Online bingo is one of the most popular pastimes of game players in the UK. It’s been around for decades and its enduring popularity means that it has become hugely successful in the digital age. In this guide, we will look at some of the best bingo sites online, and discuss the qualities that are needed to make a great operating platform.
Mecca Bingo is a familiar name to UK players as it is one of the most successful high street operators.
They’ve been around since 1961 and that longevity is one of the reasons why they are among the most popular UK gaming sites online. Expect a trustworthy brand with a great choice of games.
Foxy Bingo are an established name in the online industry having first set up a digital presence in 2005. They are known for their fun approach to games along with some of the best offers and promotions among bingo sites online.
Gala is one of those bingo sites that likes to cater for every style of player. They have a huge range of games and an entry point of 1p, and there will always be an option for players. Regular offers and promotions help to boost interest in one of the top bingo sites.
As part of the wider Sun media group, Sun Bingo has a ready audience, but it doesn’t rely on its familiar name.
Sun Bingo is a fun place to play, and it can be relied upon to provide one of the most generous welcome offers in the industry. Expect ongoing offers and bonuses here.
Buzz Bingo are another operator with outlets in the offline industry. They’ve been around a long time and are a trusted brand. Among their best qualities are a great range of free games, and some exclusive titles that players won’t find on other bingo sites.
The Double Bubble is one of the more popular sites among UK players, and that’s partly due to their choice of games and regular promotions.
There is a better choice of numbered games than most sites. Look out for one of the widest sets of themed titles.
Heart Bingo is part of the wider media group that delivers the Heart FM radio show. Because of its background, it’s a platform with a lively community and the chat rooms are among the busiest of all gaming sites. The platform is backed up by a huge selection of games./p>
Sky are another huge media company with a network of gaming sites. Bingo is on their portfolio and along with a great set of games, players may find more regular promotions than at most other UK bingo sites so remember to opt in for notifications.
Founded in 2006, tombola boast the largest bingo website in the world. The appeal here is the huge choice, with more games, more offers and more fun than you will find at most sites. For anyone new to the game, tombola is right up there with the best online bingo sites UK.
Bingo is a very simple game to learn and anyone can pick it up very quickly. Each player buys one or more cards with numbers printed on them. The machine produces a series of numbered balls at random. The ‘caller’ announces the number and if it appears on the player’s card they cross it off.
When a player completes a line, two lines or they cross off all the numbers on their card, they win a prize. At online bingo sites UK, the gameplay is automated, so those numbers will be crossed off immediately once they are called. The best platforms have a mix of games with a range of entry price points.
When you’re looking for the best bingo sites, there are a number of key points to bear in mind. Here are the important factors you need to look out for.
It’s essential to play with one of the secure online bingo sites. All operators have to be licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission. They pass specific tests to show that the platform is trustworthy and that results of games are fair.
This also confirms that players are involved with a secure site. It’s important to know that you are registered with a safe gambling site and that your details will be protected. The security is provided by SSL protocols. SSL stands for Secure Socket Layer and it refers to the level of security that is offered by the operator.
A higher SSL means that there is a greater level of encryptions provided. Details of this can be found in a separate security page on it may be under the About Us page. It’s important because players provide sensitive information including financial details when they sign up.
All of the top bingo sites should also provide high levels of security to keep your personal details safe.
The best online bingo sites are those that offer extra value to each player through offers and promotions. This is a crowded industry with many bingo sites after your custom, and one way to stand out is through generous offers.
Players can benefit from these deals and they take many different forms. Each of the new online bingo sites will offer a welcome bonus and this could involve free games or a matched percentage of your opening deposit. The best bingo sites UK will continue to provide promotions for the life of the customer’s account.
Remember to check the terms and condition. Each offer has rules attached and it is essential to follow these so that you don’t miss out on the deal.
The top bingo sites will look to offer different types of funding options. When it comes to making deposits and withdrawals, it helps if there is more than just debit cards on the schedules.
Many players still prefer to use bank cards and bank transfers, but all sites look to offer a choice. Digital wallets such as PayPal and Skrill are popular among some gamers, while ApplePay is a recent introduction. Some also like to see cryptocurrency. The full list of payment options will differ between each operator, but the best bingo sites are those that offer players a wider selection.
All online bingo sites should offer fast, friendly and efficient customer service if they are to retain players. If anyone needs to get in touch with their operator, there should be a number of methods in place.
Live chat is the most desirable, as this is the fastest way to get answers to questions. UK bingo sites should also look to offer a dedicated email address, while webforms and telephone numbers are also useful. Some sites can also be contacted through their social media accounts.
If there is a list of frequently asked questions, it should be easy to understand, but it shouldn’t be a replacement for the effective customer service that the top online bingo sites need to offer.
