Bruce Dias 
Like many other casino games, Bingo has undergone a shift in the last few decades thanks to the advent of the internet. An increasing number of players are now accessing Bingo games from their computer or mobile device, rather than travelling to a land-based venue.
The move to online play has naturally caused a fresh evolution for the game. As technology develops further we, could see even more changes in the way we play Bingo, so let’s take a look back at how the game has already changed through the shift towards online platforms.
The Rise Of Online Bingo
Bingo had gained in popularity throughout the 20th century, with a large number of land-based Bingo halls hosting games. But with the rise of the internet during the 1990s there was a general shift towards online play.
The first online Bingo game launched in 1996, but it wasn’t until after the turn of the millennium that the digital format really started to take off. Internet connectivity and infrastructure was still lacking during the 90s, with issues of lag and limited graphics capabilities holding games back.
By the 2000s, though, players were able to reliably access games of Bingo from their own computers without having to travel to a physical venue. These games were often simple in presentation, sticking to the basics, but they still proved popular.
One of the biggest revolutions that online Bingo offered was the ability for players to choose from a wide variety of game formats. Historically, Bingo halls could only accommodate so many games and would tend to stick to the more common local format.
With online play, players in the US were now able to try out 90-ball Bingo, and UK players could try their hand at 75-ball Bingo.
In addition, new versions of the game were developed with online platforms in mind. These included the condensed game of 30-ball Bingo, with 3×3 cards and a much faster pace of gameplay.
The Future Evolution Of Bingo
It seems inevitable that Bingo will continue to evolve as technology develops – the game has already come a long way from its roots as a regional lottery.
The increasing use of mobile platforms has already led to the creation of Bingo apps, which are optimised for players to play on their smartphone or tablet. These designs feature streamlined user interfaces that allow for more accessible gameplay.
Another area that could see development is virtual reality (VR). VR technology has advanced rapidly in the last few years and could add an extra element to future online Bingo games. More 3D elements could be added to games, along with more advanced graphics and animations.
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Nobody can predict where the evolution of Bingo will go next, especially as new technology continues to emerge at a rapid pace. What we can say with confidence is that this classic game is likely to stick around as a popular staple of online casino platforms for the foreseeable future, with even more varieties for players to try.
