Online bingo has blown up in the past decade, attracting more players than ever before. But how exactly do online bingo sites operate?

Bingo has evolved in many ways in the UK, but one thing’s for sure – those who play regularly still get a kick out of it. Plus, players can make the most of more online bingo community features and safety functions than ever before.

The rules of online bingo tend to match those followed in bingo halls, although there may be slight adaptions to allow for more prizes to be won. Plus, you can even enjoy additional spin-off games in most cases.

So, how can you go about choosing the right online bingo site for you?

Choosing a site

With so many online bingo platforms to choose from, it can be overwhelming for beginners. Start with a reputable online bingo site with plenty of options, from spin-off games to chat rooms. Often, you’ll have the choice between classic bingo games and more unique takes to keep things interesting for players. These will generally be offered by large brands with good reviews and safety accreditations by the likes of GamCare.

On top of this, safe payment methods that use encryption technology are another must, as well as compliance with regulations set by the law.

Sign-up requirements

Gambling laws state that players need to be aged 18 or over – and this is the case whether you’re playing online or in-person bingo. Legit online bingo sites will require proof of identification so that they can perform age verification checks.

You may need to provide certain documents, such as your passport, driver’s license, or a utility bill. This is done to make sure that nobody is breaking the law on either side. Plus, these laws are in place for people’s safety so that they can play responsibly at the legal age.

How games are played

Classic games of bingo tend to include 90-ball bingo, 60-ball bingo and so on. Select the game you want to play, then select the number of cards you want. If you want to choose something different from classic bingo, you’ll often find that there are unique games based on the traditional format that you can have a go at.

The premise of the game is the mark off all your numbers until you reach a Full House – that’s when you call bingo. However, when playing online, the experience will be adapted so that it pulls through automatically, giving you one less job. You can even opt for automaking in some cases, so you’ll never have to miss a number. The first person to reach a full house wins the prize. Often, you’ll have the chance to play for a line or two lines.

Online bingo sites use a Random Number Generator (RNG) to call numbers. Reputable sites have this technology regularly audited to ensure that the game is totally fair and unbiased. You can usually find out more information in your chosen bingo site’s Terms and Conditions.

To enhance the experience further and create a sense of community, many online bingo platforms encourage the development of community spirit with chat rooms where you can speak with other players. Often, you can play additional quizzes in these chat rooms. It’s a great way to bond with other regulars.

Types of jackpots

So, what exactly is a jackpot in online bingo? In short, they’re prizes for winning a specific game. As a result, you often get different jackpots across games. There’s no way of knowing when this will be won, and it can go in any game.

• Fixed jackpot: To win a fixed jackpot, you need to clear all the numbers for the Full House in 45 calls or less.
• Progressive: If the jackpot is progressive, a Full House should be completed within a certain number of calls. This goes up each game until it is eventually won, then will be reset.

At tombola, all jackpots are fixed or progressive and these are never shared. If more than one player wins, they both receive the full amount. So, it means that you’ll win what you’re owed, fair and square!