A new report by UK based media analyst Screen Digest states that online bingo is the fastest growing in the online gaming industry. Online bingo new rivals poker as the most popular game on the internet. Online bingo is bucking current economic trends and will expand during 2009-2010. In 2008 online bingo experienced an astounding 80% increase in new players. While other industries struggle to stay alive online bingo is thriving and actually adding employment opportunities.

Increased broadband access and the demand for inexpensive home based entertainment are factors driving the growth of online bingo. In the UK competition is fierce and online bingo providers are experimenting with new marketing techniques. Online bingo websites are offering players larger sign up and deposit bonuses and jackpots as high as $20,000 are becoming common.

The report stated that retailers, airlines, media outlets, magazines, and other branded names will enter the online bingo market. Online bingo providers are expected to move into new markets such as Spain and Eastern Europe and some will target less developed markets such as China and India. Online bingo is incredibly inexpensive and the average bingo card costs from 10 to 25 cents.

Another major factor driving the growth of online bingo is the demise of many land based bingo halls due to smoking bans and double taxation. Land based bingo operators are attempting to survive by targeting younger players and using innovative marketing techniques. Many land base bingo operators are expected to enter the online bingo sector in the next two years.

In the US there is talk of repealing the Online Gambling Enforcement Act which closed the US market for many bingo providers. Repeal would open up a market adding millions of new players. The new Obama administration is seen as more sympathetic to online gaming than the preceding Bush administration.

Competition means more perks for players, larger jackpots and prizes all designed to attract new players and retain current players. Things have never been better for the industry or players.