Like many forms of entertainment and nightlife activities, bingo has undergone significant changes over the last couple of decades. Naturally, technology has had its say, but so too has the changing preferences and trends of its target audience. Where once bingo was overlooked by some, now it’s much more appealing. This comes from a combination of new ideas and new ways to play, with much of this new-age bingo now being found in Soho.
A Resurgence Built on Convenient and Accessible Play
Bingo faded from the limelight in the early 2000s for many social and economic reasons. However, bubbling away and eventually rising to prominence was the growing space of online bingo. This made it convenient to play whenever people wanted, with social features through online rooms and chat windows.
The level of competition online has helped to further bingo’s accessibility. Now, you’ll find free bingo games online. Between midday and 6 pm, people can log in and play the classic game of 90-ball bingo quickly and easily. Users just need an account to play. In each, players pick how many tickets they want – up to 12 of them without charge – and then play the bingo game that’s on the go.
Importantly, the bingo rooms that give people free tickets to play also offer real cash prizes. There are three up for grabs in each game. Players can get a prize for one line, two lines, or hit the jackpot with a full house. While this new way to play bingo was on the rise online, in-person events pivoted to add to this new age of bingo. As was noted almost a decade ago, hipster versions and dedicated social bingo events rose to the fore, laying the path for today’s offering.
Finding New Bingo on the Streets of Soho
On our local streets, you’ll be able to spot the resurgence of bingo in its newest forms all over the place. Of course, people can just go online and, in a few taps, jump into the ongoing bingo games that are always on the go. The big bingo experience, though, is found in clubs, bars, event venues, and sometimes even beyond those in Soho. Some have regular occasions for you to enjoy, while others tour the country and pop back into Soho from time to time.
One of the most famous in the UK is Bongo’s Bingo. It’s a crazy one-night event where they have dance competitions, blast music, and call for an almost eerie silence when it’s time for the bingo. It’s come to Outernet London several times, but you’ll need to subscribe to find out when the tour will return. Another more event-style one is Musical Bingo, which returned to The Flamingo Room on Wardour Street in April this year.
For the staples of bingo entertainment in Soho, there are two that you can always rely on. The first is Hijingo Bingo. On Worship Street, the all-in, neon-lit experience puts on special events and is open from Tuesday to Sunday. Saturdays even see it open until past midnight for those who want extra bingo action. Taking place much earlier in the day, The Phoenix Arts Club hosts The Big Drag Bingo Brunch on Saturdays from 1 pm.
Bingo has evolved massively in recent years, and thanks to some particularly creative venues, Soho is now a hub for this new way to play the classic game in London.
