Spotlight on Bingo

A Review of Bingo in Movies and the Media

The game of Bingo has been around so long and is so entrenched in our culture that over and over again we see it featured in movies and making newspaper headlines. Be it for the popularity of Bingo or the people who are playing it, this game is a darling of the media. Maybe its because of its universal appeal and the fact that it stirs up the optimism in all of us? After all, its a game anyone can win and everyone can relate to.

Bingo mania Research done recently in the UK showed that in 2006, a record amount of 1,883 pieces relating to Bingo featured across the board in all media: national and regional press, consumer press and electronic media. This passion for the game can be attributed to both its longstanding traditional popularity, as well as a new much younger crowd who, via the internet have rediscovered the fun and excitement of the game. Bingo is back!

Box office Bingo
A regular game of Bingo has many of the qualities of a good Hollywood blockbuster anticipation, drama, suspense, thrill of the chase and of course, an exciting ending; all of which add quality to the plot and story of any movie. Since the 70s, Bingo has starred in many movies both in leading and supporting roles; always pulling the crowds and always giving a top performance, whether its a drama, comedy, action or thriller. There are even movies dedicated specifically to the game, with tips and strategies for winning.

Small screen big game
Television networks have been quick to catch onto Bingos rebirth and have realized that this game gets the ratings. In the USA, ABC ran a program called National Bingo Night - although it didn't stay on the air too long. If you are in the UK, you can watch Gala TV, a gaming channel on Sky Digital that features mainly Bingo games. Viewers are able to register for a fee and try their luck.

Hot off the Press
Newspapers and magazines like to keep their readers happy. Regular Bingo stories are often featured. These incude reports of celebrity players, lucky winners, changes in gaming legalities, as well as coverage of major Bingo events like the National Bingo Caller of the Year and the Bingo Association Golf Day. There is even an annual Bingo Cruise (sailing this year to the Caribbean, if youd like to get on board). The game is also regularly and successfully used as a fundraiser for various charities, which always makes a newsworthy story.

Publications dedicated specifically to the game are also popular. One of the most well-known is Bingo Link which is produced solely for the Bingo community by the Bingo Associtation in the UK.

Web bingo?!
And now, thanks to internet technology, Bingo is just a click away for all of us, making it even more popular than ever. The list of online sites dealing with Bingo facts, history and news is endless. One can read up on the latest Bingo trends, player statistics and top prizes, who is playing and where they are doing it. Bingos web fans just cant seem to get enough. There are online newspapers, chat rooms, e-zines and forums only for and about Bingo. The game is considered to be the very latest in online fashion and everyone who is anyone is trying their luck for fun and finance. Its new trendy image has given the online bingo market an estimated value of $40 million, and its only just the beginning. Hope you are playing, too?