Online bingo has grown by leaps and bounds over its short existence. Just 3 years ago, there were only
10 bingo sites available to play at. One year later the market grew to 15 bingo sites, and by 2003 that
number jumped to well over fifty online bingo halls, and more bingo sites coming online everyday. With
this rapid rate of growth, online bingo has become the fastest growing part of the online gaming industry.
With all of these online bingo sites out there to choose from, you might be wondering what makes a good
online bingo site and what online bingo hall you should play at. There are many factors to account for
that will help you choose the correct online bingo site for you.
Many bingo players choose where they are going to play online bingo based on where their friends from
all over the Internet are playing, and the environment of the chat rooms. If they like the chat rooms
and the chat master that welcome them to the bingo chat rooms, then they will keep coming back to play
more and more bingo.
Online bingo just like regular bingo is a very addictive game. To begin with, the games are inexpensive,
running at about 25 cents a card, and the bingo halls usually have a low minimum deposit, so you might
want to choose an online bingo site that will suit your pocket as well.
The bingo games are very fast paced, and most sites have new games starting every few minutes. Also they
have rounds that offer jackpots that are based on the number of players and cards per game. So the more
cards you have, the more chances you have of winning the jackpot.
Another factor to take into account when choosing a bingo hall is if the bingo software automatically
marks your cards for you, so you can play several bingo cards at a time.
The best way however to find a good bingo site is also by word of mouth and various reviews given on online
bingo software providers and online bingo sites.
Now that you have chosen where you would like to play online bingo, it is quite important that you know what
is going on in the online bingo world. There are numerous resources out there where you can be up-to-date on
all the latest bingo news, and sites that provide you with a bingo terms glossary and chat acronyms (so you
don’t get lost with all of the abbreviations in the chat rooms).
So if you have not yet gotten into the world of online bingo, then here is a great place to start. I have provided
you with all the information you need to know in these reviews of online bingo software providers.
Online bingo is fun and easy to play, so get out there and start winning. Who knows, maybe
you will hit the next bingo jackpot!
Major software providers for online Bingo : QuadCard Entertainment
Longest running operator of free and pay for use bingo and casino games on the net.
QuadCard operated one of the first online bingo sites back in 1996. Originally, players competed for
free to win "Beanie Babies". Within a year, QuadCard opened the first pay for play bingo sites on the Internet, www.ibingo.com.
iBingo today remains the largest and best run online bingo operation. In addition, the Quadcard Suite of software
now includes video poker, slots, keno and SpinGo, the only play for money slingo game on the net.
The QuadCard family of sites also has the worlds largest private network dedicated for casino games. The QuadCard private
network spans 4 countries around the world to offer the best connectivity and security for their numerous players.
The QuadCard games have a user-friendly interface and are available in both
downloadable and flash versions. All of the information the player needs
to play the game appears right on the playing consol. Since many of the
games do not need to be downloaded, initializing is easy and fast. Each
one of the various sites offers different games and themes, and are filled
with fun and enjoyable graphics.
Major software providers for online Bingo : Bingo Entertainment
As one of the ever-growing software providers in the online bingo industry, Bingo Entertainment Ltd has developed into one of the more trusted and popular providers of bingo marketing and software solutions. Established in 1999, they supply their bingo providers with promotional and management programs that deliver compelling results. Some of these promotional opportunities include various marketing solutions such as e-mail campaigns and media services, media purchasing services, and promotional designs
To enhance its stronghold on the online bingo market, Bingo Entertainment acquired Bingo Mega in 2001 to add to its growing number of bingo sites.
In 2003, Bingo Entertainment unveiled one of their new projects called the Affiliate Bingo Network (ABN) to compete with growing bingo network industry. The affiliate program can work for both players and providers. If players refer new players to play in one any of the participating sites, then they receive a percentage of their earnings. For the providers, they can set-up their own online bingo halls, and can receive a percentage of the players' deposits. Bingo Entertainment provides the same services to the affiliate sites that it does to its other bingo sites.
Bingo Entertainment's software is user-friendly, and the themes of the games vary depending upon the specific site being visited. Even after the software was downloaded, it takes a long time to log-on to play the bingo game. While playing the games, there are slot machines and video poker games available to play in-between the bingo rounds. Additionally, the software boasts a chat feature that at a click of the mouse opens up a window that allows the players to chat amongst themselves, and chat with the chat moderators if they have any questions.
To have the chat dialogue in a separate window can be more of a nuisance than a feature. This takes the players mind off of the bingo game and into a different window. By the time the player returns to bingo game, too many numbers have already been called. Additionally, the graphics are not up to par and not pleasing to the eye.
