I always like to check with people what it is that motivates them to play online bingo. I have a pretty good idea, but as times change, and as the game changes, certainly in terms of technology (such as mobile phone Bingo and Live online Bingo with real hosts on camera) people's reasons for playing may change.
As you probably know, more women than men play online Bingo, and so I made sure I asked more ladies than blokes. There were a number of ladies who made virtually the same point. They have children. They are busy. Some are single parents which makes them even busier. It means that with the school runs, shopping etc. there is a lot of coming and going. When the days is over and the babes, children etc. are all tucked up, that either cannot go out and leave them, or if they others in the house who can look after them, they simply do not want to go out. They want to relax, to chill (chillax is the hip word for that now) to unwind and to have a wee bit of indulgence, and not be doing something for someone else. Hey! That isn't selfish- everyone needs some time to enjoy themselves and have them be the centre of things! So Bingo is perfect for that. Nothing too strenuous on the brain cells that have probably been taxed a lot already.
One thing that one young Mother said was that she liked the ability to chat online with people that she has got to know and now considers as friends. However if she's not in the mood for chatting, or there's someone irritating in the chat room, she can just press the silence button, and hey presto, she's just playing the pure game of online Bingo. She said to me if only I could silence the kids sometimes like that!! But the gentle chit chat online is great because it doesn't demand your unwavering and unswerving attention as it would if you were face to face with a number of other players. You don't have to dress up, travel, put perfume on, pay for a drink or food, it's all there within easy reach in your own home. You don't have to get to a Bingo Hall at a certain time to be ready for Eyes Down. You can just switch on and engage whenever you want. The convenience and easy accessibility are the big draws, I am told.
Unsurprisingly, everyone I spoke to likes the chance for a win, big or small. It gives the game that edge and makes it exciting when you are getting down to your last few numbers. And when you have friends online, and they win, I was told that that was almost as nice as having a win yourself!
Finally, with a little blush, one player told me that she liked the particular online Bingo site she was using at the moment, because there seemed a very nice young male chat room host there, with whom she said she might try to get a bit flirty! I suggested that she may want to suggest this flirting be done away from the chat room, otherwise it would be in the full glare of all the other players! Not least because this online hunkette may have other admirers on the site and we wouldn't want any flaming in the chat room please!!
Good luck in your Bingo, and for some of you, in your flirtyness as well!