A new chapter is unfolding for BBO. In the coming months and years, we will be refreshing and evolving BBO to ensure you, our players, have the best possible bridge experience.
But before we look to the future of BBO, let’s reflect on the past. Over nearly 25 years, BBO has grown alongside the bridge community, embracing technical advancements, welcoming hundreds of thousands of passionate players, and staying true to the sense of camaraderie that has defined us—especially during challenging times like during the COVID-19 crisis.
Let’s take a journey through BBO’s history and explore how it became the world’s leading online bridge platform.
April 23rd, 2001 – Bridge Base Online Launched
The journey begins with the launch of Bridge Base Online (BBO), providing a new platform for bridge players to connect and compete online.
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August 2001 – VuGraph Debuts
The introduction of live tournament broadcasting enhances the spectator experience, allowing players and fans to watch live bridge action from around the world.
January 2004 – Introduction of BB$
BBO introduces the BB$, a virtual currency that enables players to participate in premium games, tournaments, and use special features on the platform.
June 2004 – Bridge Base Multilingual
BBO expands its reach with a multilingual platform, making the game accessible to players globally by offering various languages.
June 2004 – ACBL Sanctioned Tournaments
BBO officially integrates American Contract Bridge League (ACBL) sanctioned tournaments, creating more competitive opportunities for bridge enthusiasts.
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August 2004 – BBO Awards Symbols
BBO introduces award symbols, marking milestones and achievements in the player community and adding a layer of prestige to gameplay.
July 2005 – BBO Robots Arrive (GIB)
With the arrival of GIB (Ginsberg's Intelligent Bridge player), BBO revolutionizes solo play by offering robot opponents and partners, as well as robot tournaments, enhancing flexibility for players.
March 2008 – BBO Goes Web-Based
BBO transitions to a fully web-based platform, increasing accessibility worldwide and allowing players to join games from virtually anywhere, without the need for downloads.
May 2010 – Pictures in Profiles
Players can now personalize their profiles by adding pictures, creating a more social and interactive community experience.
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2012 – BBO Mobile App Launch
BBO expands its reach with the introduction of a mobile app, allowing players to play on the go and bringing the bridge experience to smartphones and tablets.
2013 – BBO Tournaments Enhance Social Engagement
BBO begins offering more interactive tournament features, including chat rooms, real-time leaderboards, and a greater variety of tournament types to engage players and build a vibrant community.
2015 – Introduction of BBO Clubs
The launch of virtual clubs enables users to create and manage their own bridge clubs, organizing private games and tournaments, reinforcing the sense of community.
2016 – Partnerships with International Bridge Organizations
BBO forges key partnerships with international bridge organizations to host prestigious global tournaments and events, solidifying its reputation as the top online bridge platform.
2018 – Induction into the ACBL Hall of Fame
BBO is inducted into the American Contract Bridge League’s Hall of Fame, recognizing its long-term commitment to the growth and development of the bridge community.
2020 – COVID-19 & the Rise of Online Bridge
As the pandemic accelerates the global shift to online activities, BBO becomes the primary hub for bridge events and virtual clubs, providing a vital space for players to stay connected in spite of the need for social distancing.
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2024 – BBO+ Subscription Launches and video chat
BBO launches its premium subscription service, BBO+, offering exclusive features and content to enhance players' overall bridge experience.
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2024 – 11.6 Million Monthly Visits! Thank YOU
BBO solidifies its position as the world's largest online bridge platform, reaching 11.6 million monthly visits and continues to grow its global player base.
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