Listen to this article:You may well have noticed that bingo has been undergoing a resurgence over the past couple of years. Increasingly, Gen Z — those born between 1996 and the early to mid-2000s—are embracing the game, not just through online bingo sites but also as a fun option for a night out.
This means that the stereotype of the game being played by pensioners in stuffy halls with sticky patterned carpets is rapidly being consigned to history. Instead, to go with the new generation of bingo players, there is a new generation of games specifically designed for those looking for a raucous night out.
The cost-of-living crisis shows no signs of ending, leading to the closure of clubs and other nightlife venues. Gen Z has been looking for alternative ways to have fun that won’t break the bank, and bingo perfectly fills this gap.
If you spend any time on social media, then you will likely have seen adverts for the various bingo options being offered across the UK. For example, there are countless drag queen nights taking place in pubs and companies such as Hijingo and Bongo’s Bingo run events that have gone viral across the nation.
In a recent article in The Daily Star, the trend forecaster and co-host of the podcast Let’s Get Ugly, Disha Daswaney, spoke about why bingo is experiencing a revival.
“Bingo is making a major comeback among younger Brits by combining nostalgia with modern social experiences. Venues like Hijingo have transformed the game into an entertainment spectacle featuring DJs, theatrical performances, and Instagram-worthy visuals, attracting a new generation. This reinvention taps into trends like the 90s revival and the growing desire for activities that blend fun with structure.”
Bingo’s popularity in the UK started to wane in the early 00s, and it increasingly became known as something that only the elderly enjoy. Just a couple of decades ago, most people in their 20s would never consider going to a venue of this kind. However, now bingo is the place to be for Millennials and Gen Z.
As explained by Daswaney, concept nights such as Hijingo appeal to the young with their blend of nostalgia and modernity. They are described as the “future of bingo” and “multi-sensory futuristic bingo”, which is almost the complete opposite of the image of a hall full of retirees.
Modern bingo nights blend high-energy dance music, live entertainment, and the chance of winning exciting prizes, such as holidays. To further appeal to those in their 20s, they also offer unlimited alcohol to accompany the games.
Similarly, Bongo’s Bingo describes itself as the “original bingo rave” and a “wild shared social extravaganza” that provides escapism for anyone between the ages of 18 and 92. Participants can enjoy traditional bingo alongside rave intervals, dance-offs, and the chance to win prizes such as karaoke machines, inflatables, and Henry Hoovers.
Commenting on this, Daswaney said:
“This shift reflects a departure from traditional nightlife, with younger audiences increasingly drawn to events offering interactive and memorable group experiences. From bottomless brunches to immersive bingo nights, bingo has evolved into a celebration of creativity, community, and joy. Its resurgence proves that even the most traditional pastimes can feel fresh and exciting when tailored to contemporary tastes of Gen Z and Millennials.”
Therefore, it seems that the future is bright for bingo and with a new generation of players being raised at the bingo parties, it is likely that more traditional halls will also start to see a resurgence in future years.
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