Online bingo can be a great way to meet new friends. Most bingo sites provide players with chat rooms to go along with the games and many long term friendships have been made in online bingo chat rooms. While many friendships are made in the virtual world occasionally players will arrange to meet in the real world. Chat rooms are designed to enhance the fun and entertainment at online bingo sites. Unlike land based bingo halls where conversation is taboo during games players at online bingo sites are encouraged to chat during games. In addition players can win special chat based games and special prizes. Many industry experts believe that chat rooms are a contributing factor to the popularity of online bingo.
Some online bingo sites sponsor special events for players to meet and greet in the real world. There have even been marriage proposals in bingo chat rooms. Some chat moderators have achieved cult status and operators know that a good CM is worth their weight in gold! In 2008 one adventurous woman actually proposed marriage to a male player in a bingo chat room on Valentine’s Day. (2008 was a leap year and it is socially acceptable for women to propose during leap years) In the past UK bingo giant Foxy has promoted a bingo cruise where players can meet in real time. Player feedback has always been positive. Bingo cruises have taken players to Emma West and in 2009 Foxy hosted a cruise sailing to Rotterdam. Tickets for the cruises are given away in special promotional online bingo games and on the site’s Facebook page. Players may also purchase tickets for the bingo cruises.
Many other online bingo sites have organized bingo get togethers. In the UK one well known free bingo site organized a get together in Blackpool and the event was well attended. Some online bingo sites have a special ‘players meet’ section where players can arrange live meetings. The player’s meet area has information about upcoming events and meetings. Many bingo sites also have forums where close bonds are formed. Many players organize their own live events. There have been trips to amusement parks and parties at the homes of players. Players have organized regional and national events for bingo pals. Bingo players are a gregarious lot and it should come as no surprise that live events are popular among online bingo players.
