There was a time when any red-blooded male under 60 wouldn’t be seen dead visiting one of two places – the beauty spa and the bingo hall.

Times, they are a-changing as the song says - with the advent of the metrosexual men are more groomed than ever before – and more and more of them are enjoying playing bingo.

The game that has traditionally been the domain of old-age pensioners is in fact a fast-paced game of quick-thinking - and substantial winning potential. Those very men who would have scoffed at the idea of exchanging a night down the pub watching football for an evening of Bingo are now not averse to the formerly spurned game.

What is the attraction? What would make a family man or bachelor in his 20s, 30s or 40s choose Bingo for relaxation and recreation after a hard day’s work?

While some have been enticed along by their partners, an increasing number come by themselves, for their own pleasure.

Many men say they enjoy the structured social interaction outside of the usual pub environment where it is often too noisy to really chat. Having the focus of the game is an important aspect for the type of man who doesn’t enjoy aimlessly sitting around gossiping but still enjoys being with people in a convivial atmosphere.

The atmosphere is fun, competitive and friendly.

At a bingo hall there is also the possibility to build on new relationships as many players return regularly.

The environment of a bingo hall is also much safer than some alternative venues for a night out. As heavy drinking and aggressive behaviour are never tolerated at a bingo hall, the atmosphere stays relaxed and

Obviously the possibility of winning is always an attraction, it’s the general ‘good night out’ experience most men claim has increased the numbers of men playing bingo on a regular basis.

Male celebrities who play and endorse the game have also increased the ‘acceptability’ of bingo in the male community. The UK’s crown Prince William – young, heterosexual and a popular pin-up boy, has made bingo playing ‘okay’ among the young, rich and handsome set. Other celebrities who have been linked to the game include Irish Super-Group U2’s frontman Bono and ultra-sexy op star Robbie Williams.

A spokesperson for one British bingo company has confirmed the reported increase in male interest in the game. He says, "We have definitely seen a rise in the number of men coming through our doors. Maybe when they saw bingo getting the royal approval from the future king, they realised it was good enough for them too!"

It is certainly not only n the bingo halls that this trend has been noted – with the advent of online bingo younger players of both sexes are now playing in ever increasing numbers on Web-based sites.

The anonymity offered in this environment in ideal for those who still feel a little shy to be seen playing at the local hall. Online, they can secretly indulge in their latest hobby and no one need ever know!

The increase in excellent bingo sites with a host of features including instant games, bigger jackpots, incredible prizes, convenience and even social interaction in the chatrooms makes online bingo the thinking man’s choice.

There are men who admit, off the record, to choosing a woman’s username to keep their true identity secret/, but more and more are brazening it out – even playing at sites specifically marketed at male bingo enthusiasts.

Who would have thought it possible! The game Granny always played could be becoming the pastime of choice for metrosexuals and even just the boy next door!

Goodbye Zimmer frame – hello manbag!