Bingo has made a surprising comeback thanks to an unexpected new Gen Z and millennial fanbase. After struggling in recent years due to smoking bans and pandemic closures, the remaining bingo halls have rebranded to draw in younger players seeking real-life community connections. Things started to look pretty bleak for the bingo halls but surprisingly it has found a new and unexpected audience. Traditionally a past time associated with seniors, largely due to its prevalence in retirement homes, bingo has suddenly started to find new fans with younger millennials and Gen Z. Halls have gotten flashy makeovers with bright colors, animation, and pop music creating a more exciting and modern vibe. Game manufacturers now work pop culture references into cards and call outs, keeping things current and relatable.
Some Facts:
- 73% of Gen Z surveyed said they were drawn to the multiplayer aspect of bingo and being part of a collective win or loss.
- 58% of millennials said bingo halls offer more meaningful face-to-face interactions than social media friendships.
- 44% of Gen Z bingo players reported making new friends at both in-person and online bingo sessions.
- 61% said chatting with fellow players in real life as balls are called out enhances the bingo experience.
- 55% said the excited vibe of an in-person bingo hall makes the game more engaging than just a solo online game.
- 69% said having shared goals of winning a game and cheering together when someone yells “bingo!” forms camaraderie.
- 72% said bingo gives them an affordable nightlife option for making connections, unlike bars or clubs.
- 65% said the real-time nature of calling out numbers created suspense and excitement with all players focused in-the-moment.
- 54% said being able to play and socialize simultaneously were big draws; bingo took the pressure off making conversation.
- 67% said millennial nights at bingo halls with modern music and upgraded food & drinks made them feel it was now a “cool” scene.
Bingo technology has also improved drastically in recent years, this is not only reflected in the bingo halls, which now use electronic bingo units simplifying game play, it has also transferred online. The rise of online bingo is primarily due to the convenience and accessibility, players can play from the comfort of their own home or whilst commuting to work. Younger players can become familiar with the game online and take this enjoyment and knowledge with them into the real life bingo hall.
Wha’ts New
To help keep and attract this younger audience, bingo games manufacturers and bingo halls have started to incorporate pop culture references and relatable themes into their games to appeal to a younger generation. Games and bingo halls have been redecorated to make them more modern and include bright colours, animation and popular music which has made them more inviting to people in their 20s and 30s.
Bingo has undergone a revitalizing resurgence in 2023 by cleverly fusing both traditional and modern elements into an appealing package for younger demographics. Extensive player surveys reveal that today’s 20-somethings view bingo as more than just a gambling pastime—they see it as an affordable outlet for escapism, human connection, and simple entertainment in stressful times.
Over 82% of millennial bingo goers say what draws them in is the lighthearted atmosphere where they can unwind and make new friends while still having a shot at winning cash. Compared to cutthroat betting, bingo provides a softer landing pad in the gambling world, centered around communal fun instead of risky high-stakes wagers. New state-of-the-art electronic bingo stations streamline gameplay for tech-savvy younger players, while flashy renovated halls provide the ideal backdrop for carefree socializing.
Yet classic elements still remain as 68% say they enjoy how the timeless, suspenseful game mechanics create a shared adrenaline rush when numbers get called. And old-school bingo lingo and slang provides Generation Z players a sense of connection to the past. Ultimately players across generations can find common ground in the competitive spirit and exhilaration of shouting “Bingo!” to claim a prize.
Modern halls are also tapping into crowd psychology tactics to engineer the ideal pumped-up environment where everyone roots for each other’s wins. The result? A perfect storm blending vintage bingo charm with contemporary convenience and connectivity. Add in potential big cash payouts and meme-worthy moments, and it’s no wonder millennials are giving bingo halls everywhere an enthusiastic second look. Bingo is officially cool again thanks to this tactical fusion of old and new sensibilities into one winning entertainment formula.
