Let’s look at mobile bingo and the best mobile friendly bingo sites for those of us who like to play on the go, or just use our phones for pretty much everything! Mobile bingo is a big deal and it’s estimated that over 60% of all online bingo is now played on a mobile device.
It’s amazing think that not all bingo sites offer a good mobile compatible experience. While some offer apps for IOS and android the best bingo sites tend to make their current software fully compatible, this way you don’t have less features, less games and the overall experience and game play is quite frankly better.
Mobile bingo has taken off! Gone are the days where your purple-rinsed grannies would pop down the legion to have a game of bingo and this is thanks to one invention – the mobile telephone. Nowadays, Mobiles are used for everything; a clock, a computer, a diary, a reminder service, a shopping centre and of course a telephone. Why let a cord or plug hold you back when you can take the whole of the world with you?
Did you know the very first mobile bingo site was launched back in 1996? Bingo Zone appeared across the pond in the US on mobiles and amazingly enough, it’s still going string to this day. Granted, technology back in the 90’s was very basic, so you can imagine what the graphics were like. Thankfully, technology is fast-moving with new capabilities arising every day and operators have capitalised on this and are moving with the times, offering more and more in the terms of bingo and slots.
What is the major attraction with mobile bingo? The fact you can whip out your mobile (or tablet) anywhere to play – it really is that simple. Whether you’re on a mobile data plan or run solely on WIFI, all bingo sites will load to fit your device.
A Trio of Fun
Let’s take a look at three of the most popular mobile bingo sites, from the welcome page right down to the bingo rooms. First up is the ‘Funshine Bingo Destination’ – Costa Bingo. The first hurdle is the landing page. Unless you’re a member, you won’t be granted access to various parts of the site which are readily accessible via desktop; promotions, a games rundown and community pages to be precise. Sign up or log in via the simple on-screen form and hey presto, you’re in! The first page automatically programmed to launch is ‘My Costa’ – this is where your tailored bonuses and messages will be housed. Links to games, bingo, VIP and your account can be found to the lower screen with banking and perks displayed to the top. Navigating is simple; choose a gaming category and use your finger to get to the games you love to play.
Ladbrokes Bingo is a fun-for-app, not only will you find a grand choice of bingo rooms, but table games, live casino, sports betting and slots. It’s basically your one-stop-shop for all things fun. The landing page on the mobile app is a little cluttered with links to various products, a scrolling reel of the latest offerings with messages on what games to check out first flashing quickly above the bustling games lobby. Registration and log in links are housed to the top of your screen with sports, in-play, promotions and gaming options to the lower. Press that menu tab to the upper left and navigate your way to bingo and the lobby specifically tailored for bingo dabbing games will appear. Games ranging from Deal or No Deal Bingo to Coronation Street Bingo can all be accessed on the go.
Tombola launches with a bumper welcome offer screen. If you’re a new player, you can instantly take advantage of the bonus boost on your first deposit. Once you’ve logged in and are over with the formalities, it’s time to take a look at what’s on offer. Unlike other bingo sites, Tombola is a standalone site which means all games featured are unique to them and cannot be found anywhere else. Use the menu to play games such as Pirates; match the pirates to win, Rollercoaster; keep your eyes on the heads falling into your carts or Hamster – watch those fuzzy little creatures launch the finish line!
What Makes a Good Mobile Bingo Site?
To put it simply; the choice of games and ease of access. Yes, there are other important factors such as the promotions – nobody wants to play at a mobile bingo site where there’s nothing happening, the prizes and more importantly – how quickly you can get your hands on your winnings. As an avid bingo player, the main attraction for me is the games. You have many different bingo sites to choose from, many operating on the same software which means networked games (pooling prizes from all sites on the network for bigger cash) and then you have the standalone sites – Tombola being one. Bingo should be about more than just the traditional 90-ball bingo game – you should have patterned bingo, 5-line bingo and free bingo!
Bingo rooms are designed to replicate the desktop rooms, so you’ll find a chat community, side games as well as ticketing options. The only major difference between mobile and desktop bingo is the size of the screen. Bingo lingo, chat games and many opportunities to win can be had on any device, whether you own the latest smartphone or a dated tablet.
Deposit and Withdrawal Options
Like desktop bingo sites, mobile sites cater for deposits and withdrawals via the usual methods. All major credit and debit cards will be accepted along with e-wallets. Some even accept mobile phone deposits (Boku), but these incur a fee of up to 15% on every transaction. There’s no way of pinpointing exactly the funding sources accepted as this will vary from one operator to the next.
Funding and cashing out is a simple process that can be executed by visiting the cashier. Follow the on-screen instructions, decide on an amount you wish to play with (or withdraw) and complete your transaction. Don’t be alarmed if you’re navigated away from the app to complete a deposit as this is standard procedure with the likes of PayPal.
Customer Service
No two sites are ever the same and this goes for customer support too, however, there is one thing they all offer and that is FAQ’s. Live support generally comes in the form of a help chat room, but there are links to calling a customer support representative or emailing the team – some even offer live chat in a more private setting. The basics are required of you whether you’re emailing or making a call; your name, email address and the issue you’re facing. If you can give as much detail as possible, the help teams will be able to sort you out in no time. Security questions will be asked of you to confirm you are the account holder – naturally.
Play Via an App or Browser?
Believe it or not, the two offer the same, however, the layout will be significantly different. Apps are designed by developers to fit your device, but if you choose to play via the browser, you will have that unsightly navigation bar to the top of the screen along with your browsers bookmark options to the foot of the page. For a truly immersive experience, there’s only one thing to do – download the free app!
iPhone vs Android Mobile Bingo Apps
Again, there’s no difference! Apple iPhone or iPads will offer the same mobile app as someone using an Android. The product is identical, even if the device isn’t. It’s important to note that you whatever you decide to play on, your chances of winning remain the same.
Mobile Bingo’s Future:
Pros of Mobile Bingo Sites
- Greater choice of games
- Big jackpot potential
- A great way of socialising
- Quicker withdrawals
- Faster support times
Cons
- There will inevitably be more people playing and this means less chance of winning.
The future of mobile bingo is promising. Advancing technology, exceptional gaming development and more people playing can only mean one thing – a mobile bingo revolution.
