Bingo has been one of the world’s favourite games for centuries. Bingo was first introduced to Britain way back in the eighteenth century. It was created by working women, for working women and was immediately a huge hit. Since then, it has only grown in popularity.
Bingo is particularly popular in Wales and is one of the few places where the traditional bingo halls are still at the top of their game. As well as playing at land-based bingo halls, the top bingo sites UK are also a highly popular way to play bingo in Wales.
Bingo has always been one of the most popular casino games to play but we’ll be taking a deeper look into why it’s so well loved in Wales.
How bingo is ingrained within Welsh culture
In the small communities of Wales, bingo is more than just a game. It’s a place for people from around the community to come and catch up and socialise. Friendships are made and cultivated in the Welsh bingo halls, making it so much more than just a way to pass the time.
The relationships and community within the Welsh bingo halls is well shown in the BBC Wales TV show Full House. It follows one of the most popular bingo halls of all of Wales. Nicknamed the ‘Las Vegas of the valleys’ the Judges Bingo in Tonypandy holds a somewhat celebrity status in Wales.
This bingo hall is open ever day apart from Tuesday and its regulars are there as often as they can. For this reason, the TV was a huge hit. Viewers got to experience the extent to which this bingo hall is the hub of the local community.
We follow the trials and tribulations of normal people who have managed to find solace in each other and their love of bingo. It might be bingo that brought them together, but it’s the friendships they make that keep them coming back.
Full House gives us a small window into the importance of bingo in Welsh culture. Despite many bingo halls in the rest of the UK being forced to shut down, it looks as though the bingo halls of Wales will keep going for many years yet.
It’s not just the older generation keeping the bingo halls open either. There are plenty of younger people taking up the game as well. The younger generation look to keep the love of bingo alive in Wales. This is great news for the Judges Bingo hall as it has been part of the community since 1909.
The bingo hall is a historical pillar of the community and has hosted a whole range of events before becoming solely used for bingo. When it was first built, it was used for Variety performances as well as boxing matches and snooker tournaments.
Nowadays, the hall is purely used for the nations favourite game of bingo. Its popularity shows no signs of wavering, and the new generation of bingo players seem just as enthusiastic as their predecessors.
Best bingo halls in Wales
Castle Bingo New Canton
Situated just outside of Cardiff town centre, you’ll find Castle Bingo in New Canton. This bingo hall is open daily so you can always get your bingo fix. On Wednesdays and Saturdays you get a whole extra of bingo playing as the hall opens its doors at 10:30am. You can play every day until 11pm so there’s no need to ever miss out on a game.
There is a huge choice of games to play so you can try something new every day of the week! You should also make sure to check out the specials section of their website as there are always offers to be taking advantage of.
This was the first purpose built bingo hall in Wales, so you know you’re getting a slice of history with your bingo game.
Club 3000 Bingo Cardiff
If you’re looking for a bingo hall where you can play all the best games into the wee hours, Club 3000 is the bingo hall for you. This bingo hall is open until 2am on Saturdays so you can celebrate the weekend in true bingo style.
Club 3000 is also open until midnight every other day of the week so you can enjoy late night bingo even if you’re working on the weekends. There are deals where you only have to pay £1 to play as well if you’re looking for some more bang for your buck.
Apollo Bingo Rhyl
If you’re a local, there’s no doubt you’ll have heard of this prestigious bingo hall. It’s conveniently located just off the high street so you’ll have no problem spotting it. Open from 11am-11pm every night, this bingo hall is a local hotspot – but is always welcoming to new visitors.
Not only can you find all of your favourite bingo games, there are also lots of themed nights to enjoy too. Why not combine your favourite holiday with your favourite game?
Bingo is one of the most popular games in Wales and this only looks to continue in the future. Whether you’re a bingo fanatic or a part time bingo enthusiast, there’s always a game to be played in Wales. And you don’t have to be limited to a bingo hall either, there are plenty of amazing online bingo options to enjoy as well.
Help keep news FREE for our readers
Supporting your local community newspaper/online news outlet is crucial now more than ever. If you believe in independent journalism, then consider making a valuable contribution by making a one-time or monthly donation. We operate in rural areas where providing unbiased news can be challenging. Read More About Supporting The West Wales Chronicle