www.tombola.com – It is nothing short of fact that the online bingo industry has transformed the bingo trade as a whole almost overnight. When the smoking bans came into effect in both Scotland and England, Bingo halls were one of the worst to feel the effect.

Bingo Halls were traditionally the place to go on a ladies night out, with sessions being the highlight of the week for some. With food, drink, good banter and the chance to walk away richer than when you arrived, Bingo appealed to a nation of players both young and old. So, what changed? Why is online bingo so popular if Bingo Halls really are the place to go?

As previously mentioned, the smoking ban is one of the major reasons for the drop in Bingo Hall turnout. Who wants to run outside in between sessions to have a smoke? Who wants to stand out in the freezing cold, the rain and the snow just to have a cigarette? Everyone crowded round the one ashtray, trying to finish before the next game begins? The answer is, not a lot of people. Bingo Halls are fast-paced and squeeze as many games as they can into a day. And, in the current climate, smokers don’t want to be faced with the outside weather conditions. Online bingo offer players the answer. Smoke in your own home, in the warm and dry and still participate in bingo, something which appeals to a large percentage of the bingo-playing smokers around.

Bingo Halls are also predominantly more expensive than online. A night out can cost you as much as £50 when you consider the cost of books, food and drink and the quick-fire ‘Cashline’ offered in between main bingo sessions. Online bingo is a far cheaper alternative. Bingo tickets can start from as little as 1p and the payouts are also a lot more substantial than in Bingo Halls. However, this can also prove to be a serious problem. It is a true fact that people spend more money using their bankcards than they would if they were handing over real money. People are more inclined to spend what they do not see in front of them, meaning players may spend hours attempting to win some money, little realising the extent of their spending. This opens the doors to serious repercussions, including gambling addiction and huge debts.

Bingo Halls offer its visitors a social aspect, as well as the potential to win. Bingo Halls are a place to go with friends, a place for the regulars to meet up or a place to meet new friends you wouldn’t have meet otherwise. Although online bingo allows its players the option to ‘chat’ and meet others, it lacks in what face-to-face interaction can offer. People are less inclined to be themselves online, with the threat of fraud and other internet crime at an all time high. This leads to people shutting down and while the do partake in general conversation, nothing can compare to sitting in a Bingo Hall surrounded by familiar faces and having a gossip. In addition to this, many Bingo Halls these days will hold social events, particularly on occasions such as Halloween and Christmas. At these, they hold special offers, giveaway bigger prize money, and encourage all players to interact and join in. This is a vital component missing from online bingo communities.

Although online bingo sites has opened up a market to the younger generations, it has also perhaps closed one off to the older generation, who like tradition. The older generation may find the technology, computer jargon and large selection of choice rather confusing and opt for the conventional approaches to bingo playing.

Bingo Halls are fairly outdated in what they can offer potential customers today, and cannot compete with the lure of online bingo which allow you to play the same games but without having to leave your home. However, in terms of the social aspect, spending and the older generation, Bingo Halls are still the far better option. Bingo Halls provide a hustle and bustle atmosphere and a great night out with a group of friends, something which online bingo can’t. Where online bingo offers its players big money and convenience, it lacks in interaction and tradition, making Bingo Halls the better choice for an all-round Bingo experience!

For Live Bingo click the link