Although bingo halls have been a part of Quebec’s cultural landscape for over fifty years, attendance at these traditional venues is on the decline. The province’s roughly 50 remaining halls have seen millions of dollars in revenue go as their aging clientele dies out, but new generations of players may begin dabbing tickets at online Bingo Canada sites.

Learn more about the fall of Bingo in Quebec, how it’s affecting local organizations, and why playing the game online may be the answer.

 

Quebecois Bingo

The provincial government of Quebec has been trying to revive the fortunes of bingo for decades by imposing rigorous regulations on bingo halls and games. Traditional Bingo games, on the other hand, seem antiquated in today’s day of abundant internet gaming options and the short attention spans of younger players.

 

As a result, while conventional gaming remains popular among the elderly, its clientele is dwindling due to the lack of new blood. Players under the age of 35 who are not interested in dabbing are less likely to play the online Bingo Canada provides.

 

Montreal-based caller Jean-Marc Crete claims that dwindling attendance in land-based games is due to more than just the maturing of the typical player. He told the reporter that many smokers had stopped going to Bingo games because of the government’s ban on smoking in bingo rooms.

 

One possible explanation for brick-and-mortar Bingo rooms’ inability to entice younger players is that online Bingo games are more popular and convenient.

 

Affected Sections of the Community

People outside of Quebec are worried about the decline of Bingo as well as the government, Bingo hall staff, and players. About 800 nonprofits would be hit hardest because of their reliance on Bingo’s steady revenue stream.

 

Only nonprofits are eligible to apply for business licenses, as stated by law. To get a hall up and running, churches and other community groups with permits need to pool their resources and hire a private operator.

 

According to a government-mandated formula, the proceeds are split between the non-profits and the operator. Charities cannot afford to provide Canadians with access to internet bingo sites.

 

The Future of the Game Is Online

Bingo online, which has a large fan base in both Canada and the rest of the world, may represent the future of the game in Quebec. Existing internet halls are popular with younger players because they offer games that are more visually appealing and convenient for their lifestyle.

 

By adding features from social media and online communities, the top Canadian bingo sites have also tapped into a strong feeling of community. It remains to be seen if either the provincial or federal governments would see the value in allowing nonprofits to enter the online arena.