A Guide to Bingo Software Providers

Anyone who has ever played bingo online will probably have noticed that the various sites out there are powered with different types of software. Here, we look at the best known software providers and the differences between them so that you can make an informed decision about which sites are best for you.

An Overview of Online Bingo Software

Gaming software is what powers all of the bingo games, chat rooms and side games that you find on each every bingo website. Usually, the bingo sites which share a software provider have many similar features, for example the promotions, jackpot games and layout will all be very familiar. While some software providers offer their service to large numbers of bingo websites, which are often part of a network that has shared features, others are stand alone sites which have more individuality.

Although a number of brands may use the same software provider, there may be different features offered to some of those brands. For example, some will offer only traditional 90 ball and 75 games, while others offer greater variety with 80 ball and 30 ball variants. Many sites which use the same software provider also offer the same side games and slots since it is a lot more cost-effective if several sites share a single expensive platform. Sharing features is actually a good thing, since if you like one site powered by a particular software, you will probably like the other sites which are on the same network.

Top 2 Bingo Apps Offers

What are the Differences Between Bingo Networks and Bingo Software?

A bingo game is a multi-player experience, with many other players competing. A bingo game which has more players therefore is more interesting, and in order to bring larger groups of players together, a number of sites which are powered by the same software pool together their players in one network. This allows for great social interactions too, with players who are participating in different games and on different sites being able to chat together through the single network.

Of course, the best thing about the biggest bingo networks is that they offer a larger jackpot and high cash prizes. Anyone who is interested in winning big should consider playing with a site which belongs to a popular network, since more players means more prizes as well as more games.

Larger bingo networks are also able to offer better offers and promotions to help you boost your winnings.

How Does the Software Affect Your Gameplay Experience?

Although you may think that all bingo software is pretty much the same, in fact the kind of software that runs your favourite site can actually have an impact on the whole user experience. Some of the areas which software can affect include:

• Performance – the games on some bingo sites will work better than those on others since they are powered with a more advanced software platform.
• Compatibility – there are some software providers which offer a wider compatibility with devices than others, so their games can be played on PCs, mobiles and tablets seamlessly.
• Speed – from time to time we’ll all find that a game loads very slowly, however sometimes the problem isn’t a slow internet connection, it’s the software itself. In general, larger software providers offer the best experience since they are capable of powering many sites without compromising on speed.
• Security – when you choose a bingo site that is powered by a reputable software provider, you can have peace of mind that the site is safe. Reliable software providers are licensed and regulated by an official gambling body, ensuring your details and money are secure and safe.
• Quality– when choosing a bingo site, you should consider the sound effects, graphic design and clarity of the visuals before making a final decision. The best software providers ensure that their sites are of the highest audio and visual quality for the best possible player experience.
• User friendliness – If a bingo site is supported by complex software it will be difficult to operate, which deters players from using it. It is the software itself which determines how a site will operate, so choosing a site supported by popular software makes sense.
• Banking options – Most of the secure software providers support very similar banking methods, however you should still check the options available, especially if you have a preferred deposit and withdrawal method.

Bingo Software Types

There are two categories of bingo software available from the top software providers:

• Downloadable – this software must be downloaded and installed on a device in order to play. While this ensures that the software runs smoothly, it can be time consuming to go through the process and will take up precious storage space on your device. While some downloadable software is designed for PCs and laptops, mobile apps are another type of downloadable software designed for tablets and smartphones for an optimised player experience tailored to a smaller screen.
• Instant Play – this software enables you to play games on a device without any need for an installation or download. This means you can play bingo any time and in any place, with this type of software often being used on smartphones and tablets. Instant play software has often been optimised for use on the small screens of mobile devices for a seamless and userfriendly experience.

Most bingo software is capable of supporting both instant and downloadable platforms, since this allows more users to join games.

Which Bingo Software Providers are There?

There are several companies which provider bingo software, however here is a quick guide to some of the best known.

Dragonfish is one of the biggest names in bingo software and is probably the most commonly found operating system with more than a hundred brands using their products. This developer has a good reputation for being reliable, and is famous for its large jackpots and impressive game selection. Most sites that belong to this network offer many of the same games, and they also have very similar graphics and layouts. Since this software is extremely popular, you can expect sites powered by Dragonfish to be busy and lively.

