The UK's Best Online Bingo Sites - 2022

Bingo halls were popping up all over the UK in the 1980s, with brands like Mecca and Gala Bingo dominating the scene. These days, the majority of these purpose-built venues have either downsized or closed, largely due to the advent of online bingo. You can experience the buzz of those bingo hallfs from the comfort of your own home thanks to our handpicked lists of the best online bingo sites.

With so many online bingo sites to choose from, it can be difficult to know which site is best for you. Luckily, we’re here to help. Our review team has created a list of the UK’s top online bingo sites, so that you can easily compare sites and find the right one for you. Our list highlights the welcome bonuses and key features of each operator, so all you need to do is compare bingo sites and sign up. Finding your perfect bingo site has never been easier!

If you’re new to playing online bingo or want to learn more about how to find the right site for you, we’ve got you covered. Read on to learn all the need-to-know information about what you should consider when you compare August 16, 2022’s top online bingo sites.

How We Review and Rank Top Bingo Sites

Bingo websites are like bingo halls – how much you enjoy the experience can boil down to personal taste. You might simply prefer the look and “personality” of one site over another. That being said, our in-house reviewers are here to give their objective recommendations, which means looking out for a series of key elements. These include:

• A large games library, with popular bingo variations like 90-ball, 80-ball and 75-ball, along with slot games
• A buzzing community, with plenty of players regularly attending bingo rooms
• Fast withdrawal methods, so you’re not kept waiting excessively to get your hands on your winnings
• Player-friendly bonuses, with fair wagering requirements, or no wagering at all
• Responsible gambling awareness, providing set deposit limits, reality check alerts, and time outs, as well as a link to BeGambleAware.org
• Active customer support staff who are on hand via email, phone and live chat, ideally right around the clock
• Friendly chat hosts, who engage with players and keep that community spirit going

Enjoy a Range of Bingo and Slot Games

First and foremost, you’ll want to find a top online bingo site that offers the games you most enjoy.  Of course, all the top bingo sites offer a range of 90 ball and 75 ball games, but not all sites offer 5-line bingo or Fash Fives bingo. Some sites also offer unique bingo games with a twist, such as Bingo Roulette, Deal or No Deal Bingo and Age of the Gods Bingo.

As well as bingo games, many of the top gambling sites also offer a range of online slots. There’s a lot of variation in terms of the number and types of slots on offer, so you should definitely compare the offering at each site if you’re a fan of spinning the reels. For example, while one bingo site may have an impressive collections of NetEnt and Novomatic slots, other sites use games from different developers.

For those wanting to differentiate from the more traditional bingo experience, there’s also the game of Slingo – a hybrid combination of slot games and bingo. Created back in 1994, Slingo is played using a grid, similar to the cards used in bingo halls. Instead of numbers being called, a reel is spun, with the numbers landed being matched off against those on the grid. If the numbers align then they’re ticked off, with the game continuing until a winner is found. Of course, as with most slot games, there are variants of Slingo on bingo websites. For example, Slingo Monopoly which is an ideal version for fans of the board game. In this game, players start by selecting an object, as in the traditional Monopoly game. However, instead of a bingo card, players are presented with a Monopoly board, with the aim being of marking off as many properties as possible. 

So if you’re looking for inspiration when you compare bingo sites, be sure to look through the range of games on offer to see which best matches what you’re looking for. 

Boost Your Bingo Bankroll with a Welcome Bonus

There’s loads of variety when it comes to the welcome bonuses available at online bingo sites, so you’ll need to compare offers to find the one that best suits your budget and playing preferences. Whether you’re claiming a matched deposit bonus, some free spins for online slot games or even a no deposit bonus, reading the bonus terms and conditions will help you find the best bingo site for you. Terms like wagering requirements, game restrictions and win limits determine the true value of a bonus, so make sure you read the small print! Let’s take a closer look at the most popular bingo site bonuses.

Bingo Terms and Conditions

When selecting which bingo bonus to go for you’re always going to find a range of terms and conditions in the small print. It’s important to keep in mind that often the bonuses appearing to offer the biggest payouts may not realistically be the best option. The relevant terms and conditions are what really define the actual value of a bonus so have a careful read up of these before making your decision on the best bingo site for you.

Wagering Requirements

This is a really important area to take note of when you compare bingo sites. A wagering requirement stipulates the amount a depositor must wager before being able to take out money against the chosen bonus. As an example, if you were to claim a 100% up to £100 welcome bonus, you may think you’re about to easily double your money. However, if the wagering requirement stands at 10x then you’re going to have to pay in 10x the welcome bonus amount (£100) meaning you will need to wager £1,000 before collecting against your £100 bonus. 

