Girls who love to Mecca nightof it
Lockdown has led to a new generation of fans of a firm favourite
MANY people think of bingo as being for the older generation but research shows almost a third of young folk love it too. Lockdown has also helped the revival of the game, with two in five of us playing with friends and family at some point during the last four months.
And 38 per cent of the younger Brits surveyed believe bingo is a fashionable game and not just for oldies.
In fact, 41 per cent of 16-to-29-year-olds would rather play darts, bingo, snooker and pool with their pals than go out clubbing.
The study of 2000 adults, by Mecca Bingo, found 46 per cent of players do so online, two in five enjoy a game at a bingo hall, while 22 per cent play at home with friends.
Bingo’s origins are believed to be in Italy, where the game began life as a lottery called Il Gioco del Lotto d’Italia, in 1530.
Known as Le Lotto, it became a favourite of the French aristocracy, before finally arriving on British shores in the 18th century, becoming particularly popular in industrial towns and cities.
Catrin White, of Mecca Bingo, said: “We’re seeing a resurgence with millennials favouring the classic game.”
To celebrate its 60th anniversary in 2021, Mecca Bingo is calling out for memories, photographs or memorabilia to be shared on social media with the hashtag #Mecca Memories.
And with bingo halls finally due to reopen in Scotland on August 24, we spoke to two young fans who can’t wait to go back.
We’re seeing a resurgence, with millennials favouring the classic game
CATRIN WHITE OF MECCA BINGO ON THE REVIVAL