A relative newcomer to the bingo software market, Jumpman Gaming was only established in 2011, yet is still an excellent provider which supports a good selection of impressive bingo sites thanks to its focus on its brand identity. Its sites certainly stand out amongst its competition, and many brands which use Jumpman Gaming software offer their own stand alone promotions. While this provider’s software usually only offers 90 ball and 75 ball game variants, it does boast a good selection of innovative niche promotions such as Wheel of Fortune as well as generous jackpots.

Established in 1999, Playtech has also acquired the Virtue Fusion brand in the last few years and has grown to become a multi-currency and multi-lingual worldwide gaming operator. As well as powering bingo websites, Playtech also powers a number of other gambling sites, including those in the sports betting, poker and casino niches. Many of the biggest bingo brands use Playtech software, offering both individual promotions and bonuses and linked prizes within the network.

Established in 2005, Cozy Games’ software is used on a number of bingo websites across 3 exclusive networks. These include the Lucky Duck, Best Bingo and Live Bingo networks. The interesting thing about having three distinct networks is that they each come with their own set of bonuses and offers. One of this provider’s best features is its large selection of game variants such as 90, 80, 75, 50 and 30 ball bingo. There are also lots of table games and slots on Cozy Games sites.

Another giant in the world of bingo software providers, Microgaming lays claim to having created the very first casino online in the early 1990s. Their poker and casino sites offer a wide range of multiplayer and table games as well as slots, however their bingo websites are a little lacking in variety, with just classic 90 ball and 5 ball games available. What this provider lacks in selection, it makes up for in security and reliability, and you can rest assured that Microgaming offers a flawless gameplay experience.

Founded back in 2001, Gamesys is a London based company which has an interactive and unique approach to game development. Although this software provider is smaller than the heavy hitters, it does power a few well known sites and has grown at a rapid rate over the last few years. Gamesys was also a pioneer in the Facebook cash gaming market, and their sites offer an exciting variety of games including slots, scratch cards and instant wins as well as bingo.

Which are the Best Software Providers for Mobile Bingo Sites?

Although most bingo software providers support mobile devices, some have apps which run more smoothly on smartphones and tablets for a better quality gaming experience while on the move. These are some of the top software providers if you’re a fan of mobile bingo.

Dragonfish

All bingo sites which are powered by Dragonfish have been perfectly mobile optimised, ensuring that they work perfectly on smartphones either through an internet browser or via a downloadable app. Since they utilise HTML5, they work well on Android devices which do not run Flash and boast a number of excellent features including pre-purchase options, auto-daubing, chat rooms and the ability to make mobile deposits.

Virtue Fusion

Virtue Fusion, now part of the huge software brand Playtech, powers a number of excellent bingo sites which generally have mobile versions that are suitable for use on most smartphones and hand-held devices. For players on the move who value interesting and unusual bingo variants rather than traditional games, Virtue Fusion powered sites are a great choice, with games based on reality TV shows like Britain’s Got Talent, game shows like Deal or No Deal, and soaps such as Coronation Street. There are also exclusive games available on the mobile version of some Virtue Fusion sites.

This software provider’s apps come packed with brilliant features such as auto-daubing, pre-buying options, live chat rooms and a mobile cashier for making withdrawals and deposits from the palm of your hand. There are exclusive rooms and community jackpots to access with this software provider’s mobile sites too, so long as players have an active internet connection.

Cozy Game

Powering a number of popular bingo sites, Cozy Games powered mobile sites are based on HTML5 for excellent functionality on smartphones and tablets, and have an appealing appearance. Although not every Cozy Games powered site has a mobile version, the ones that do offer a great range of bingo games including speed bingo with just 30 balls and shutter board 80 ball variants as well as the more commonly found classic options. This software provider’s sites also offer impressive no deposit sign up bonuses which can also be claimed using their mobile apps. Even better for BlackBerry and Windows Phone users, Cozy Games powered sites are accessible using these less popular devices.

Although there are countless bingo websites available online with more appearing all the time, there are only a handful of software providers who power these sites and their games. Therefore, it is likely that you will register with multiple sites only to find out that, in fact, they all offer the same games, similar features, and even a very familiar layout and feel. It makes sense to check which software provider powers your chosen bingo sites before you sign up to avoid disappointment later on.

If you want to enjoy a bingo gaming experience with more variety, better features, a greater sense of community and increased winning opportunities, choosing a site powered by one of the largest and best known software providers is the best idea. These sites will also offer you more security and reliability as well as the chance to join an extensive bingo network where you can meet and chat with people from all over the country.