Minimum Deposit

A bonus that holds a minimum deposit simply means that you need to pay in a certain amount before you can access the bonus amount. You may find a minimum deposit requirement of around £10 for new players to be able to access their welcome offer. It may read something like, ‘min deposit £10 plus wager’. This means that following a deposit, you have to place a wager before being eligible.

Time Limits

There are often time limits placed on how long you can take before a welcome bonus is no longer accessible. Some time limits are as generous as 30 days whereas others are much shorter, so be mindful of your schedules before making that first deposit. When the time limit is up, your welcome bonus cash prizes will no longer be available, even if you achieve the stipulations attached. 

Payment Exclusions

With the differing payment methods often come certain exclusions. For example, you may be able to deposit with one type but not withdraw your cash prizes through the same channel, so be mindful of your choices. 

A reason that many of the best bingo sites exclude payment methods is because of fees. There may be a fee on each transaction, for instance with some e-wallets, so naturally the casinos don’t want to be paying these out each time as it will end in a loss. Be sure to read each term and condition regarding payment exclusions, especially if you have a particular method of preference. 

Enjoy a Variety of Bingo Promotions

Of course, it’s not just new players who get to benefit from bonuses; the UK’s best online bingo sites also offer a wide range of promotions to existing players. From free bingo games and regular prize draws to reload bonuses and jackpots, there’s no shortage of great deals on offer. Compare the promotions at different operators to give you an idea of what to expect after you’ve signed up to an online bingo site.

The best bingo sites don’t go quiet after handing out welcome offers to new customers. They also lavish their existing members with exciting promotions. New promotions come and go quite regularly — you’ll usually see ‘valid until further notice’ in the terms of conditions of many promotional offers. Let’s take a look at some of the more common examples at the best online bingo sites.

Free Bingo 

Sometimes known as bingo freerolls, these promos let you play bingo for real money without having to dip into your own pot. Using free bingo tickets is a good way to try out a brand new bingo room for the first time and see if you like the vibe. Read the terms and conditions so you know how these freerolls work, as you’ll often be awarded with bonus credits rather than real money prizes.

Cash Prizes

Keep your eyes out for cash prize promotions – these will be offered in different ways depending on the site, and you’ll notice that some bingo rooms may be boosted to provide more chances to win.

Free Spins

The best bingo sites offer a wide selection of slots, from classics like Starburst and Rainbow Riches, to the latest blockbuster titles. Free spins are often given to existing members, which means you can enjoy hitting the reels without putting any of your own cash on the line.

Penny Tickets

You don’t have to splurge to enjoy online bingo. Games with 1p or 2p tickets are widely available, giving you the chance to win big with very little risk.

Bingo Software Providers

If you play at online casinos, you’ll probably know that the games are actually supplied by software developers. The same is true when it comes to bingo sites. Some of the leading bingo developers are:

• Dragonfish, arguably the best-known name in online bingo, powers leading sites like Wink Bingo and 888ladies
• Gamesys, which has decades of experience in the iGaming sector, having established Jackpotjoy way back in 2002
• Playtech, which is famous for its portfolio of casino games, acquired bingo industry heavyweight Virtue Fusion in 2010, now boasting a network branded as the biggest in online bingo

Bingo Networks

Bingo networks are formed when different UK bingo sites work together to boost the potential for bigger cash prizes and a better gaming experience for online bingo players. More specifically, the different sites pool together resources, players and facilities, with everyone contributing towards the final jackpot amount for the particular game being played. Game rooms are facilitated by a chat host with online bingo players entering the room from the site with which they signed up. Typically it is the newer, trusted bingo sites that join networks in order to maximise their jackpot potential and amplify the number of players involved – larger sites tend not to need the support that a network can offer.

From first glance, you may not even be aware that you are playing in a bingo network, as sites don’t always readily advertise the fact. Nevertheless, it really doesn’t make much of a difference to the individual as gaming experience is unaffected – being in a network simply means that sites are working together in order to create a better gaming potential for the room. It’s worth noting however that the players you can see within your networked room will be the total number of people from across each site, not just from the site you chose to access it from.

There are software variations of bingo networks, some of which are detailed below.

Virtue Fusion

Initially an independent bingo network, Virtue Fusion was acquired in 2010 by Playtech for £29m  – it’s now considered one of the largest bingo software and gaming providers in the world. With tens of thousands of bingo players visiting each day, Virtue Fusion has earned its award-winning status, having received the title of Best Online Bingo Innovation, Best Bingo Software and Bingo Supplier of the Year on various occasions.

What attracts many bingo players to Virtue Fusion is its popularity. With people comes an atmosphere, and the chance of a more exciting online bingo experience. In total, Virtue Fusion can host up to 15,000 people in one go meaning progressive jackpot prizes can amass across sites, and be played various times a day. With the background influence of Playtech, Virtue Fusion bingo players have access to some of the biggest bingo providers around. This includes major players such as Coral and Mecca Bingo. 

