The popularity of Bingo is one of the oddities that such a history has brought about. When the British were effectively occupying the state of Iraq they did what they always did – brought their cultural amenities with them. So it was that in the otherwise arid country, you would find immaculately manicured tennis courts and swimming pools.

The Aiwayh club was one such amenity.

Founded by British consulates to play host to parties for the exclusive elites of Baghdad, bingo was introduced there as light entertainment. And for some reason became one of the hottest games to play. Even under Saddam Hussein, the bingo hall continued to thrive, despite a ban on booze and the increasing marginalisation of the club’s female attendees.

Since the overthrow of Saddam in 2003, the club has steadily been reclaiming its former glamour and is once again one of the hottest spots in town.

As bingo halls close across the UK in ever-increasing numbers due to the increasing popularity of online bingo, it’s pleasing to know that if we leave nothing else behind us in Iraq, there will always be a corner of Baghdad that is forever England.

However, as bingo’s popularity has seen a massive boom over the last few years and the size and scale of the game has grown, it’s no surprise to find that it is attracting new levels of glamour. This year’s World Championship Tournament takes place in the Gulf of Mexico on board the 952ft Carnival Splendor – the largest and most spectacularly appointed cruise ship in the Carnival fleet. The 2009 tournament in November will see players from around the world duking it out for a $100,000 jackpot and a free pass to the 2010 event.

With interest in the UK at an all time high, online bingo site 888ladies.com is stumping up to send the winner of its own mini tournament to the event – all expenses paid! By playing as many games as possible on the site between now and August 23rd, players can accumulate points in the competition. The 75 players with the most points will then take part in a 75 card showdown. The eventual winner of this game will be flown from London to the US, where they’ll hook up with the Carnival Splendor for an 8 day luxury cruise in first class VIP cabins, touring around the Gulf of Mexico and taking in such exotic locations as Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas.

So if your image of bingo is still stuck with the Working Man’s Club stereotype of chain-smoking, blue-haired old girls then more fool you: the era of glamourous bingo has truly arrived!