Together with the occasional flutter on the horses, Bingo was one of the earliest forms of Gambling tom be legalised in Europe and the United Kingdom. First introduced in the late fifties, the newly introduced game of chance became immediately popular particularly with the western world's working class. Bingo offered players the irresistible combination of a great social evening with their friends whilst indulging in an entertaining and inexpensive gambling activity that offered the prospects of an attractive prize or two. As with many other overnight crazes, recent years have seen a steady fall off in the attendance at public Bingo Halls. With the establishment of the online gambling industry, internet casinos were quick to spot the value of Bingo as a niche market to enhance their revenues further. The decision proved to be an overwhelming success and an increasing number of online casinos have begun including this popular and enjoyable gaming opportunity in their repertoires. The huge resurgence of interest in the game has also seen the establishment of a number of online venues dedicated entirely to Bingo.

So why is the game so popular? The most likely explanation probably lies in its inherent simplicity. Compared with many other gambling games, Bingo requires no special skills beyond patience and a keen eye. Played online or in licensed casinos as opposed to Bingo Halls, the game is now legally empowered to offer large cash payouts rather than the traditional prizes of small appliances, crockery and the like. This additional incentive is the cherry on top for fans of this highly entertaining online pastime.

The online version of the Bingo game is powered by specially developed software and its modus operandi closely parallels that of a conventional, land-based, Bingo hall. In these establishments, players purchase printed cards bearing a series of random numbers for use in the game. Later, a Bingo caller, operating an air blower, announces each number as it is randomly ejected by the device. The players then mark their cards to highlight any of the numbers drawn that also appear on their card. The first contestant to successfully check off every number on his or her card will indicate by shouting "Bingo" and, if the player's call is valid, he or she will win the game and the prize. In some games, an additional, smaller prize is offered for the first player to complete a full row. Many casinos operate a progressive jackpot feature in which a proportion of each stake is pooled, often reaching exceptionally large amounts, later to be won in special jackpot games.

Played online, the basic game-play goals are similar but the methodology differs. Most electronic Bingo cards consist of a 5 by 5 grid in which each square, except the centre one, contains a unique number between 1 and 75 (or 95 in some versions). Players may purchase as many computer-generated cards as they feel capable of monitoring. Before play starts, a pattern is displayed on the player's screens and numbers are then generated randomly. As each number appears, players again indicate any matching numbers by clicking them. The highlighted numbers gradually form a pattern and, the first player whose pattern matches that on the screen must click a button to call Bingo! The software will subsequently check the claim and, if valid will pay the winner and terminate the session.

Online service providers have also been effective in maintaining much of the social appeal of online Bingo with the introduction of inter-player chat facilities that allow the clients to interact and even make new friends.