Why modern bingo needs to be social, mobile and built for player choice

Bingo is undergoing a quiet transformation, moving beyond its traditional image to embrace a more dynamic, connected, and player-driven future. Serhii Bukeiev, Head of Bingo at Evoplay, shares his perspective on how the vertical is evolving to meet modern expectations and why social engagement, mobile optimisation, and flexible design are becoming central to its long-term success.

As player expectations continue to evolve, it has become clear that bingo is no longer just a passive, chance-based game. It is a social format at its core, one that has successfully moved from physical halls to digital platforms while maintaining the same sense of community and shared experience. In my view, this transition is only beginning.

In the next five years, online bingo will become a far more interactive, engaging vertical. Much of this evolution will be driven by deeper integration of community features and player-centric design. With 53% of online bingo players valuing the social aspect above all else, we should expect more cooperative elements, progressive bonus mechanics, and mission-based engagement loops, not simply one-off tournaments but a continuous reason to return. We may even see new formats emerge, including VR-driven bingo experiences that take community interaction to a new level.

A shift toward hybrid design

One of the most significant changes I expect to see is a more deliberate blending of bingo with other game types, particularly slot-style UX and skill-based mechanics. The aim here is not to reinvent bingo entirely but to ensure a more seamless and familiar transition for players moving between formats.

At Evoplay, we see strong potential in developing these kinds of hybrid experiences. They offer a way to appeal to players who enjoy variety but also value a consistent user journey. And as audiences become more accustomed to switching between game types within a session, this kind of design thinking will only become more critical. Multiplayer and team-based features will also become more prominent. Bingo has always had a strong social layer as, unlike slots, it encourages connection between players.

As we look to the future, we expect to see formats that promote cooperation, such as team tournaments, shared challenges, and squad-based goals. With half of the online bingo players currently aged 35 and under, and Generation Z, in particular, favouring dynamic, community-driven formats, this evolution seems both logical and necessary.

On the other hand, the shift to mobile has changed not only how we build games but also how we think about user flow, accessibility, and screen interaction. According to industry forecasts, the online bingo market is set to increase from $2.98 billion in 2024 to $4.93 billion by 2032, a growth that is closely tied to mobile play and improved connectivity.

From our perspective, this makes mobile-first development non-negotiable. At Evoplay, we are applying everything we have learned from our mobile slot portfolio to bingo, such as optimising performance, clarity, and consistent interaction across devices. It’s not just about responsiveness; it’s about making each game feel purposeful and suited to its environment.

Meeting players where they are

As more millennials engage with bingo, the format must continue to reflect their expectations. One of the ways we do this is by building flexibility into the design itself. Rather than relying on traditional number boards, we experiment with alternative visual languages using letters, symbols, or even animals to better align with audience preferences. We also focus heavily on UX and animation fluidity, ensuring that each session feels intuitive and accessible.

However, our approach is not limited to generational trends. Every player is different, and we design with that principle in mind. We consider regional nuances, cultural preferences, and behavioural insight, combining our own testing with analytics and partner feedback. Our operator network plays a vital role here as their direct access to player behaviour helps shape how we refine and adapt our products in the market.

One feature that has become increasingly important is the drawing process itself. A smoother, more interactive draw has real value, particularly with millennial audiences. We are also incorporating elements that support narrative and player choice, offering more than just a static experience. In parallel, we are embedding mini-games drawn from our best-performing slots, creating a full-cycle experience that allows players to move seamlessly between formats.

The flexibility we build into our bingo solutions serves players and allows operators to tailor the experience. This includes adjusting themes, visual elements and reward mechanics while preserving the traditional foundations of the game. Whether the goal is to appeal to new demographics or localise for a particular market, we believe customisation is key.

Looking ahead, personalisation will continue to gain importance. Operators already have the data required to deliver more targeted promotions and gameplay journeys, and we are ensuring our products are ready to support that level of segmentation.

A modern take on a familiar format

Our focus at Evoplay is on reimagining classic bingo through a modern lens. We are not trying to introduce entirely new mechanics but rather to enhance the visual and emotional impact of the experience. We also take a flexible approach when working with partners. Some markets prefer a fast-paced style of play, while others respond more positively to a more traditional, static design. Our job is to offer both without compromising on quality. We’ve developed tools that allow us to adapt the product to operators’ needs, enabling them to tailor it to their players. This enables a more agile approach to market testing and allows for deeper alignment with local audiences.

As newer players in the bingo space, we focus on delivering a high-quality, mobile-first, socially enriched bingo experience that brings something different, both for operators and players who already enjoy our portfolio.

In such a competitive market, retention is no longer about having a game available. It is about how that game connects to the way people play today across channels, devices, and within communities. For us, bingo is not just another vertical. It is a format with unique potential to bring players together in a way that is both familiar and new.