Survey Reveals Online Bingo's Impact on Players' Social Lives

LONDON, May 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Virgin Bingo (http://www.virgingames.com/bingo), part of the leading online gaming company - Virgin Games (http://www.virgingames.com/), has today released the findings of a survey of its customers that looks at how online bingo affects their social life and friendships.

The survey amongst 647 customers revealed that 44% of players had made genuine friendships through Virgin Bingo, with 18% meeting up in person. 22% of respondents share personal problems and family issues with their online bingo friends, with 34% believing that playing online bingo had improved their social life. Interestingly, 69% of players said that playing bingo online had replaced going to land based bingo halls. Out of the 647 customers surveyed, four players have had romantic relationships through Virgin Bingo, with one wedding currently being planned.

Alan Thomas, Head of CRM, commented: "When we put out this survey we really had no idea what to expect. We are genuinely thrilled that our customers get more than a bit of fun out of playing at Virgin Bingo - it seems a number of them have truly enriched their social lives through new friendships - and in one case a wedding! There is a lot of focus on the negative impact of online gaming, I think this demonstrates for a lot of people it provides a point of common interest and can bring something to people's lives.

"That 69% said they now use online bingo over bingo halls is interesting to see. People love the ease and availability of playing online. Going to bingo halls is associated with having a few drinks and perhaps smoking - then there's the added cost of transport to get you there. With the ever rising cost of alcohol and transport, coupled with the smoking ban, people are choosing the more affordable option of playing bingo at home and providing their own refreshments."

Within the survey, one customer commented: "Since I became completely dependent on family for outdoor transport (plus my husband needs 24 hour care he has Alzheimer's disease) my life has taken on new meaning through my bingo friends. If I need to talk, whatever time of day or night, there is always someone there either online, Facebook or phone so I am in contact 24/7. Even with family close by they find it difficult to provide the conversation I need, and there is no communication with my husband - so my bingo friends provide that link. I could not survive if I couldn't have a moan and a groan and of course the laughs. Then of course there is bingo itself - I used to go to landline clubs several times a week - now I log on and play whenever I want with the chance of winning some serious money (which I have a couple of times I'm pleased to say)."

Founded in 2004, Virgin Games has over 1,000,000 players and over 250 games on its site. Through the introduction of a custom built Virgin Games platform in 2008, Virgin Games seeks to provide its players with the widest possible choice of casino games. A growing selection of games can be found at Virgin Games from a number of producers including Microgaming, IGT, Cryptologic, Freemantle, Ash Gaming and Mazooma Interactive Games.

Notes to editors:

About Virgin Games:

Virgin Games launched in June 2004 and has quickly established itself as one of the leading gaming websites in the UK. Virgin Games comprises three distinct offerings:

- Virgin Casino (http://www.virgingames.com/), offers content from a range of games suppliers including IGT, Microgaming, Cryptologic, Freemantle and Ash Gaming, bringing consumers classic casino games like Blackjack and Roulette, as well as great feature slots like Monopoly, Rubik's, X-Factor and the highly popular MegaJackpots progressive games.

- Virgin Poker (http://www.virgingames.com/poker/), part of the Boss Media network, offers a huge array of games and content for beginners through to experienced pros - as well as the most generous loyalty scheme in the industry.

- Virgin Bingo (http://www.virgingames.com/bingo/), part of the Virtue Fusion network, offers cash prizes worth thousands of pounds in the progressive jackpots, as well as Virgin prize bingo and a range of unique Virgin Games bingo games.