There was a time when the aristocracy used to bet on almost anything, with Lord Alvanley famously wagering £3,000 on the likelihood of a particular raindrop reaching the bottom of a window pane first. Behind the scenes at gentlemen’s clubs, gambling was a hugely popular pastime, but a lack of games designed for the purpose saw members betting on everything from who was most likely to marry to the potential for the government to pass particular pieces of legislation.
While this made for some fun stories, this kind of gaming was unregulated and relied very much on the gentleman’s handshake system of honouring the wagers. As times have changed, enthusiasm for gambling has remained with many people choosing gaming as their primary pastime, and as a result, the top bingo apps for iPhone are among the most popular in the online store.
Players still want the ease and convenience of the early days of betting in gentlemen’s clubs, with instant access to games that they can play with friends wherever they happen to be. Fortunately, games designers and developers have fully embraced the idea of being able to play games on the go and have designed a wealth of games designed to be played whenever and wherever the player happens to be.
Gaming for modern life
One of the main differences between gamers of the past and those in the 21st century is the amount of leisure time available. While Edwardian gentlemen had time to while away in their clubs, today’s gamers are often playing on the go, during their commute or in breaks from work.
Modern lifestyles may not allow for hours spent observing raindrops, but there are many more options for gaming for those who want to play in their downtime. The ongoing rise in the number of mobile apps means that anyone with a phone has the equivalent of a multi-game entertainment centre in their pocket at all times.
In larger cities, such as London, where people may spend a significant proportion of their time commuting to work or travelling across the city to meet their other commitments, many people have time to spare but are limited as to the location they need to be in. Mobile gaming provides the perfect solution to this as it allows players to take their favourite games with them wherever they are and play during their downtime.
Developers and games designers have recognised this need in their target market, creating games that can be played using basic controls with no need for additional equipment or accessories. Mobile app games are also designed to accommodate those who only have a short amount of time to play in, allowing games to squeeze in some fun even if they only have a few minutes to spare.
Gaming for better mental health
Mental health can be improved by online gaming.
Researchers have also found a number of mental health benefits to gaming and those who have the means to relieve the pressure of daily life are better equipped to handle a range of health challenges. Gamers tend to have better cognitive function, as a result of interacting with games and keeping their brains active by giving themselves regular mental challenges.
Gamers often show signs of improved motor skills compared to those that do not use their mobiles to build muscle memories and improve their reaction times. Better concentration levels have also been observed in those that game on the go, and mobile games can be used, in conjunction with other strategies, to help those who struggle to concentrate to improve their focus.
Playing games and using the mind can also benefit those that suffer with low mood and depressive thoughts, with research showing that an hour a day of gaming can help to lift a players’ mood, particularly after a tough or stressful day at work. Although they may not be the demographic that people associate with online gaming, the over-55s can also benefit from online gaming by keeping their minds agile and helping to break down societal boundaries between generations and build stronger multi-generational communities.
With some of the most popular games, such as bingo, available via mobile apps, there are plenty of ways for people to build leisure time into their otherwise busy lives. With increased focus on online chat and the communities associated with the various games available, mobile gaming has become a great way for players to connect with friends even if they can’t be together in person.
Games such as online bingo have also become popular since going mobile as groups that are able to get together can play together on their own devices, spending time enjoying the same game without the need to go to a bingo hall or other venue. This level of flexibility and ease of access have changed the way friends play together and provided many with a much-needed social outlet that offers the chance for shared experiences that would never have been possible before.
With so many games to choose from, from traditional favourites such as bingo, to completely new games that have been developed specifically to cater to the mobile gaming market, almost anyone can be a gamer in today’s world. Along with the health benefits, the ability to build and maintain social connections, and the ease of creating downtime wherever you are, gaming is also a lot of fun and can be a great way to spend precious leisure time.