Dragonfish

Founded in 2007, Dragonfish works as an independent arm of 888 Holdings, a company that owns several well known brands and websites in the gambling industry. Dragonfish holds a strong reputation in this industry, providing software to more than 140 UK bingo sites and being recognised for its popular titles and high quality of service. Part of this top level service comes in the form of ease of access for each bingo website, a set up that’s perfect for newbies or established bingo players alike. There’s also no download necessary for any of the sites, meaning games can be played almost immediately.  

One difference between Dragonfish and Virtue Fusion is the group chat host facility. Within your Dragonfish powered bingo network, the chat host will be the same whichever site you’ve entered through. In contrast with Virtue Fusion, the sites each hold independent chat hosts who usually cover several rooms on that particular site. There is little difference to the user except perhaps a smaller community feel to those in independently run chat rooms.

Real Bingo

The latest of the three named bingo networks to be launched, Real Bingo arrived in 2017 and works off the Dragonfish software platform. Its unique feature is its claim to be the first network to not offer bonuses to bingo players. In exchange for this more traditional welcome, guests are given a capped amount of free bingo tickets from which the winnings are credited to their real money balance, meaning no wagering requirements are in play. Not only does this mean there is no need to understand the complexities around wagering requirements, it can sometimes lead to extra funds to play with, and therefore an enjoyable bingo experience.

Despite being one of the smaller bingo networks, Real Bingo still offers access to some of the best bingo sites around. And at the rate they are growing, it will be interesting to see them competing with the bigger organisations later down the line.

Play Bingo Games on Your Smartphone or Tablet

Mobile bingo lets you play your favourite games anywhere, anytime, so it’s important to find an offer that offers a top mobile gaming experience. Most of the UK’s top bingo operators have mobile-friendly websites, so you can play via smartphone web browsers. Some of the best bingo sites have also developed native mobile apps, and we think mobile apps are the way forward.

Mobile bingo apps are free to download for iOS and Android devices and can provide faster, more convenient access to your favourite games, as well as smoother mobile gaming. They also offer push notifications which you can activate to alert you to the latest bonuses and promos, meaning you’ll never have to worry about missing out on a great deal!

Deposit and Withdraw with Your Preferred Banking Methods

Not every top bingo site offers the same deposit and withdrawal options, so it’s important to find a site that accepts your preferred method. For example, while most online bingo sites accept debit and credit cards, other banking options like PayPal, paysafecard and pay by phone bill aren’t as widely available.

Wondering how to deposit at online bingo sites? Follow these simple steps:

You should also read up on the banking limits and processing times. Minimum and maximum deposit and withdrawal limits often differ between bingo sites, so you’ll need to compare this to find an option that suits your budget. Withdrawal times also vary, and this is definitely something you should consider if you want fast access to your real money bingo winnings.

When you compare bingo sites, it’s worth remembering that not every top bingo site offers the same deposit and withdrawal options. For example, while most sites accept debit and credit cards for both deposit and withdrawals, other banking options like PayPal, Paysafecard and pay by phone bill are not always available for every transaction. Let’s take a look at the main banking methods.

Payment Methods at UK Bingo Sites

When selecting your preferred payment method there are certain things to think about. There may be transaction fees and limits on payouts, as well as maximum or minimum withdrawal amounts. Always remember to check terms and conditions when you compare bingo sites.

Debit Cards

Oone of the major benefits of paying with a debit card is that you know it will be accepted on virtually every UK bingo site. Despite this, you may find you are limited to slower withdrawal options – the average withdrawal time is typically 3-5 working days when using a Visa or Mastercard, so keep this in mind. However, there is the possibility of accessing Visa Fast Funds if your debit card’s associated with Visa – this can speed things up hugely, and will give you access to faster withdrawal payments.

In terms of safety, you might feel less confident sharing debit card details with bingo sites. However, the recommendations we give from Compare.bet will only be for trusted bingo sites so you can rest assured that your details are secure with SSL encryption in place.

e-Wallets

e-wallets, such as Skrill, are a fantastic way of keeping your payments in check. Opening an e-wallet account allows for smooth, speedy and safe transactions between your bank account and your chosen bingo site. One particular feature they hold is a high level of security –  this is because they negate the need for any payment details to be added into a site, so are the ideal solution for the safety-conscious. There are of course variations of e-wallet, with the most popular being PayPal, Skrill, and Neteller. Read up on the T&Cs before committing to a deposit as there may be withdrawal restrictions and fees in place.

Prepaid Cards

Great for those who want to keep a close eye on their own personal budget. Prepaid cards can be bought over the counter so are another safe option for gamblers not wanting to submit personal details online – and with your card comes a PIN that you simply submit to your chosen online sportsbook at the point of placing a wager.

