Bingo is officially attracting a younger audience – and more young men than ever before

Annual insight report from WhichBingo warns Bingo industry will need to reinvent itself as more young people enjoy pastime online

 More young men have taken up online bingo in the past twelve months due to the Coronavirus pandemic, in a seismic shift in how the game is played in the UK. WhichBingo, the UK’s number one, independent online bingo reviews site, owned and operated by XLMedia, today releases its annual insight report which finds a significant shift in the Bingo industry to younger online consumers due to COVID-19.

Report researchers surveyed more than 800 adults who played online bingo in the UK between January 4^th – 15^th 2021, and results revealed that:

• The percentage of men playing bingo more than doubled between 2020 and 2021
• 75% of online bingo users in the UK are now under the age of 44
• More than three quarters of online bingo users spend up to £50 every month
• Facebook is the social media platform of choice for bingo community groups
• Online versus attending bingo halls is now at a 48:52 split amongst Brits

There has been a significant increase in younger men playing online bingo. Despite this rapid growth increase in interest and engagement, the report’s findings show that women between the ages of 25 – 54 are still more likely grouping to play online bingo but the overall shift to a younger player demographic confirms an industry step-change.

The findings show how brands need to rethink marketing and commercial activities to target younger millennial and generation Z demographics, rather than the traditional middle-to-old-aged British bingo consumer.

The WhichBingo Report is an anticipated annual insight tool for the UK online bingo industry and a unique collective analysis of shifting consumer trends in online gaming business. The report studies and forecasts online gaming trends in the bingo, sports betting and casino industries.

Stuart Simms, CEO of XLMedia PLC Group: “The global Coronavirus pandemic forced – or in some cases accelerated – a change in the way people enjoy themselves and pass their leisure time when not at work. Our report shows the remarkable shift in the make-up of the typical bingo player. Although many may look forward to the return of those Saturday nights at the bingo hall, the industry is evolving and technology’s influence has been essential in helping bingo keep up with the realities of busy, modern life.”

“These changing macro behaviours and innovations, together with the new expectations of a dedicated younger audience who want to experience the same thrills and spirit of the bingo hall without leaving the house, mean that online bingo is most definitely here to stay.”

The full 2021 WhichBingo Report can be found online at the dedicated microsite: https://www.whichbingo.co.uk/reports/2021/