Who plays online bingo? The statistics are surprising to say the least. While Bingo on the internet is more likely to be played by women than men, over 30% of regular Online Bingo players are men. With younger people being more computer savvy the average age of Online Bingo players is 20 to 49 with a vast majority under 50. In the UK Online Bingo is fashionable with women in the 18-30 age categories. One study shows 100 million Internet Bingo players worldwide. The same study also shows that players over 65 are more likely to prefer land based bingo halls. Here are actual Online Bingo age and gender statistics from one study.

By gender

Women-70%

Men-30%

By age.

18-24-13.75%

25-34-15.96%

35-49-25.26%

50-54-5.82%

55-64-6.66%

65+2.96%

The figures don’t lie. Bingo as played on the internet is overwhelmingly a younger person’s game. Although dominated by women, Bingo is becoming attractive for more men. Some celebrity players who defy the stereotype associated with bingo are, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Sharon Osborne (Ozzy’s wife), TV star Kelly Ripa, and rock star Bono. Many men have figured out that online bingo is a great way to meet single women given the odds are 3 to 1 in their favor. Looking at player galleries on sites such as BingoHouse show that the vast majority of Online Bingo players are relatively young and attractive. Internet Bingo is by far the easiest, most user friendly online game to play and a great way to meet new people. Website chat rooms provide the opportunity for making new friends, socialization, and even romance.

Chat rooms add a personal touch to the online bingo world and serve a variety of purposes. Don’t know how to play? Ask around in the chat room. Need tech advice? Again, ask someone in the chat room. No more spending hours on the phone waiting for a customer service rep to answer your tech questions. Since the internet is worldwide, meeting Bingo players from other countries and cultures adds to the excitement of online bingo. Players are just as likely to play Online Bingo with someone from Europe or Asia as they are to be playing with someone from the USA. Online bingo gives people the opportunity to experience other cultures and customs. Again using BingoHouse as an example, many Online Bingo sites host their own small chat room games. While the prizes may not be as large as those in the main games Online Bingo players can win bonus credits, cool prizes, and even vacations. Just be civil, follow the terms of service, and above all respect the other players.

Playing slots online has become a pastime that rivals that of Bingo. Probably the main reason players like slots are the progressive jackpots. For every bet made a small portion is added to the jackpot fund. The fund grows until a lucky player hits the jackpot. Some of these jackpots are quite large and winning can be a life changing experience and the odds are much better than playing a lottery. Many Internet Bingo players play slots between games or they play just for a change of pace.

Bingo is no longer confined to little old ladies playing in some smoky church basement Online Bingo has become vastly popular attracting a much younger crowd. Log on, check it out and good luck!

Several of the major players in this business such as Neteller have been prosecuted for activities that are perfectly legal in their own countries resulting in heavy fines and settlements with the US government. To avoid similar prosecutions several companies have swiftly pulled out of the US market suffering substantial monetary losses.

These companies include, Neteller, Citadel, My Citadel, InstaDebit, FirePay, Central Coin, and Pre Paid ATM.

Already several startup payment processors have started to appear but they lack the longevity and credibility of the older established firms. Put quite simply these new companies do not have a history to substantiate their claims of services provided. One of the unintended consequences of UIGEA is the appearance of payment processors who may or may not be honest and above board.

We have done some research and found several reliable payment processors that are still available to US online bingo players.

Of course one of the simplest methods to fund deposits and withdrawals from online bingo sites is an offshore bank account. This is not a popular method due to the amount of paperwork involved and balance requirements. What follows is a list of companies that still have the courage to serve US players.

Click2Pay- If you already have an account the will process your deposits and withdrawals but they are not accepting new accounts from the US.

ePassporte-They are accepting US players and accounts can be funded with, A valid bank account, credit or debit cards.

eWalletExpress- They are accepting US players. Accounts may be funded by, basic checking, Xpressfunds, 900pay, bank wire and money order.

900pay-Currently accepting US players this service is one of the more unusual funding methods. This service allows deposits to online bingo sites and the transaction appears on the client’s phone bill. Ju

UseMyBank-This unique service allows players to use their banks existing online bill payment service. All that is needed is a valid e mail address and telephone number.

Immediate Deposit-This service allows the player to use their visa or Master Card to purchase a calling card which can then be used for casino credits. This method is good for deposits only. Another method must be used for withdrawals.

Western Union-One of the oldest methods. There is some confusion with the status of gambling transactions. Check for current information.

MyWebATM-This is a brand new company providing funding for online bingo and accounts are accessible at most ATMs. Since this is a new service many bingo sites and casinos do not offer this funding option yet.

Wire Transfer-One of the oldest and least known deposit methods. The only drawback is the length of time it takes, typically 2 to 5 days.

Add-Funds-A new service that allows US players to fund their online bingo accounts with their credit cards. It is essentially another service where clients buy phone time to be exchanged for credits at the site they choose to play at.

FedEX-Players may fund accounts via FedEX. This involves sending cashiers checks or bank drafts to the site operators.

PIN Debit- This new service allows players to link their PIN Debit to their personal bank accounts both checking and savings. Winnings can be transferred to bank accounts using this service.

Some of the companies providing these services are new and their reliability has not been established. Players need to do careful research when looking for an account funding solution.

Unfortunately US players are finding it increasingly hared to fund accounts directly using their credit cards. Most CC companies and banks have a code that denotes a gambling transaction and given the current atmosphere in the US that transaction is likely to be declined leaving the player in limbo. For the time being third party services seem to be the best solution. Keep right on playing and good luck!