A survey by Virgin Bingo has suggested that 69% of Players Surveyed have replaced land based bingo halls with online bingo. The survey looked at the social life and friendships of players. While we were somewhat surprised and sceptical of the results considering that the online bingo operator will have only surveyed online players this may explain their findings.

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 the bingo site, with one wedding currently being planned.

The Head of CRM, Alan Thomas, added: "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."

One of the customers survey 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)."