As a game, bingo appeals to people of all ages. This is shown by the recent rise of online bingo, which is played by mostly younger people and continues to surge in popularity.
This poses a pertinent question – why has traditional bingo always appealed to an older demographic?

As the reasons below will delve into, whilst this is in part due to the game itself, there are also other reasons relating to the gaming environment and bingo as a communal experience.

Whether you’re an older bingo aficionado yourself, or someone who is just curious, read on to discover the underlying reasons for bingo’s unending popularity amongst older people.

Local

Many areas have local bingo halls, such as the three offered by BJ’s Bingo in Birmingham, Reading and Leigh. It is often the case that older people would prefer to make the short trip to a nearby hall than get lost in the complexities of an increasingly vast online world.

This also benefits those of the older generation who may be suffering from physical illness or disability, as shorter journeys are less likely to lead to issues. The aforementioned issue of time is once again of great import, as retirees are able to enjoy the benefit of their free time by making the short trip, giving every day a sense of fun, freedom and independence.

Cost Efficient

When it comes to any form of gambling, price is important. As there’s a good chance you could leave empty handed, the affordability of the buy-in price can dictate the audience. Many bingo halls sit in traditionally working-class areas, in which the average wage and pensions are lower, so bingo’s standing as a less costly money game appeal directly to the older generation in these places.

Easy Fun

Bingo is much more accessible than the alternatives. The rules are incredibly easy to pick up and follow, requiring little time or effort to get to grips with. Whilst older people tend to have more free time day-to-day, they also value that time greatly. Bingo’s simple nature allows people to spend less time learning the ropes, and more time enjoying the end result.

Family

One of the most important parts of anyone’s life is their family, a fact that becomes even more prominent as one gets older. Due to many of the points raised above, such as accessibility and affordability, bingo presents itself as the perfect day or night out for all the family. As older people are often the ones to bring all generations of a family together at once, this makes bingo the perfect place to do exactly that.

Community

Perhaps the biggest pull of all when it comes to older people and bingo, is that the game is first and foremost a communal experience. It brings people of all backgrounds together for a shared moment of joy. Due in part to the many points explored above, bingo presents the perfect opportunity for older people to meet others, engage in conversations and keep occupied outside of their homes. Be it with family, with a partner or friends, or on their own, bingo is a game that connects people in a time of life when connecting is more important than ever. Plus, it’s a ton of fun.

In short, there are many reasons behind bingo’s popularity amongst older people. Affordability, simplicity and locality all play a crucial part in that trend. But there are wider reasons more specific to traditional, in-person bingo that makes it particularly attractive to older players. Family and wider community become key in later life, and these are concepts that bingo lends itself to through its very nature as a game for all.