Our hobbies are activities we turn to no matter how we feel, or whatever state the world might find itself in. Naturally we hope that we derive pleasure from them, in which case they become something of a support. Hobbies then are a steadying and reliable influence on our lives, so provoking strong feelings amongst those who favour a given passion. In this, bingo is not just no different, but the very definition of reassuringly familiar.

Given the specificity of bingo – its central place within a cultural tradition and its association with a particular demographic – any unnecessary changes to the game would likely meet with resistance from its devotees. This is understandable though, particularly in times of turmoil, whether personal or social, as it is in such times especially that a hobby means more to us than it ordinarily would. However, time does not stand still, as change is the normal order of things.

For all its emphasis on tradition and simplicity, bingo is not immune to change. It has had to adapt, if not in the fundamental rules of the game, then certainly in the manner of our participation. In the case of the elderly,  the presence of bingo remains a constant to those who have spent a lifetime enjoying the game, and it can continue playing an important role in their lives even when they might need to enter care. There are some rules and regulations to be mindful of though when a game takes place outside of a bricks and mortar hall, but not being able to make it to such a venue is no barrier to remaining bingo active.

Being able to still take part in the game, regardless of whatever age a player happens to be, is a crucial aspect of what makes bingo distinct in the wider gambling arena, as it really does remove the barrier between young and old. Whatever number your age falls on, it’s almost certain to be included in the spread of numbers on the bingo card, as it too does not discriminate. There is no doubt though that the internet has forever changed how players of a certain age participate in the game, which has done wonders for its popularity. Bingo no longer has the image problem it once did, as a new generation of operators and gamers have given it a new lease of life.

This new lease of life though, one based on the remoteness of participating in online gaming, thankfully hasn’t banished the traditional bingo hall to the margins of the game’s history. The old halls were stuck in an old way of doing things, and had become so predictable and stuffy over time that they have to shoulder some of the blame for how bingo came to be viewed as a relic of the past. Many of us would prefer to see those gathered in a physical hall being encouraged to let themselves go and create a lively atmosphere, to no longer feel inhibited, as people need to simply let off some steam. As one tired old hall resembled another, so too did bingo fall into disrepair.

The idea of spending time in another tired old hall had lost most of its appeal, but happily the good people of Bingo Academy are all too keen to put an end to all that. Unlike the majority of recent entrants into the bingo arena, their service does not take place online, as they prefer for people to mingle in the real world when playing, believing correctly that this vital social aspect of bingo, or any hobby really, cannot be replicated in the online rooms, regardless of their prevalence and convenience. The community aspect of bingo has always been one of its biggest draws, as the literal coming together of diverse people around a common theme is something our current age is in desperate need of.

A former founder of Rebel Bingo started Bingo Academy, another outfit whose shaking up of the bingo establishment caused the mainstream press to notice them. Their events became famous for their party atmosphere and their refusal to take either themselves or bingo too seriously, but while managing not to poke fun at the game. Instead. they had realised that a younger generation who had become seduced by online bingo might still want to venture into a building and let their hair down for an evening. By catering to their needs, the game was reinvigorated by returning to is roots, if not quite still abiding by its former customs.

Bingo Academy are now diversifying even further though, as their most recent round of games are taking place away from the bingo halls they have breathed new life into. Throughout September-November 2018, they will be hosting a series of evenings at London’s The Kitty Hawk pub, which couldn’t be a more different venue in a more different area than bingo is customarily held in. But its potential for crossover appeal is one of the most interesting things about bingo. You’ll find the pub in the City of London, a district so distinct from the rest of the capital that it has its own police force.

Not only that, but Her Majesty needs to seek permission from the Lord Mayor of London – who is not to be confused with the Mayor of London, as the holder of that office does not have jurisdiction over the City of London – before she enters the area. The Square Mile, as it is also known, has long been fussy about who it admits, so bingo can count itself fortunate that it now has the right credentials. Normally the City is flooded with investment bankers, lawyers and other professionals during the day, before largely falling silent in the evenings and weekends, as its reputation is for work, rather than play.

That will change if Bingo Academy live up to their previous form. With their latest events happening on certain Friday and Saturday evenings, the usually sedate City of London is in for a rude awakening. You can buy tickets here, but I don’t know whether the Queen might drop in. If she does though, she’ll definitely be having a gin and tonic.

Author Bio: Pavlos Sideris is Co-founder of BestBingoWebsites, home to the UK’s best bingo sites, bonus codes and no wagering bingo.