Online bingo sites UK like to offer players extra value through bonuses and promotions, and these come in many different forms. Depending on the exact operator you choose, you could look forward to:
Some sites will have all of these types of offers, while others have a small selection. Details of any current deals will usually be shown on a separate promotions page. It’s also advisable for customers to opt in to receive notifications, as some bingo bonuses are available by invite only.
Remember to check the terms and conditions of any offer to see what rules you need to follow. Each promotion will have its own set of regulations, but if you follow the instructions, you can enjoy some extra value from the best sites.
The best sites offer a mix of regular promotions along with fair terms so that they are easy to follow and don’t have excessive wagering requirements.
In order to legally offer paid bingo games in the UK, each of the online sites has to receive a license from the UK Gambling Commission. This is the governing authority in the UK gambling industry, and it licenses and regulates the sector.
It’s essential that you play at a bingo site that has been licensed by the UKGC. This protects you and your funds when playing online and it is your guarantee that you are not playing with a rogue operator.
Each of our recommended sites is licensed and regulated by the commission and it is legal to play here. If you are considering playing at a site not on our list, checking the license should be easy. Scroll to the bottom of the homepage and it should be displayed. A registration number will be shown, and if you like, you can double check this on the UK Gambling Commission website. Details may also appear on the operator’s About Us page.
The best free bingo sites will offer players a wide choice of games. The most popular options are 90-ball and 75-ball games and these will be covered at all websites. Beyond that basic selection, many bingo sites offer a bigger selection of numbered cards, while they will all list a set of different themes.
Log on at any time of day and you should be able to find a wide set of open rooms. You should never have to wait longer than a couple of minutes for a new game to start.
The top online bingo sites will also offer side games. These take players into other areas of the platform where they can play slots, keno or lottery. There’s also a new type of game known as ‘Slingo‘ which is a mix of slots and bingo.
While it’s a simple game, operators should be aiming to give their players as wide a choice of titles as possible.
A bingo network is formed when a number of bingo sites come together with the aim of providing extra value to their customer. They may share games, allowing access to more titles than before. A series of promotions may also run across the network of sites so players can access different deals during the life of their account.
A major advantage of having a network of online sites is that they will often combine their prize pools. This means that a jackpot can grow across a selection of operators, while the overall prize funds may also increase.
Bingo is a fun game and many like to play it on the go. It’s therefore essential that the many sites online provide options for mobile play. Each operator should have a dedicated mobile site that you can call up in your browser, but the quickest way to access your games is through an app.
Bingo apps should be free and fast to download, and once you’re online, finding your favourite games needs to be quick and easy. The functionality and speed need to be high.
In order to complete the mobile package, all games should be optimised for play on the go. The mobile experience should mirror that which players enjoy through a laptop or static PC.
To enhance the social aspect of the game, the best bingo sites UK will provide chat rooms. Here, players can discuss all aspects of the game and they are also free to chat about any aspect of their daily lives. A moderator is in place at all times in order to keep the conversations light and friendly.
Many players go on to make new online friends and there’s a real sense of community at the top sites. This is another great way of finding out the rules of a specific game if you are struggling with the mechanics.
Many sites also encourage their customers to bring friends on board. At most online operators, there is some form of refer a friend bonus. It rewards customers for bringing their friends along to the platform, while the chat rooms get livelier and the community grows bigger.
All bingo sites have a duty of care to their players and that’s why the top operators all support responsible gambling. Most will have a separate page dedicated to telling their players about the systems that are in place along with links to independent bodies that can provide additional support.
Among the actions that players can set themselves are deposit limits and playing limits. These will restrict the amount of funds that you can add and play within a specified time period.
Players can also take time outs for a day upwards, while self exclusions will disable your account for longer periods of time. It should also be possible to exclude yourself permanently. If the information isn’t displayed, it’s advisable to get in touch with customer services.
The top bingo sites will also link out to third parties such as GamCare, who provide support and counselling for anyone who feels they need help. It’s an essential part of any platform, and all of our recommended bingo sites have comprehensive responsible gambling resources.
What Are the Best Bingo Sites?
This review makes recommendations on the best sites, and there are lots to choose from. For those doing their own research, the top operators have a mix of games and a number of offers and promotions that add to the value. Chat rooms offer a sense of community and this can be another benefit to members.
How Do I Know if a Bingo Site Is Legit?
All bingo sites UK should be licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission. Scroll to the bottom of the homepage and information on licensing should be clearly shown. The license number can also be checked on the UKGC website. If the license number is not shown, it’s recommended that players avoid the site.
Can I Win Real Money at Online Bingo Sites?
It is possible to win cash at online sites. Most operators offer real money games where players stake their own funds and if they win under the rules of the game, a cash prize should follow. This system of real money wins can apply to both free and paid games.