We cover some pretty interesting topics at THE F, however, we never thought we would be covering something called a bingo rave. That’s right – bingo has been taken to the next level.
Whilst it sounds like a relatively new concept, bingo raves have actually been around for some time now. Bingo must be one of the longest standing pastimes – one which has endured for over three centuries since it was first thought to have started in the UK in the early 1700s.
The reason bingo has managed to last the pace is constant reinvention. Whilst the premise of the game never changes, people are always looking to increase the entertainment factor and along with it, the opportunity to win more money.
Nothing gets people as excited as the opportunity to win huge amounts of cash and in the late 90s, there was a real resurgence of bingo halls around the world, many with links to other gaming halls throughout the country helping to create huge jackpots with simultaneous gameplay across multiple locations.
Jump forward 15 years and the emergence of online forms of bingo has really helped to reinvigorate the game, helping to drive more and more people to take up bingo. Online casinos like JackpotCity have been leading the way, offering a host of deals including welcome bonuses and other promotions to get people in and get them playing every day.
Online bingo is even easier to play because you don’t have to watch as carefully. JackpotCity’s bingo setup includes an auto-daubing feature, which can automatically mark off your numbers as they’re called. This way, you don’t have to worry about missing numbers as they’re called off or accidentally marking the wrong square.
Bingo raves, however, are taking bingo to the next level.
As the name suggests, a bingo rave is a cross between a dance party and bingo. It was a trend that started in the UK but which has now spread across the globe and basically involves an event that is filled with fun games in a nightlife atmosphere, complete with music, dance contests, comedians, live performances and of course, the classic game of bingo.
Whilst online bingo has definitely opened up the game to more players, bingo is also a game that is heavily reliant on the social aspect of meeting up and getting together with friends. That’s one of the main reasons for the resurgence of bingo through bingo raves – the opportunity to get out and have a good time with friends.
Bingo raves are also more appealing to a younger audience, with the opportunity for dancing mixed in with the chance to win money on a night out.
One of the biggest organisations that is popularising bingo raves is Bingo Loco, whose venues and events are starting to crop up in the UK, US, and Australia.
These events include a stage show, dance-offs, prize drawings, and, of course, bingo. Alternating between a game and a more active event is a great way to keep people engaged because they won’t be sitting still for long. Pairing a low-key activity like bingo with something active like a conga line will keep people entertained for much longer.
In July, Bingo Loco will actually be hosting the biggest bingo rave in the world in Sydney. The event, being held at The Dome at the Sydney Showground features a live performance from English rapper and musician Example and will also include dance-offs, lip-sync battles and conga lines.
Bingo Loco XXL has already sold out and is expected to draw a huge crowd all hoping to scoop up some of the fantastic prizes. Previous events’ prizes have included tickets to Coachella, a convertible car, a trip to Las Vegas and a boat. Expect Bingo Loco XXL to be even bigger and better.
It’s not just this bumper event in Sydney where you can attend a bingo rave. Bingo Loco hosts bingo raves throughout Australia with upcoming events in Cairns, Rockhampton, Mandurah, Fremantle, Melbourne and more.
Bingo raves are such a fun and interesting take on one of the world’s longest standing pastimes. Events like Bingo Loco XXL show us that the demand for bingo raves right now is huge and it will be interesting to see if they can keep that demand going, reinventing these events and making them bigger and better than ever.
Watch this space.