What is Bingo?
To start with, we’ll assume that you’ve never heard of bingo. Here goes. In a typical game, you’re presented with a bingo card(s) that feature a collection of numbers. These are also known as tickets. Numbered balls are then drawn and announced by a caller. As these balls are called, you’ve got to daub (mark) off numbers if they match any on your card. The goal is to call bingo by completing a set of numbers in a line, pattern or full-house. These will depend on the version that you’re playing.
Bingo Prizes
If you’re playing bingo online the prizes tend to vary according to each variant. A typical game of 90-ball bingo will often include prizes for marking off 1 line, 2 lines and a full-house. For real money bingo games like the ones played at traditional halls, the money spent on tickets goes into a prize pot that’s paid out to the eventual winner(s). When you play bingo for money, you’ll also find that some feature guaranteed jackpots. This basically means that a pre-specified sum will be awarded irrespective of ticket sales.
Advantages of Playing Bingo for Money Online
Playing bingo for money online is easier and far more convenient than visiting your local hall or club. One of the reasons can be found in the auto-daub feature. This basically allows web-based players to sit back and relax while the numbers are called, safe in the knowledge that they won’t miss the numbers being announced. With offline play, it can be quite easy to miss a number given how rowdy clubs and bingo halls can be. Auto-daub is also kind of important when you want to play bingo online, especially when it comes to the speed and stability of your connection. Sometimes poor connectivity might prevent you from seeing a number being called.
However, if you prefer playing with manual daub, then you’ll be able to find plenty of websites that offer this feature. Unfortunately in New Zealand, those that do aren’t able to pay out real money prizes – something to consider when you’re looking to play bingo online.
Finding a Site on Which to Play Bingo Online
Ok, so there are plenty of advantages for those of you looking to play bingo online. There are a few things to keep in mind though. First of all, you’ve got to choose between hundreds (yes hundreds) of platforms. Then you’ve got to work out how to sign up, how to make a deposit and which bingo room to play at. To help, here’s a guide.
Choosing the Best Online Bingo Site
There are easily more than 500 online bingo sites out there. This of course makes choosing one pretty difficult, particularly if you’re a noob. But there are a couple of networks that you should like out for that offer a superior gaming experience. Dragonfish and Virtue Fusion are excellent examples because their sites often include generous welcome offers. Anyway, here are some of the questions you should consider when searching.
FAQs
What Software/Network does the site belong to?
The software or network will have a direct impact on the types of bingo available as well as how busy the rooms are. And it follows that the more players per room there are, the bigger the wins!
Are there any no deposit promotions?
No deposit promotions are a great way to sample an online bingo platform without having to commit any funds. Just remember though, that you won’t be able to get your hands on any winnings unless you make some kind of deposit.
How generous is the welcome promotion?
Work out how generous a welcome offer is, paying special attention to small print such as wagering requirements. Are bonus spins thrown in? Does the offer include free access to a bingo room? What kind of time limit have you got to use a welcome bonus? As a general rule of thumb, try to find a welcome offer that has a time limit longer than seven days.
What kind of free bingo games are available?
It’s quite understandable if you might not want to spend too much money to begin with. So look for an online bingo platform that offers dedicated free/penny bingo rooms.
What bingo rooms are available?
Check to see if a bingo site features exclusive or networked bingo rooms. While networked rooms are great they can be extremely busy. So although the prizes might be bigger, wins are often less frequent. Should you be looking for a gentle introduction to the game, a less hectic, exclusive room might be the way to go.
What Kind of Loyalty/VIP Schemes are available?
Everybody likes a VIP perk or incentive. And for some online bingo sites, you’ll be eligible for the VIP treatment straight away. Sure, some of these aren’t always as generous as bona fide high-roller packages. But it’s still possible to find some decent offers.
How many pokies are available?
To pass the time while you wait for a bingo room to become available, you might want to try your hand at another gambling game. This is why many operators include online pokie games as part of their gaming portfolio. The best sites will include an expansive range of titles. So be sure to check just how many are available before registering.
Once you’ve chosen a site on which to play bingo online, it’s merely a case of registering your details. Good luck!