Younger Britons are turning to bingo halls for sociable, inclusive evenings, with operators adapting technology and events to meet demand from a generation seeking connection and shared experiences.
Retail bingo is increasingly being embraced by younger Britons seeking sociable nights out, with operators appealing to Gen Z’s appetite for technology and shared experiences.
Buzz Bingo says younger customers have become central to its post-pandemic business. Half of the company’s 175,000 new players in the year to September 2025 were under 25, with younger members 30 per cent more likely to attend themed nights and ticketed events.
Chief executive Dominic Mansour said the company had upgraded its technology to align the retro activity with digital habits.
The usage of the iPads is at record levels,” he explained. “About 70 to 72 per cent of bingo play is now on a tablet, rather than what you probably imagine in your mind – with a dabber and a bit of paper,” he said.
Operators say the appeal goes beyond entertainment, positioning bingo as a welcoming and inclusive alternative to traditional nightlife.
“It’s a secure, safe place,” continued Mansour. “When you break the demographic down even deeper, we get a lot of people from different communities – [such as] LGBTQ+ communities – for the same reason, because it’s a safe place where people feel they can be themselves.”
The rising tide of Gen Z may also have given Rank Group a lift, with the Mecca Bingo operator reporting a 11 percent rise in net gaming revenue in the third quarter of last year amid stronger demand for its in-person and online bingo offerings.
Gen Z’s good for Buzz-ness
Dominic Mansour said… “It’s a secure, safe place. When you break the demographic down even deeper, we get a lot of people from different communities – [such as] LGBTQ+ communities – for the same reason, because it’s a safe place where people feel they can be themselves…
Originally published on Coinslot on March 2, 2026. Republished with permission.