Bingo more popular than Poker in the UK?

[Peter Willis]

http://www.whichbingo.co.uk/bingo-ne...ngo/02352.html

People in the United Kingdom played more bingo than anyone else in the world during 2009.

The research by WhichBingo.co.uk, from data provided by Google Insights (Google Insights for Search), analysed the popularity of different gambling related search terms across the world. Poker came out on top in 62.5% of locations, while the casino vertical also performed strongly in all locations aside from the UK, where it narrowly beat betting search terms to come 3rd in the popularity charts.

Until 2006 bingo was relatively unheard of online in the UK, which was reflected by the fact it ranked below all other gambling activities.

UK residents make approximately 9,140,000 bingo related searches on Google every month, with Mecca Bingo and Gala Bingo proving to be the most searched for brands.

[igamingforums]

this very strange...poker has been more popular then any other gambling related game

[RayUK]

this very strange...poker has been more popular then any other gambling related game

Certainly in the US and probably in some other countries, but in the UK - historically - poker has not been a very popular game whereas bingo has a long history of popularity (along with sports betting, primarily on horse racing and dog racing).

The pre-internet popularity of bingo, and betting, carried over into the online world and we also 'imported' poker as that became very popular.

[best.hands]

this very strange...poker has been more popular then any other gambling related game

The game is perhaps very simple to play that even a kid can dub those numbers called. Not much rules to observe as well. Only patterns to follow. The winning cash is another factor.

[Magdalena Bajor]

Totally agreed best.hands.

Another factor is very strong TV advertising. Also, bingo players love to spend time playing and chatting about anything there. The chat feature and it's community play a big role in bingo increased popularity. And ofc - chance to win big while playing with small money...

Best - Magdalena

[best.hands]

That's all true Magdalena.

TV advertising as well as the bet size are two good factors for boosting popularity. I personally adhere to a kind of gambling where in it is not hard for me to pull some silver out from my pocket while having fun, and where I know I couldn't be under any situation where in collusion exist.

[benthomaslee]

I wonder what effect the UK smoking ban had on these figures?

The traditional bingo hall in my mind is a smoky place and I know I drive past one near my home which seems to have more people outside smoking looks like would fit inside it sometimes

Have those who used to go out to enjoy a game of bingo and a fag (slang for cigarette for the Americans amongst us!) decided to play on their computer at home instead and smoke as much as they want?

[best.hands]

Have those who used to go out to enjoy a game of bingo and a fag (slang for cigarette for the Americans amongst us!) decided to play on their computer at home instead and smoke as much as they want?

As with bingo halls that I have seen and visited, smoking within the game or inside the hall is strictly prohibited. Most of them are within Malls or Shopping Centers which do not allow fag smoking while touring inside. So, I guess that will have me say it depends on the restriction of the bingo hall and the place it was held. If you hate those third hand smoke chasing you, then you definitely don't wanna play bingo at bingo halls that allow smoking instead enjoy the game online at home or find alternative places that offer the game less the smoke.

[johnasholding]

Bingo is more popular than poker and looking at the people it seems that one day it will hold the position when it will be at the top position . Bingo was fun and it will remain fun as it will keep on advancing.