The Proven Health Benefits of Playing Bingo
For many years, bingo has been a staple in community centers and retirement homes, often dismissed as a simple and low-stakes game. However, a growing body of research confirms that playing bingo offers a surprising array of health benefits that extend beyond mere entertainment.
Mental and Cognitive Stimulation
The cognitive benefits of bingo are well-documented. The game requires players to remain alert, listen carefully, and quickly process information to find and mark numbers on their cards. This engagement is a mental workout that can keep the brain sharp and agile. A 2012 study, referenced in multiple sources, found that participants who regularly played bingo showed improved performance in tests evaluating memory, speed, and cognitive function compared to non-players.
For older adults and those with cognitive challenges like dementia, the activity has proven particularly valuable. Modified versions, such as using high-contrast, large-print cards, have been shown to improve visual perception and cognitive skills. The game’s repetitive yet engaging nature provides a comfortable and effective way to exercise the brain, helping to delay cognitive decline and maintain mental acuity. Even online versions have been found to offer similar benefits for memory recall.
Social and Emotional Well-being
Social isolation is a significant health risk, especially among older adults, linked to an increased risk of depression, anxiety, and even dementia. Bingo provides a powerful antidote to loneliness by fostering a sense of community and social connection. Bingo halls and community games are vibrant social hubs where players can interact, share a laugh, and build friendships. The regular routine of a bingo night gives people a reason to leave the house and engage with others, nurturing a sense of belonging and well-being. Laughter, a common element of the social game, triggers the release of endorphins, which helps reduce stress and elevate mood. This emotional boost can significantly contribute to better mental health.
Physical and Motor Skills
While not a cardiovascular workout, playing bingo helps maintain and improve minor physical skills. The fast-paced task of listening for numbers and quickly marking them on a card enhances hand-eye coordination. For older individuals, this repetitive action can be a great way to maintain fine motor skills and combat the stiffness associated with conditions like arthritis. Some programs even combine bingo with light exercise to improve physical strength and balance. Engaging in regular social activities like bingo can also contribute to faster recovery times following illness or surgery, as social engagement helps manage stress and pain perception.
The Potential Downsides and Risks of Bingo
Despite its many benefits, bingo is not without its risks, especially as technology transforms the game.
Gambling Addiction
For some individuals, particularly those vulnerable due to psychological factors or financial distress, bingo can become an addiction. Online and electronic bingo platforms, with their fast pace and easy access, can exacerbate this risk, making it easier to chase losses and spend excessively. The anonymity of online play and the ease of digital payments can detach players from the financial reality of their spending, intensifying the problem. A study published in BMC Public Health noted that for a minority of players, bingo led to significant financial hardship, relationship strain, and emotional distress.
Social Harm and Isolation from Technology
While traditional bingo promotes social interaction, some modern variations carry the opposite risk. Online bingo, for instance, can lead to social isolation if it replaces in-person connections with solitary screen time. Similarly, automated electronic tablets (PETs) used in some venues can reduce interaction between players, as they become absorbed in individual gameplay rather than communal experience. This shift erodes the very social foundation that makes bingo so beneficial for mental health.
The Allure of Adjacent Gambling
Bingo halls are sometimes strategically located near electronic gambling machines (EGMs), or 'pokies' in Australia, to attract players toward more harmful forms of gambling. Researchers have found that some players use their bingo winnings to play more high-stakes games, creating a gateway to more significant gambling problems. This commercial pressure erodes the traditionally low-risk nature of the game and can lead to severe consequences for vulnerable players, especially those from low-income communities.
A Balanced View of Health Benefits vs. Harms
| Health Aspect | Benefits of Traditional Bingo | Risks of Modern/Excessive Bingo |
|---|---|---|
| Cognitive | Stimulates memory, mental speed, and alertness. | Minimal risk, but excessive play on automated terminals may reduce active mental engagement. |
| Social | Fights isolation, builds community, encourages interaction. | Online or terminal-based play can lead to increased social isolation. |
| Emotional | Boosts mood through laughter, reduces stress and anxiety. | Can cause stress, guilt, and shame in cases of gambling addiction. |
| Physical | Improves hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. | Minimal, but could contribute to a sedentary lifestyle if overdone. |
| Financial | Offers low-stakes entertainment and a chance to win small prizes. | High-stakes electronic bingo and adjacent gambling machines increase financial risk and can lead to debt. |
How to Ensure Bingo Remains Healthy
To maximize the positive aspects of bingo while mitigating the negatives, here are some practical tips:
- Prioritize In-Person Play: Focus on traditional bingo at community centers or with family and friends to maximize social interaction.
- Set Firm Boundaries: If playing online or electronically, use responsible gambling tools to set limits on time and spending.
- Be Mindful of Triggers: Be aware of why you are playing. If it's to escape negative feelings, it may be a sign of a problem.
- Engage for Socialization, Not Just for Prizes: Remember that the social connection is the core benefit. Prioritize the fun and conversation over the win.
Conclusion
So, is bingo healthy? The answer is nuanced. As a social and cognitive activity, traditional, in-person bingo offers significant and well-supported health benefits, including improved memory, reduced isolation, and better mood. It is an accessible and inclusive game that can greatly enhance the well-being of older adults and others seeking low-intensity social engagement. However, the modern digital and commercial landscape introduces considerable risks. The potential for gambling addiction, financial harm, and increased isolation through online or terminal-based play cannot be overlooked. A healthy approach to bingo requires mindful participation, firm limits, and a focus on the social connections that truly make the game a positive force for health. By being aware of both the benefits and risks, players can make informed choices to ensure their bingo experience remains a healthy and rewarding one. For resources on problem gambling, consider visiting the Office of Addiction Services and Supports.