All of the Bingo Entertainment sites offer special promotions, match bonuses, big jackpots, and 24/7 customer support.
Besides the bingo games that Bingo Entertainment provides, they also host bingo information sites such as Bingo Seek and What Bingo, that have all of the latest up-to date news and tips for what is going on in the bingo world (a complete list can be found on the Bingo Entertainment web site).
Major software providers for online Bingo : Outbound Systems
Based in Ontario, Canada, Outbound Systems Inc. (OSI) has become a popular developer of online gaming software specializing in the Bingo and Lottery markets. A combination of the Outbound Systems support network and technology has enable bingo providers to create a successful online bingo site.
OSI offers its bingo providers a host of products and services that include support services, back-end applications, secure transactions, and gaming management tools. The support team makes sure that bingo sites are up to date with the latest in technology and developments, and are maintaining a well performing gaming infrastructure. Additionally, OSI's also offers other services that include 24/7 monitoring team, web design and graphics, financial transactions, and a 24/7 technical support staff.
OSI offers bingo games in both flash and downloadable versions by making use of the state of the art technology of XML and Java. The software allows the player to choose the application that fits their personal computer's preferences.
The easy to use chat rooms offer a chat smilies, and have an option that allows the player to hide or show the chat dialogue. This is something that is excellent for those players that do not want to chat, and keep their minds solely on the bingo game.
Another outstanding feature the OSI software has, is that the players can create individualized profiles that can be viewed by other players. They can include personal biographies, interests, and even upload their own pictures. To make the playing environment more comfortable, players can adjust the card sizes to fit any screen resolution. Each bingo game has music and sounds that can be turned on and off and can be completely customized to fit the individual player.
Both Bingo Nova and Roman Bingo offer different promotional jackpots every day of the week.
Outbound Systems will also be available to play at Bingo Japan and Amazon Bingo in the near future.
Major software providers for online Bingo : BingoWorkz
Looking
for a way to create the world's biggest bingo game, BingoWorkz
Ltd has developed the capabilities to allow bingo players
worldwide to play the same bingo game together. BingoWorkz,
which was established in Canada in 2001, has created the
gaming world's first bingo network, which revolves around
one giant jackpot.
BingoWorkz's
aim is to have many partner sites like Bingo Tropic, which they
own, that will be able to drive their own traffic to the network.
All of the games are network based, and the jackpots increase
based on the number of players in the network. They are hoping
to reach a jackpot that will worth $1 million.
In
2002, BingoWorkz and GameWave Solutions Inc merged to created
GameWorkz. This new company is based in San Jose, Costa Rica,
and runs its operations worldwide. This merger allows the strongest
Bingo network operator to combine its powers with that of one
of the industry leaders in turnkey gaming solutions and consulting.
To
become a partner in the world bingo network is easy through the
two revenue sharing models, offering single or multi-license opportunities.
Once connected to the network, the partners can earn up to 70%
of the gross operating profits.
Being
part of the world bingo network, means that BingoWorks does everything
for the partner sites. They run the entire operation from the
games and the hosting, to the chat coverage and support. Additionally
they provide the financial services and the statistical reporting
and ad tracking as well. Furthermore they take care of the marketing,
including newsletters, promotions, and software development. The
only thing the task the partner has to do on their own is to drive
traffic to their customized web site. Nonetheless, if a partner
wants to become actively involved in the management and operation
of their site, then all the tools and functions are available
to them.
In
order to play the bingo games, all a player has to do is go to
one of the world bingo network sites and run the flash software
that is played straight from the site itself. Each one of the
bingo sites on the network has their own game themes.
The
bingo games are easy to play and because they use flash, take
no time to load. For the leader in the bingo industry, BingoWorkz's
graphics design is not as top-notch as it should be. However,
there has been a significant upgrade in the graphics and the user
interface in the 4.0 version of the bingo software that makes
the games more enjoyable and user-friendly to play.
The
games feature live chat within the game window for the players
to talk to each other in the current game. Also, there are chat
room moderators available to assist in any bingo query. Additionally,
there are slots and micro-slots available to play during games,
and waiting for the next bingo round to begin.
BingoWorkz sites:
www.bingofantasy.com
Major software providers for online Bingo : Playtech
New to the online bingo world, but a veteran in the online gambling industry, Playtech has developed bingo software for the new Bingoland Network. The Bingoland Network is based on the ever-growing concept of several bingo halls sharing the same user base, while a single game of bingo is being played all across the network simultaneously. As the network grows, so does the amount of games and the jackpots that are won.
