Last year online bingo experienced unprecedented growth especially in the UK. It has been estimated that online bingo in the UK had an astounding 80% increase in players during 2008. There have been many reasons cited for the growth but the two main reasons have been the national smoking ban and the double taxation of bingo halls which has caused many to shutter their doors forever. Online bingo has become a big business and online bingo websites are in fierce competition to attract players.

Annual online bingo ticket sales in the UK have topped £600 million and the industry shows no signs of slowing down. Online bingo is gaining in popularity throughout Europe and rivals poker for the most popular online game. Several factors are contributing to online bingo’s astounding growth. The demand for inexpensive online entertainment is replacing traditional social spending during the ongoing global recession. Online bingo’s growing appeal to a wider demographic base and the expansion into European markets are seen as major factors contributing to online bingo’s growth.

The expansion of broadband access throughout Europe has presented online bingo providers with new opportunities for expansion into new markets. The UK government has promised universal broadband by 2012 and European broadband penetration is expected to reach 71% by 2013. The popularity of social networking and the opportunities for player interaction have helped to make online bingo popular. Online bingo players report that the opportunities for player interaction offered by chat rooms are an important factor in choosing a website.

The online bingo summit will take place in London in June 2009 and those in the online bingo industry will have the opportunity to meet, exchange ideas, develop new marketing strategies, and network with others in the online bingo industry. Online bingo seems poised for more growth in 2009.