The Bingo Association has disclosed that 45% of new bingo members are now under the age of 35, signaling a significant youth shift in the game's demographic. To mark National Bingo Week, reporter Joshua Whorms visited Buzz Bingo in Cricklewood, London—Europe's largest bingo club—to experience the game firsthand and even take a turn as a bingo caller.
A Growing Trend Among Younger Generations
Bingo has been ranked among Britain's top five favorite ways to socialize outside the home. The influx of younger players is reshaping the industry, with the Bingo Association noting that nearly half of all new members are millennials or Gen Z. This trend challenges the stereotype of bingo as a pastime solely for the elderly.
Whorms described his experience on stage as feeling like a TV show host, facing a crowd of eager players fixated on their cards. Despite initial nerves about calling wrong numbers and receiving a few boos and requests to “slow down,” he found the experience exhilarating.
Insights from Veteran Callers and Club Managers
Alvin Maunder, 75, a bingo caller for over 50 years at Buzz Bingo, assessed Whorms's performance, acknowledging he had “potential” but noting he still has a long way to go. Mark Bird, 52, who helps run the club, emphasized the sense of community bingo fosters. “It’s like having your extended family. People come here for a reason – to associate with their friends, come and meet us, and just enjoy their day out. And it’s like you just grew your family bigger,” Bird said.
The club also hosts World Cup match-watching events, allowing football fans to enjoy games while playing bingo. This blend of traditional bingo with modern entertainment options helps attract a diverse crowd.
Dedicated Players Travel from Across the UK
Jim Massey, 68, from Hastings, travels to the London venue four times a year for a week of bingo. He recalled his first win: “I went first time and I played one book, just one page. And I won the jackpot £50.” Such stories highlight the enduring appeal of bingo, which continues to evolve and attract new generations.
