I was sitting down this morning, straight from the school run, being subjected to the car-crash TV that is the “Jeremy Kyle” show. It’s sponsored by a Bingo website and it got me pondering, because it’s making bingo a more approachable and acceptable pastime due to it being advertised in the daytime. Plus, as this is Jeremy Kyle, the adverts were actually a welcome break from the show.
Bingo is a simple game and loved here in the UK, however it’s now moved out of the big bingo halls and into the pockets of players via our smartphones. The basics of all bingo games, including online bingo, are simple and include matching the numbers on a card with those called by the game. This easy-to-understand gameplay is probably one of the biggest reasons why this game has gained such popularity since it first appeared. You can still head to a bingo hall, and with your special bingo dauber pen you mark off the called numbers on your printed ticket. There’s usually 15 numbers on three lines. The caller at the front shouts the numbers, then if you’re the first person to mark off all your numbers, you win.
Bingo halls were continually opened every year until 2005, however in recent years the number has dropped by over 100. The blame for this has been placed on high taxes, a ban on smoking, the cost of an alcohol licence but – in particular – the fact that bingo is easily played on smartphones. Mobile bingo, thanks to the advancement of technology, means that the same excitement can arrive onto your phone.
What is the best app?
There are hundreds of gambling apps for download out there, yet many of these are exclusively for playing with virtual credits. They’re a good and safe place to practice. You don’t risk any cash and you won’t lose any money. In recent years, as a way to replicate the social aspect of those traditional bingo halls, we’ve seen a rise in chat rooms and messaging facilities within apps.
It seems to be working too. The number of mobile bingo players just keeps getting higher. Since 2017, more than 50% of online gamblers regularly choose mobile devices to play over the more traditional desktop/laptop devices. This has forced online bingo and casino operators to develop games and services with a ‘mobile-first’ mentality and then adjusting them for PC, rather than the other way around.
As a result, almost every bingo site today is mobile & tablet-friendly in some capacity, either via a responsive website or a dedicated mobile app. Here’s some I’ve tested this week ..
Ted Bingo
This site is designed with a fun, secret agent-themed design and has made sure that players can enjoy all the best games they have in offer and in the best quality, regardless of the fact that they are on the move using either iOS or Android devices.
Cracker Bingo
Cracker Bingo offers players top games across bingo, slots, casino and instant win niches, including plenty of famous games and new releases. The games at Crackers are provided by the likes of Microgaming, NetEnt, IGT and WMS.
Bingo Besties
Bingo Besties sets out to provide the best gaming experience with loads of online bingo games, slots, chat and promotions. Plus, of course, you need to be able to play on any kind of device, wherever you are, and that is covered here too.
Blighty Bingo
Players will find a number of great online bingo games at Blighty Bingo. The live bingo rooms available include 52-ball, 75-ball and 90-ball variations, providing a decent amount of variety for bingo connoisseurs.
Heart Bingo
Heart Bingo can be easily accessed via mobile, offering all the best bingo games and an excellent range of slots. Players can either log into Heart Bingo through the browser of their mobile phone or tablet device, or download the App for iPhone or iPad.
Mobile bingo games can now be played anywhere and they’re still just as entertaining as if you were sitting in a regular casino. You still get to experience the lights, the sounds and the sheer thrill of winning, wherever you are.