The Rise and Fall of Bingo in Exeter: How Technology has Revived a Cultural Classic

Once upon a time, bingo was the talk of the town. In fact, the game of numbered balls, full houses and little ducks was a national favourite. Around for more than 100 years but hitting its peak between the 1960s and 1980s, bingo was a game for the masses. Made popular by New York toy salesman Edwin S. Lowe, it offered regular people a chance to play for prizes without spending a fortune. Add to that the social aspect of the game (when the caller isn’t talking, obviously) and bingo became part of the UK’s social fabric. 

Changing Tastes Send Bingo into Decline

However, as new forms of entertainment became popular, the game gradually fell out of favour. By the end of the 90s, the number of bingo halls in the UK had fallen from the thousands into the hundreds. The game was in decline. In Exeter, the downturn has been an ever-present threat to local bingo halls ever since. In fact, as recently as 2017, two of the city’s live venues were on the brink of closure. 

As reported by DevonLive, the bingo halls in North Street and Mary Arches Street were the subject of debate by Exeter City Council. Discussed as part of the Fourth Street Report, the venues were earmarked as potential repurposing projects. With the bingo operator’s leases set to expire in 2021, the council are looking at using the sites for other forms of entertainment. Questioning members of the public at the time, DevonLive’s reporters found that opinions were split. 

Some of those questioned said that “diversification” and “modernisation” were required. However, many agreed that the current selection of entertainment was adequate and that funds should be used to bring more culture to Exeter town centre. Fast-forward to 2019 and it seems that bingo is back in vogue. With the local halls now hosting student events for up to 900 people and the average age of players gradually decreasing, there are signs that the game may be around for a few more years. If that’s the case, Exeter’s bingo fans may have to thank the internet for the resurgence. 

Technology Brings Bingo Back into Fashion

Since the early 2000s, online bingo has gradually grown in popularity. Often packaged alongside casino games, virtual bingo is growing year on year. In fact, today a leading online bingo site such as Booty Bingo will feature an array of games designed to satisfy all demographics. From classic 90-ball to modern 30-ball speed games, slots and table games, the online sector has made bingo more appealing to the younger generation. The numbers reflect this. According to the UK’s gaming authority, the Gambling Commission, online bingo revenue increased from £4.7 billion in 2017 to £5.3 billion in 2019. 

With players spilling out from the internet and into Exeter’s offline bingo halls, the game may have a future in the city after all. While the local venues may always have the Sword of Damocles hanging over them, it seems an upturn in fortunes could earn them a reprieve, for now. For the UK as a whole, that’s important. The advancement of technology has been a blessing, but it has eroded away parts of our history. However, in this instance, the internet is breathing new life into an old dog. Bingo was once a major part of our culture and, in Exeter at least, it looks as though it will remain that way for at least a few more years.