Probably the most well known prepaid card used at UK bingo sites is Paysafecard which is available from hundreds of locations and can be used instantly to place a deposit at your favourite bingo websites. A note to be mindful of with this payment method regards withdrawals. Some bingo sites will allow you to withdraw cash prizes back onto your Paysafecard account, however it’s something to check before you start playing as each will have their own set of rules. 

Pay by Phone Bill

Available only for bingo players who are with certain network providers, Pay by Phone is a method that allows people to make deposits from their mobile.  Rather than paying the bill upfront, the total is simply added to your monthly mobile phone bill or deducted from your Pay as you Go (PAYG) balance. Despite the relative ease of payment, there are ways of adding pre-set limits on transactions, with confirmation always being needed via text. Be wary of added fees for this payment method – not by the network provider but by certain online bingo sites. 

Fast Withdrawal Bingo Sites

There are some bingo sites that are known for offering fast payouts – sometimes even on the same day as your request. Check what T&Cs apply, as your chosen banking method will still matter at these sites.

Beginner’s Guide to Online Bingo

The most popular games are often those which are the easiest to play. You’ll be glad to know that bingo definitely falls into that category. It is a fun game of chance that just about anyone can play. In its bare form, it’s similar to a lottery. You kick things off by purchasing a ticket which features a grid of numbers. Numbers are called out at regular intervals. Your aim is for all of the numbers features on one of your tickets to be called out. Unlike a lottery which draws a set amount of numbers, bingo continues until a player wins.

There are a few variants of online bingo available but the basic rule set is the same. The most popular game is the classic 90-ball version. In this version, players will receive a bingo ticket with 15 numbers on it, like the one illustrated below:

Each card has 3 rows each containing 5 numbers. There are 9 columns on the card which helps to order the numbers, so the first column features numbers 1 – 9, column two contains numbers 10 -19 and so on. The empty spaces are irrelevant to the game. Numbers will be called at random and if they match those on your ticket, they will be crossed off. Most games payout in 3 stages:

• The first player to cross off all the numbers on 1 line
• The first player to cross off all the numbers on 2 lines
• The first player to cross off all the numbers on 3 lines – this is bingo (or house)

As you are playing against other bingo players, it’s possible that more than one player can win at the same time. When this happens, the prize is divided equally among the winners.

The Different Bingo Game Types

One of the joys of online bingo sites is the dazzling range of immersive bingo rooms on offer – from games packed with colourful emojis to official Deal or No Deal and Britain’s Got Talent tie-ins. In terms of gameplay, they can be broken down into some common categories.

90-Ball Bingo

This is the classic way to play bingo, and still the most popular. Each ticket has 15 numbers scattered across three rows of nine squares, and the aim is to be the first player to cover, or “daub”, all the numbers across one row. You can also hit the jackpot by covering two lines or all three — also known as a “full house”.

75-Ball Bingo

These bingo games are particularly popular in the US, and feature tickets with five rows and five columns. To win, you’ll need to cover numbers to make predetermined patterns.

80-Ball Bingo

Less common than other variations, 80-ball bingo is pretty similar to 75-ball. Each ticket here has a square grid pattern with 16 numbers and colour-coded columns. You can win in various ways – for example, by covering the four numbers in the corners of your ticket, or completing vertical lines. 

Progressive Jackpot Bingo

Progressive jackpot bingo rooms offer potentially huge payouts, as the prize pot gets bigger and bigger with every ticket sold. Just bear in mind you’ll only be able to win the progressive jackpot by fulfilling certain conditions such as bagging a full house within a set number of calls.

Winning a Bingo Jackpot

While some players play purely for fun, many players are looking to make a tidy profit. So the first question many of you will be asking is ‘how much can I win?’ The jackpot for winners varies largely, and can range between a few pounds up to tens of thousands, depending on the type of game you choose. Progressive bingo games feature the biggest jackpots currently available – you could land a life-changing 7-figures payout! As you can imagine, landing such a huge jackpot isn’t so easy. A progressive jackpot will only payout if a player wins in under a certain number of calls.

Play Bingo for Free

We already mentioned how some UK bingo sites can treat their customers to freeroll games where you can play for prizes without spending your own funds. But you may also be able to play for the pure fun of it, with no payment required and no prizes on offer. This is perfect for newbies who want to get used to bingo gameplay before investing in real money games.

Compare and Play Bingo Online

Now you know what to look out for when choosing a bingo site, it’s time to get out there and give it a go for yourself. Take a look at our list of the top online bingo sites to find the best option for you. Simply compare, pick out a favourite and sign up to start playing bingo!

References and Related External Links

Please note that Compare.bet is not responsible for the content of third-party websites.

1. gamblingcommission.gov.uk – ‘New age and identity verification rules – changes to the LCCP from Tuesday 7 May’
2. skrill.com – Bet Online – Pay with your Skrill Account 
3. neteller.com – ‘Pay Online’