It may not be the ultra-nationalist hooliganism of the English football pitch, but racial and national tensions seem to be flaring in the country's multi-currency
bingo halls.
With the UK playing host to the world in its online parlours, English as mother-tongue is now in question, with thousands of Spanish, French and German-speaking players signing up each day.
The strength of the Euro, and the offering of multi-currency Bingo options has really opened the doors internationally, says Ben Livermore of GenieBingo.co.uk, and nearly one quarter of our clientele is from outside of England now. The spokesman went on to add that their rooms are almost universally English-speaking though, largely due to the contiguous community that shares the site.
Other sites are not so fortunate though, and recent tensions have suggested a market for sites with dedicated language chat rooms, a move that may stimulate conversation, but many feel is making the bingo scene to segregated. It's that Rosa Parks on a bus thing all over again, says Mildred22, a player on one of the popular sites, its like were saying we don't want any foreigners playing with us, which is just wrong, even if it is true.
Most players seem to love the new multi-currency bingo features, and the options and players they bring. I can cash out in what ever currency is most valuable that week, says BingRingo, a regular on the same site, It doesn't bother me if I have to listen to a few Spaniards and what not. There cash is just as good.
Others are not so happy. There have been recent reports of fights breaking out and international players being flamed in the chat rooms, a move many have deemed to be simple racism. Says Ben Livermore, We have zero tolerance for racism or intolerance in our multi-currency bingo rooms, and our CMs are very strict about that. He goes on to add that they haven't really had much of a problem
with it though, and thinks bingo commentators are just trying to stoke the fires of controversy to sell newspapers.
Jamie is a stay-at-home mom in London, England. She enjoys playing online multi-currency bingo on the Internet.
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