Youtube is a cool website to browse as you can easily lose track of time watching videos with different subjects. As I was browsing, I came across this small documentary about bingo called “Devoted to the Game”, which was shot in 2003. The description of the video says that it was made as a final project for a college film class. When it comes to documentaries, I’m willing to watch them on any subject. Since this one was about bingo, I decided to give it a chance even if it was just to find out if it’s only the elderly that plays this game and why people enjoy it so much. I was surprised to find out that even young professionals are fond of this game because they can easily access it through CheekyBingo.com and other bingo sites simply by logging on their laptop or iPad.
The documentary has a low budget so don’t expect sharp images (or clear audio for that matter). Various bingo players were interviewed and they talked about the thrill of bingo, needing to pay attention while playing, and being able to win some nice prizes. Bingo clearly isn’t a game of skill, but of luck; and a lot of the people who were interviewed in the documentary seem to be very lucky as a lot of them won at least a 1000 dollars that year. They didn’t reveal how often they played the game, but most of them seem to head to the bingo hall a couple of times each week.
Some players are superstitious as they bring items which will supposedly bring them luck. Other players, on the other hand, perform small rituals like throwing salt or having the same seat at the bingo halls in Virginia. “Devoted to the Game” promotes responsible gambling because there are some people who can’t control themselves. It also reveals how most players consider this game as a form of escape from reality and most movie lovers can relate to this. After watching this documentary, I now understand why some people are hooked on this game because winning is easy and the rewards are great.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rfcgz5cJzrE]
sounds cool. I might check it out. I love short documentaries.