What do bingo and tennis have in
common? First, they are fun and are a great way to unwind. Secondly, they are
beneficial for cognitive development. If you look at reviews about most
bingo websites, you will see that many people use
the games to boost their mental skills. A good example is older adults who use
bingo to reduce cognitive decline. And third, these games have the community at
their core. We look at how these and other games benefit and connect the
community:
How Games and Sports Connect
Communities
Scientists and doctors always
encourage people to play games or sports. Usually, they do so to promote
healthy behaviors in an increasingly sedentary generation. But they also have
people’s social wellness at heart. Games and sports have long been acceptable
community endeavors for the following reasons:
a. They Spark Conversations
Think about any game you have ever
played - bingo, tennis, or otherwise. As much as competition may arise, you
also talk to others. For example, tennis players may speak to each other to
understand how to improve their skills. Bingo players also use bingo halls and
bingo sites to share their experiences. In doing so, they forge connections and
can learn from each other. Sports and games create neutral platforms where
anyone can benefit.
b. They Are Inclusive
Society has many divides - economic
status, race, educational background - the list goes on. But in sports and
games, there is one equalizer - the love of the sport or game. Thus, people
shed off their biases and focus on what matters. People playing tennis or
attending a tennis match don’t care about anything other than the outcome. And
they enjoy being around people with similar interests. The same goes for bingo
halls. When people enter these halls or online rooms, their goal is to win. And
they gladly welcome anyone else who shares this goal.
c. They Boost Role Models
Every sport or game has a role
model. Take the Williams sisters. For a long time, they have encouraged young
tennis players to keep at it, hoping they can be just as successful. Bingo also
has stars who have won millions of dollars. These success stories are a beacon
of hope to the community. People enjoy seeing them shine and connect based on
their love for these heroes.
But interestingly, heroes are at all
levels. People playing sports at the local level will have local heroes who may
not even have made it to TV. By seeing other people excel, people feel inspired
to reach for their goals.
d. They Support People
While we live in a world where
people can reach each other at the tap of a button, loneliness is common. Many
people feel alone, anxious, and removed from the rest of the world. Gaming and
sports communities create platforms where people can meet others and connect
based on shared passions. They can also help people overcome challenging mental
states when they need a community.
e. They Create Employment
Besides social benefits, sports and
games are also sources of revenue. People can make money in any of the
following ways:
- Playing sports or games, e.g., tennis, bingo, or other
games,
- Working in sports grounds or gaming halls, e.g., waitstaff,
managers, security personnel, etc.
- Creating products or services that help players, e.g., blogs
and vlogs on how to play the games or sports, and
- Establishing institutions that impart sporting or gaming
skills.
These are the tip of the iceberg
regarding the
money-making opportunities for sports and gaming communities.
Let’s not forget that these communities
also help people make long-lasting social and work connections.