are many very interesting figures that reveal just how much most bingo players spend at bingo sites and how often they win.
About 60% of all players at bingo sites say they have won about £101 pounds ($164.145 USD) annually playing internet bingo games.
About half of all players at UK bingo sites spend up to £50 pounds ($81.2600 USD) a week playing internet bingo.
About 40% of all bingo players report their bingo spending to their spouse or significant other.
70% of all players at UK bingo sites make use of the chat rooms provided by the bingo sites.

Male players are gaining ground at bingo sites. In the UK there are actually a few websites targeting male players. One of these sites has the motto, “putting the balls back in bingo.” At a few bingo sites romance has blossomed between some male and female players and there has even been a successful marriage proposal. Despite male gains internet bingo is still dominated by the ladies. If one watches the many television ads for internet bingo it is very obvious who the ads are targeting. A majority of TV ads for internet bingo are aired during popular daytime soap operas watched mostly by women. Many in the industry say that if bingo sites can attract more male players while retaining female players if could provide a much needed surge in new players for bingo sites.

It is hard to imagine a place where there is intense opposition to a harmless game of internet bingo but in the state of Alabama the bingo battle continues. The last elections saw the inauguration of a new governor and the replacement of former governor Riley an anti gambling extremist. Despite the fact that a large majority of Alabama residents favor legalized gambling former governor Riley took every action possible to thwart the desires of the majority. Most people thought that the controversy would end with Riley’s departure but newly elected Attorney General Luther Strange is now trying to shut down electronic bingo games on Indian reservations in the state.

One would think that there are more pressing issues facing Alabama such as massive deficits but AG Strange has other ideas. The Native Americans say that because paper bingo is legal in Alabama that electronic bingo is also legal. The tribes are operating under federal law that says they can conduct any games that are legal in the state. Newly elected governor Robert Bentley said during his campaign that bringing jobs to Alabama would be a priority. Gambling has brought thousands of jobs to the state and thousands lost their jobs because of former governor Riley’s policies pandering to a tiny minority of gambling opponents in the state.

In a letter to the National Indian Gaming Commission AG Strange asked the organization to bad electronic bingo machines. In his letter Strange wrote, “I would ask that any regulations make clear that the mere fact that traditional bingo is allowed in certain parts of this state does not mean that ‘electronic bingo’ is legal on Indian lands in this state.” Unfortunately the governor supports Strange’s latest move. Strange claims that the electronic bingo machines are ‘slot machines’ which are illegal in Alabama.

Many Alabama residents continue to happily play bingo at one of the hundreds of bingo sites online. Bingo news sites have reported on the Alabama bingo dispute for years. Those who enjoyed the bingo games available at local casinos have gone online to play online bingo games. Bingo sites have enables Alabama bingo fans to stay above the government fray and controversy. It is probably hard for any bingo player to understand the controversy generated by bingo in Alabama. Most people consider bingo as a ‘soft’ form of gambling that is relatively harmless. It would be great if the Governor and Attorney General of Alabama would focus on reducing deficits and leave bingo players alone!

A recent study conducted to find out why people play online bingo found that the major reason most play bingo is entertainment. In other words people play internet bingo because they find it entertaining and exciting. Socialization was high on the list and many players said that the quality of chat rooms was a deciding factor in selection an internet bingo site to play at. Third on the list was the ability to win money playing bingo. While most gamblers cite money as the main reason for playing bingo players have other priorities. For those playing at bingo sites socializing and bonding with other players is more important than winning money.

Statistics have shown that 90% of all internet bingo players have won a game at some point in their playing career. While a majority of these payouts have not been large they are enough to keep players coming back to bingo sites. Compiling statistics about how many people have won playing at bingo sites would be difficult if not impossible because of the huge number of bingo sites operating around the world. Internet bingo jackpot records are being broken all the time and last year internet bingo produced its first internet bingo millionaire.

The biggest bingo jackpot in history was won at a land based club in the UK. 53 year old grandmother Christine Bradfield was playing at a local bingo club in Wales when she won a £ 1.1 million pound bingo jackpot playing the mega jackpot National Bingo Game. The National Bingo game is played in 470 clubs across UK and usually has the biggest bingo jackpot available to players. The payout to Christine Bradfield is probably the largest bingo payout to date. The total winnings at online bingo sites are difficult to estimate. There are about 60 million online bingo players around the world. In the US where internet bingo is illegal there are still over 50,000 land based bingo halls and thousands of Americans continue to play at bingo sites despite the law.

All of the big bingo winners have been from the UK because of the popularity of the game in the UK.  The highest online bingo jackpot won so far is about $1.96 million dollars. There is little doubt that as the online bingo industry grows and expands the number of players will increase causing jackpots to get even bigger than they are now.