Top Online Bingo Sites

Enjoy a Range of Bingo and Slot Games

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.

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.

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.

Deposit and Withdraw with Your Preferred Banking Methods

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.