Bingoland offers three various business models for the operators to choose from. The first model allows the licensee to do all of the marketing for the bingo hall, but have all of the operations taken care of by the Bingoland Network.
The second business model is for those operators that have an existing user base. The Independent Licensee option allows the operator to license the bingo software from Playtech, but handles his own operation and payments independently. The third business model, the Licensed Network model, is for the larger more experienced bingo operator, which enables them to license their own bingo network and have the option of adding several other sub-licensed bingo halls as well. No matter what license the operator decides to use, the software comes with the Playtech administration tools that include game pattern templates, game schedule planners and numerous stats reports.
When developing their bingo software, Playtech made sure to include all of its user-friendly features, and superb sound and graphics. Ruby Bingo, which is being operated by InterContinental Casinos Limited, is the first bingo hall in the Bingoland Network, and to use this new Playtech software.
The bingo hall has a user-friendly interface that allows the player to purchase bingo cards for future games, schedules of upcoming games, real time online help, game histories, customizable daubers and audio, and of course a chat option where you can add a photo of yourself. Playtech has even integrated some of their slot machines and video poker games to play during the games, as well as scratch cards that you can buy for as cheap as 5¢.
The only drawback to Ruby Bingo and the Playtech software was that there is no option to play for fun, before depositing real money in the bingo games. This may be a turn-off to many bingo players that would like to test out the bingo hall and especially the new software, before playing with their hard earned cash.
There are many promotions and various games that are happing at Ruby Bingo, to keep the action going. When you sign up as a new player, you can receive a 100% bonus on the first deposit and a 50% bonus on other deposits, which could come in handy for those last minute games. Also, they have a bingo buddy program, where if you refer a friend, you receive a $10 bonus and a chance to win a TV.
Playtech sites:
www.rubybingo.com
Major software providers for online Bingo : Dot Com Entertainment
One of the major players in the online bingo industry since 1996, Dot Com Entertainment Group, Inc. (DCEG) is a software development company, that specializes in the development and support of internet gaming software products that include bingo, lottery, and casino games. They offer their clients a variety of technical and support services for every bingo site's needs
The games the DCEG has development can be offered in on a play-to-pay basis and a free-play gaming environment as well, for those webmasters looking to add some fun content to their sites.
The Bingo 6.0 software was designed using Java, Flash, and Download technologies. Each bingo game is offered to play from any of these three playing platforms. This approach was taken, to provide the players with the flexibility to choose the version that best suits their computer. Each version has the same features are completely customizable.
All of DCEG's bingo games can be played either for free or for money. The software has a whole range of features available to the players. There is the ability for advanced card purchasing and chat between players. The chat window is hidden and can be activated and deactivated from within the game for those players that do not wish to use the chat feature. Players can customize the look, feel and sound of the games to suit their liking. Additionally, the bingo software allows for multilingual callers and announcers for the games.
Major software providers for online Bingo : Internet Bingo Ventures
As a leading internet bingo software provider, Internet Bingo Ventures Inc (IBV) offers companies bingo software that will perform a variety of functions needed in operating a bingo sites. As one of the oldest companies in the online gaming industry, the 15 years of experience enables IBV to offer a range of licensing opportunities that include: full turnkey software solution, stand-alone bingo software, and single license software package.
The IBV software uses Java and Flash technology for the bingo games and are completely customizable allowing any bingo operator to get set-up and operating quickly. The software's integration gives website operators a complete and secure application. All the owner of the bingo site has to do is to make sure to bring in the players. IBV takes care of the real time game branding and game management, hosting, 24/7 player and technical support, payment processing and player payouts, and free software upgrades.
The IBV download client technology allows the operator to fully customize and automatically update the homepage of the site to display new features, promotions, and news when players open the application. Operators have the ability to run multiple games, enabling more enjoyable bingo game play through uniquely priced rooms, themes, or rooms with client specific game formats.
Using the IBV Back Office Tool, the operator can manage their clients' activity. This tool is part of the Turnkey Solution when dealing with customer queries. The tool allows queries of all client data in order to help a client and allow the operator to compile reports.
Another service Internet Bingo Ventures offers, is a two-tier affiliate program that allows an operator to brand their own game interface and be provided with real time statistics.
The IBV bingo software is not only user friendly for the operators, but for the players as well. The games are played via a downloaded program or by flash. The interface is easy to use and each site offers different types of bingo games. The playing area is clear and easy to navigate. If the player is looking for something else to play while playing bingo, there are slot machines that appear in a pop-up. There is an integrated chat room with emotion icons that allows the players to interact with one another and with the chat support.
Each IBV site offers different types of promotions ranging from deposit bonuses, bonus hours, and amazing jackpots.
