If you have ever played the game of bingo, then you have experienced the thrill and the ecstasy of shouting ‘Bingo’. It’s the adrenaline rush of winning a game that sees bingo players turn into overnight fans.

However, while the benefits of winning are there for everyone to see, the game has been instrumental in improving society overall over the years.

The game of bingo was invented more than 500 years ago in Italy when it went under the name of Lo Giuoco Lotto Italia. At the time, winners would shout “Beano!” since beans were being used as markers.

Since then, the game made its way to France in the 1770s. The French modified the game and changed the board to include the traditional three-row and nine verticals that we have grown to love.

Bingo also had a crucial part to play in Quebec, when a certain Father Antoine Labelle was recruited to use this game to the benefit of the Quebec Nationalist Group.

From church bingo to bingo sites UK, there appear to be no signs of this game stopping. It’s not just the gaming factor though. Bingo brings much more to the table than just gaming.

The social benefits of bingo

Bingo has a penchant for bringing people together in one convenient social setting. Many towns and villages use bingo as a fundraising tool. Undoubtedly, it has been proven to be a very effective fundraiser.

Teachers also use the game of bingo to teach basic concepts, such as number recognition, words and mathematical operations.

Even so, the socialisation aspect of this game is what benefits most of society. People love to meet others and play with each other. They can have a cup of tea and have a natter as they play games.

Online players can also chat, meet and make new friends via the chat box. Even as the game automatically daubs the numbers for the players, they still feel part of the action and conversing with other players for some proves more beneficial.

The mental health benefits of bingo

Bingo is well known for reinforcing skills such as short-term memory and concentration, which tend to decline with age. It has been proven very helpful and instrumental at retirement homes in the fight against mental decline for both guests and residents.

It is not just the elderly who benefit. There are many social benefits of family and friends playing together. With many bingo halls dotted across many countries, players are invited to soak in the atmosphere as they converse with others and play their favourite game.

Bingo in 2021 and beyond

The world has undergone several changes over the past few months. With an ongoing pandemic, bingo halls have been affected. Players were unable to congregate in closed spaces and to meet up with other people.

That has not dampened the spirits of many players though. While brick and mortar bingo halls were shut, the online bingo world has profited from this immensely.

Online bingo sites are throwing in generous welcome bonuses as well as free bingo tickets to players who don’t want to miss out on the action. They can chat with other players, enjoy side mini-games and participate in special community games.

There are no physical risks to players, and even for players who want to be extra cautious, the online bingo world allows them to be safe without inconveniencing them.

The world has undergone many tragedies and changes over the years, but that has not stopped bingo from bringing people together. Players will never cease to exercise their bingo-playing muscles.

There is a reason after all why this game is still thriving more than 500 years later.