Bingo is no longer just a game for old women. It is a fast-growing cult that promises to become a full-fledged ethos of living.  The latest addition to the burgeoning Bingo bandwagon of causes, celebrities and events is the BingObama craze.

If the run-up to the US elections saw the gambling habits of John McCain and Barack Obama being analyzed in minutiae, post elections, it is the Bingo Obama game that has everyone spellbound. I was in Washington last week, watching the inauguration and was puzzled to see my extended family (grandpa, cousins, uncles, aunts, nieces and nephews) settling down enthusiastically with Bingo cards when the President began his speech.  I later gathered that some enterprising soul had put together probable words that would come up in the speech, as a Bingo game!

Now this was one presidential speech that had people hanging on to every word!
While I am no great Bingo fan myself –I prefer Craps –like McCain does-the incident prompted me to go online and check out Bingo. I was in for a bigger surprise. I found dozens of Obama Bingo game variations, including a Mrs Obama’s Online Bingo.  Launched by Kezia Obama, President Obama’s step-mother has launched this game to raise money for the Sue Ryder Care Foundation in UK which helps people suffering from Parkinson’s Disease, Alzheimer’s and Multiple Sclerosis.
Ever since, I have been on the Bingo trail and am simply astounded to see what the game has achieved in terms of philanthropy.  Most celebrities when invited to do ball calling, donate the proceeds to a charity.  UK pop star Robbie Williams whose music video shows him playing the game with Splash actress Daryl Hannah, has done his bit for breast cancer through the Bingo game.  In fact, as the proceeds of the game was meant for the UK Charity, Breakthrough Breast Cancer –players even screamed “Bingo Breakthrough!”
Hollywood stars, Michael Douglas, Russel Crowe, and Catherine Zeta-Jones are all self-proclaimed Bingo aficionados and unwittingly serve as brand ambassadors of the game.  Others in Bingo Hall of Fame are the Queen of England, Prince Williams and former US President, Bill Clinton.

What is surprising is that sports stars spare time to play Bingo as well.  Professional golfer Phil Mickelson has hosted many a Bingo event, while defender of the Middleborough Football Club, David Wheater enjoys the game with his girlfriend. Bingo’s acceptance as a sport is best reflected in former Formula One driver Damon Hill’s words: : “I’m addicted to adrenaline, that’s why I love it. It’s a bit like racing a Grand Prix car.”

Suddenly, Bingo is a billion dollar buzzword.

Synonymous with entertainment and quick bucks, Bingo remains the undisputed leader of community enjoyment for people throughout the globe. It has been literally serving the masses since ages. Conventionally played in places known as bingo parlors, the game has donned many forms. Fun, charity, easy money, bingo has served many purposes. With the advent of the World Wide Web, bingo reached the pinnacle of fame. Online bingo’s easy access, high profitability and round-the-clock availability made it the most favorite pastime. Traditional venues have been replaced by online bingo halls. In a group of ten people, nearly nine have heard and/or played online bingo games once in their lifetime.
The moment you join web bingo portal, you’ll feel the energy of the place.

Apart from big bingo bonuses and promotions, it is the online community that draws people to virtual bingo. While playing online, bingo players find great company and end up making good friends for life. Who wouldn’t like to mix moneymaking with merrymaking? That’s preciously the case with online bingo. Internet surely revolutionized the game, but now, it is going even further with mobile bingo. With technological advancements happening at the speed of light, mobile bingo had to be the next move. Cellphones have become an integral part of one’s existence. Having already become a rage, it’s loved by those who are constantly on the move and also want to partake in a bingo game. Talking futuristically, mobiles will replace computers in a few years from now, and you’ll be able to play bingo whilst on a bus