Online Bingo UK

So why the huge increase recently? Has it become easier to obtain a licence for a bingo site?

There are two types of online bingo site - a standalone site and a networked site. So what are the differences between the two and who provides the software?

I know of the following software providers

• Parlay Entertainment
• PlayTech
• LeapFrog Gaming
• 888 Holdings (previously Globalcom)
• 1 Gaming
• Byworth Investments
• Microgaming
• Cozy Games
• Virtue Fusion

Dependant on the platform a site uses dictates what type of bingo is available with the following types of bingo games now available:-

• 75 ball bingo
• 80 ball bingo (can be known as shutterboard or cashline)
• 90 ball bingo
• Scandinavian Bingo (otherwise known as Multi Line bingo)
• and the newest addition 30 ball bingo

There are both pro's and cons for each type of site. A standalone site has full control over every aspect of the site, they control the promotions, the marketing, the chat hosts etc but this means they have to provide the gaming licence, the hosting for the site, web space, support, payment processing, chat management, web design and marketing to name but a few.

A networked site, all of the above is provided for them but it means that players coming through what is known as a "skin" i.e. site A are playing with players from another site i.e. site B. A plus of a networked site is that the member base grows quickly thus ensuring bigger pot prizes and far better promotions.

For example: Posh Bingo and Biggest Bingo are networked on 888 Holdings - this means they can offer £1 million coverall games three times a week.

Purely Bingo however is a standalone site on the Cozy Games network and their biggest prize on offer is a capped £300 snowball jackpot.

So, if money were no object which route would you choose?