How to play online bingo: A step-by-step beginner's guide
Bingo is a very popular hobby throughout the UK, and as such, it is no surprise that it has proved to be a massive hit with online casino players. Playing online bingo is actually quite similar to playing in a hall. There are, however, a few differences that players should be aware of.
In this online bingo playing manual, we detail the process of playing, along with some of the most popular forms of online bingo games, and show you mobile bingo sites UK.
How to play bingo online?
If you want to play online bingo, all you need to do is follow the steps set out in this handy guide below:
Step 1: Register with a licensed bingo site
The first thing you will need to do is sign up with your preferred internet casino. Bingo can be found at the top UK internet casinos handily, and there are also several extremely well-used bingo sites, as highlighted in this review.
All of what is shown in this review has an enormous range of top bingo choices and is both licensed and regulated by the UKGC.
After you've selected your operator, you can register with the link that we've included. You will be required to insert your personal details and complete the registration. If it is available, don't forget to accept the welcome bonus.
Step 2: Select your Bingo room
Once you are registered on the UK Bingo website or online casino of your preference, you can choose the room you'd like to play.
The games will be scheduled, and hence look at what there is available and when they start. Rooms will have different prices for tickets, subjects, and social features, depending upon the specific site where you are registered.
Step 3: Buy your Bingo tickets/cards
The second thing you will need to do is purchase your bingo tickets. Each bingo card will cost you an amount, and you can purchase multiple bingo cards for each game.
Step 4: Let the games begin
After you have bought your tickets and entered the game, now all you must do is relax and wait for the games to start. Numbers are called out automatically, and unlike games played live, you do not have to wildly swab across your cards, as online games will mark off your numbers for you.
Step 5: Collect your winnings
If you were lucky enough to win, your winnings will be credited directly to your account. You can now withdraw it via one of the available options or buy additional tickets and play again. If you opt for the latter, you must remember not to let excitement take control and always maintain responsible gaming habits.
Popular games at online bingo websites
As we have already mentioned in this online bingo guide, there are bingo games of every description. The most popular ones to be found at UK bingo halls are the following:
90-ball bingo
90-ball bingo is the most popular of all the versions within the UK. Bingo tickets will have a 3x9 grid with 15 numbers, and wins will be achieved by winning a single line, two lines, or a house. This is the slowest of all the bingo games and thus the easiest to understand, and best for new players to learn.
80-ball bingo
80-ball bingo has become extremely popular in recent years, as the fast-paced and thrilling nature of the game provides a welcome break from 90-ball bingo. The game is often played on a 4x4 grid with 16 numbers. There are also other winning patterns through which players can win using single lines, corners, and a full house.
75-ball bingo
75-ball bingo is the biggest-selling variant in North America, and more recently, it has gained popularity in the UK. The game employs a novel format, with a 5x5 grid containing 24 numbers, but leaving the middle one blank.
Part of why it's so popular is because it has several different paylines than some versions of the game, making the play intriguing and having more opportunities at a win.
30-ball bingo
If you are in search of a speedy version of the game, then 30-ball bingo is where you need to be. The game uses a smaller 3x3 grid that is numbered 1 to 30. It is a faster version of the game, and you want to mark out your ticket.
Jackpots in online bingo
Bingo is all about getting that full house and being in with a chance of winning the massive jackpot prize. These are the most popular forms of jackpots that you will encounter in online bingo.
Fixed Jackpots
Fixed jackpots are pre-set prize amounts that can be won by the player. For example, you have a £500 jackpot if you get a full house. There is no variation of these jackpots. Many games offer a number of fixed jackpots for different achievements.
Progressive Jackpots
Progressive jackpots are one of the most prevalent forms of jackpots in any form of online casino game, and not just bingo. These are jackpots that increase, taking a percentage of every stake and growing until they release. They will then reseed.
Community Jackpots
One of the most significant features of online bingo is community, and one of the key elements of this is community jackpots. Community jackpots are prizes that are shared with all the players who take part. An example is that the jackpot might be paid 50% to the player who wins it, and then the other 50% is split between all the remaining players in the game.
How we chose the best bingo sites
As there are just so many of the top UK bingo sites available, it can be hard to learn how to choose one that is suitable for you. Fortunately, our casino experts have high standards which we apply to determine what websites we will be recommending.
- KYC process: Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures are a part and parcel of online bingo. Whilst some players view them as intrusive, they have a far more vital role to play, and that is to keep your details and you safe while online. Within our reviews of UK bingo sites, we look at each stage of the KYC protocol to identify just how strict it is.
- Legislation: We only strictly recommend operators that are licensed and regulated by the United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC). Safety and security are our priority for our readers, and that begins with determining an operator is licensed.
- Bingo promotions and bonuses: Promotions and bonuses make up a big part of the online gambling experience, and bingo is no exception. All the bingo sites that we have listed in this guide offer a decent selection of different types of bingo promotions and bonuses for new and existing customers.
- Terms & conditions of bingo games: Bingo games come with their own terms & conditions, unlike slots and table games. Hence, you need to read through all of these before playing. We analyze them in depth before we suggest a site to players.
- Mobile experience: Mobile gaming and bingo apps are one and the same, so we make sure all the bingo sites we recommend have an excellent mobile experience. We'll test the sites on Google Chrome and Safari, and, if available, download their apps and test those.
- Withdrawal rate & payment methods: If you have been lucky enough to win a big bingo, then you will want to know that you are able to withdraw your funds from your account as fast as possible. In selecting the bingo sites to recommend, the payment methods on offer are taken into account, as are the withdrawal and processing rates of the operator.
- Customer support: Having the ability to use customer support at ease is one of the most important features of playing online bingo. When we look at a website, we analyze what type of customer support is provided and whether it is easy to find.
- User review and reputation: Finally, we need to consider the reputation of a site within the broader bingo and gambling community. We will examine reviews on third-party sites, such as TrustPilot and AskGamblers, and also examine app reviews in the Google Play and App Stores.