When we think of online gaming, the first games that come to mind may well be bingo and poker. This is down to the simple fact that these two forms of online gaming continue to be the most popular, with millions playing these games worldwide. However, while they deserve to be grouped under the same umbrella term, the players and games themselves are actually very different.
Apart from their obvious differences – poker requires playing cards, while bingo needs printed number cards and balls – bingo players will argue that there is greater room for diversity in bingo. The recent inclusion in bingo sites of casino games and slots, all with various attractions and themes, such as Aztec Gold or Cleopatra, means that bingo players have much more to choose from.
The likelihood is also that bingo players will, at some point or other, engage with these new games while poker players tend to stick their favoured version of the game, such as Texas Hold ‘em.
Apart from this, the games do have one thing in particular in common: prizes. While behind-closed-doors games of high-stakes poker often end with incredible wagers as the pot hits new heights (hence the phrase “he bet the shirt off his back” originated), bingo games offer these kind of prizes as standard.
Cars, luxury breaks, cruises – are all staple fare for bingo regulars. Having said that, bumper cash wins are obviously ideal prizes for all gamers, as any who play Costa Bingo will testify. Their recent announcement of a £100,000 guaranteed jackpot for their second birthday celebration lit up the web with excited chat.
And this is perhaps the greatest difference between bingo players and poker players. Bingo has embraced the social media revolution and even incorporated it into its offers and promotions, whereas poker has tended to remain slightly more elitist. That is not to say that poker players are aloof – in-game chat functions during rounds of poker are always a great way to interact with fellow players – but rather that the emphasis on the game tends to be one of competition rather than light-hearted play, due to the nature of the games (bingo players are effectively playing against the house, while poker players are up against each other).
Bingo excelsthe social aspect of the game – and this is often the word-of-mouth comment that attracts new players to the game. New players are often welcomed on the chat-line and given hints and tips about how to get the best out of each room. The bingo lingo flies around and the games begin, and all eyes are down and on the prizes.
Overall, it is impossible to say that bingo better than poker, but rather that it is different – in atmosphere as well as play. For players of either, it is good to try the other as it will not only give them the chance to broaden their knowledge of online gaming, but also to take a well-earned break from the rigours of their own game.