Can anyone remember the good old days of bingo? Back when the National Bingo Game was still an ultra-popular activity, bingo halls across the country would be filled with passionate players and dedicated bingo masters, each setting out to win the biggest prize possible. The crowds were fun and cheerful, the prizes were certainly worthwhile, and the entire game had a never-ending ring of purpose and enjoyment to it.

Unfortunately, the National Bingo Game fell out of fashion in the last few years, pushed out of the market due to the failing economy and Britain’s new smoking ban. While the dedicated few still make it down to the halls for a weekly round of bingo, many of Britain’s former bingo fanatics are choosing to play no deposit bingo online instead.

With so many added benefits, it’s hard to blame them. In many ways, online bingo is traditional hall-style bingo optimized to the point of extreme fun – higher jackpots, quicker games, and a lot more fun are all standard. To help you make the change to online bingo, we’ve put together seven ‘pet hates’ and annoyances often associated with bingo halls, gaming centers, and casinos.

1. The Post-Win Boredom

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It’s nice to win, especially in an ultra-competitive bingo game. While prizes have dropped since the end of the National Game, a number of bingo halls are still offering competitive potential winnings and valuable prizes.

Unfortunately, the post-win feeling is no longer what it once was. Most bingo winnings are relatively small – often barely enough to cover past losses – and the players winning them are no longer as ecstatic as they once were. In fact, many of today’s top bingo prizes end up in boredom, as the rest of the game is spent focusing on what’s already won, rather than what’s still on the cards.

2. That ‘Mass Gaming’ Smell

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Three years ago, the small most often associated with a bingo hall was that of cigarettes and the occasional cool drink. Since the UK’s smoking ban came into effect, it’s become much closer to the smell of body odor, long-term gaming, and stale air.

The smoking ban has been touted as a reason for bingo’s in-person demise, and it’s not difficult to see why. In addition to pushing many smokers out of the bingo room and into the courtyard, the indoor smoking ban has forced many bingo players to realize just how bad hundreds of players can collectively stink. Our suggestion – stay at home with online bingo and enjoy fresh air.

3. The Commute

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It’s no surprise that most bingo players don’t miss the ten-mile commute often required for a fun night of bingo. While many bingo halls and gaming centers still enjoy steady business, a number of players are turning to online bingo simply for convenience, primarily because it doesn’t require the lengthy journey that a bingo session with friends does.

When compared side by side, it’s very difficult to vouch for the bingo halls. Not only is online bingo easier to access – it’s much quicker than an offline bingo game, giving players more reason to participate and plenty more chances to hit big and win a major prize.

4. Slow, Staunch, and Frustrating Service

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Service can be frustrating in almost any setting, but bingo halls are at the top of the heap when it comes to utterly infuriating service. From ultra-slow food services to sluggish game speeds, the service on offer at some bingo halls is on part with the cheapest of all budget airlines.

Of course, there is an alternative option. By stocking up your refrigerator, sitting down in a comfortable chair, and readying your first set of refreshments, your online bingo session can benefit from the most personal service on offer.

5. The Demographic

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The rise of the internet has changed a number of games once perceived as ‘old’ into updated and interesting symbols of youth. Strangely enough, bingo is one of them. While bingo halls and major gaming centers are still used primarily by aging bingo fans and retirees, online bingo websites are growing particularly popular with players in their early 20s.

So next time you’re looking for like-minded company and a fun social setting, it could be best to avoid the bingo halls. Bring up your list of free bingo sites and you’ll have similarly aged company to pick from – not the slightly older demographic on offer in most bingo halls.

6. The Gaming Speed

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Ask any professional online poker player what annoys them about casino gaming and they’ll come back with one answer: the sluggish speed. In many ways, competitive bingo is no different. While in-person games benefit from the added social activity, the pace of gameplay can be frustrating for bingo players that aren’t there to talk, but to win.

If you’re tired of sluggish in-person bingo, online bingo could be a good alternative. Not only are games faster and more exciting – prizes are larger, in-game bonuses are significantly better, and the potential for massive winnings is amplified due to the game’s boosted speed.

7. The Smoking Ban

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If there’s any one factor that’s responsible for the demise of bingo halls across the UK, it’s the countrywide smoking ban. Passed and enforced since July 2007, the UK’s smoking ban has been responsible for the financial failure of hundreds of bingo halls. The few major halls that remain have made some dramatic changes to their format – many of which removed the National Bingo Game from their schedules and replaced it with their own low-winnings formats.

European gaming giant The Rank Group reported a significant loss in business across their large network of bingo halls. Over thirty percent of bingo halls are facing closure in the UK, leading many players towards online bingo alternatives and free bingo sites.

It’s easy to blame the smoking ban for the failure of Britain’s bingo halls, but very difficult to blame it for the failure of bingo. Statistics show that no deposit bingo websites are more popular than ever, with many of Britain’s biggest bingo fans taking their game online. If you’re a passionate bingo fan and smoker, online bingo could be the alternative to in-person bingo that you’ve been looking for.