Bingo has always been a popular game, ever since it was introduced in the mid 1920s. Since that time it’s always been played, but of late there seems to be a surge happening in its popularity, both at traditional walk-in bingo halls, and on the Internet.

So why Bingo? What is it about this game that keeps drawing crowds of fans week after week? Is it that it’s such an easy game to learn? Could it be because of the cash prizes you can win? Maybe it’s about the socialising?

And maybe it’s all of the above. But one thing is certain - bingo halls are more packed than they’ve ever been. Despite the economic downturn, traditional bingo games have continued to thrive.

In part, it could be to do with the whole experience of the live event. Playing the bingo game on a computer is one thing, but turning up at the local of an evening is a chance to meet new friends and to socialise.

Bingo games rarely cost more than a couple of pence, or a quid at the outside, so perhaps it’s that a visit to a live bingo event offers an entire evening of entertainment for less than it would cost to rent a DVD?

Interestingly, there’s a fast growing youth demographic who are taking part in bingo, despite perceptions that bingo nights are populated exclusively by the elderly.

But it’s not just the live bingo halls that are seeing growth this year. The online bingo experience is proving as attractive a draw as the live experience. We’re seeing new bingo sites springing up all the time, and tried and trusted ones are going from strength to strength.

So what is it that’s so appealing about playing bingo online? For one thing, there’s the convenience factor - not having to trudge down to the local hall when its raining is a plus.

Then there’s the playing assist - most sites now have features that will automatically daub your card for you if you’d like, which is great if your concentration isn’t up to scratch. It will even call Bingo for you when you win.

So whether you prefer to play online, or get your coat on and turn up at your local bingo club, perhaps you should be seeing what all the fuss is about? You might even have a good time while you’re about it.