Online bingo set for further growth?
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by: David Fields
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Word Count: 499
Recent years has seen the rapid development of online casinos and online bingo games, yet researchers into the area suggest that the online bingo industry is set to continue to grow for the foreseeable future. The stereotypical image of bingo is elderly ladies sat in a derelict old bingo hall, yet the advent of the online bingo craze has done much to dispel that clichéd view of the game. Bingo hall trips are now becoming regulars for hen-nights or office parties and the marketing carried out by Gala and Mecca has glamorised the game so that it is attractive to all ages.
The UK online bingo market has grown beyond all conceivable proportions, from 17 websites in 2004 to 244 in June 2008. The next competitive market, Spain, witnessed a growth from 6 websites to 40 websites in the past year, which shows just how far ahead of the rest the UK is. Although the online bingo market isn’t new – the first website appeared as far back as 1995 in the US – its growth has been accelerated with the availability of super-fast broadband, enabling greater playability.
The opportunities for growth that have been identified are into mainland Europe, Asia and South America. Although bingo is still popular in the U.S., the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 considerably cut down the number of websites that were in operation. The game is now usually played in bingo-halls or as a fundraising event for schools and churches.
ITV has recently launched a daily bingo show called Bingo Night Live which - despite its unfavourable midnight time slot - received good viewing figures. Warwick Bartlett, chairman of Global Betting and Gaming Consultants, believes that online bingo is set for a huge surge in growth and is still in its infancy, stating “We estimate that by 2012 online bingo will account for 25% of the worldwide betting market and deliver profits in excess of $2bn”. On the other hand, Phil Fraser of Which Bingo says that there has been a slowdown in the UK online bingo market, arguing “it appears the bingo market is growing at about 3% month-on-month, versus about 10% one year ago...so there is some sign that the economy is having an effect on online bingo.”
There are, however, obvious risks with integrating the game into other areas of the world. Gambling is accepted in British culture and can be seen throughout society, yet this is not wholly applicable to the rest of Europe. Several European governments are fighting legal actions to keep online gambling websites from targeting their country’s citizens. Also, the essence of the game might not translate well into other European countries. Bingo has been around in the UK for many years, so has become part of our culture, yet attempting to launch an online bingo website in countries such as the Ukraine or Austria might be unsuccessful as they have no extensive prior experience of the game.
About the Author
This author recommends Littlewoods Bingo for all online bingo games. They also offer beginners the chance to play free bingo games to practice their skills, with great signing-up offers available.
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