Bingo and Tennis: connecting communities through games and sports

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.