Table of Contents
- Pros of Mobile Bingo
- The Growth of Mobile Bingo
- How We Choose Mobile Bingo Sites
- Mobile Bingo Online
- Bingo Apps
- How to Download Bingo Apps on Android or iOS
- Playing Bingo on Android vs iOS – Mobile App Compatibility
- Browser-Based or Mobile App Bingo – Which Is Better?
- Mobile Bingo Bonuses
- Common Mobile Bingo Games and Software
- The Most Popular Way to Play Bingo
- Mobile Bingo FAQs
Pros of Mobile Bingo
- Greater gaming convenience
- Gaming on the go
- Widespread availability
- Accessible on-site and in-app
The Growth of Mobile Bingo
According to market research, about 80% of users in the online gambling industry are mobile gamers. Mobile bingo is a significant part of this percentage considering the growth of online bingo rooms nowadays.
Since the first free online bingo game, “Bingo Zone”, launched in 1996, online bingo has never looked back. Mobile bingo quickly became the best way to play online, thanks to the diffusion of smartphones in the 2010s and the widespread availability of broadband internet.
It’s 2023, and there’s a growing need for greater innovation and technology. It doesn’t look like people will fall back to desktop gaming anytime soon, so mobile gaming is here to stay.
How We Choose Mobile Bingo Sites
We doubt anyone would be interested in a desktop-only bingo site today. Rightfully, new bingo sites have shifted to creating mobile-first bingo offerings. Established ones have migrated their offerings to HTML5 for seamless mobile compatibility. Besides playing on your phone or tablet, here are other things to consider before playing at a mobile bingo site:
- Does the bingo site have a recognized licence from the UKGC or MGA?
- Can I play on Android or iOS or both?
- Is there a generous welcome bonus?
- Are there other promotions on the site?
- Is there a good variety of games?
- Which software providers are available?
- Does it have a fast page loading time?
- Are there reliable deposit and withdrawal methods?
- Is the customer service reliable?
A positive answer to all or most of these questions means you’ll most likely have an enjoyable experience. Our recommended bingo apps and sites tick these boxes.
Mobile Bingo Online
Browser-based bingo is what is commonly referred to as “Instant Play.” You don’t have to go through the process of downloading an app but can instantly play on your preferred bingo platform over the internet.
Online bingo has a long history in the UK and remains the most popular way to play these games. Online bingo sites are usually cross-platform. They are compatible with mobile phones and tablets, but you’ll also be able to play at these sites via desktop. Since mobile bingo sites are designed to be responsive, they can adjust to any compact screen size so that you get an optimal mobile experience on any device.
How to play mobile bingo online
- Open your mobile web browser
- Search the online bingo brand and open the site
- Register for an account
- Make a deposit and claim a bonus
- Begin playing
Note: The Chrome browser is the best for playing mobile bingo games. Android phones usually come with Chrome already installed. On the other hand, you can download it on your iPhone. Other effective browsers for online bingo are Firefox and Safari.
Bingo Apps
Apps are software programs that you have to download on your device. Bingo apps make accessing online bingo rooms or services even more convenient. Sometimes bingo sites may provide a ‘web app.’ Unlike regular app software, these are simply shortcuts to the mobile bingo site that you can install using the ‘Add to Home Screen’ feature. They remove the need to go online and search for the bingo site. Simply tap on the web app, and you’ll automatically launch the bingo mobile site.
How to play on mobile bingo apps
- Download and install the bingo app
- Launch the app on your device
- Sign up on the app or sign in if you have already created an account on the website
- Deposit and claim a bonus
- Begin playing
How to Download Bingo Apps on Android or iOS
Downloading a mobile bingo app is straightforward from the Play Store or App Store. Like any other app software, you can download it with a click, and it will be automatically installed. All you have to do is launch it and begin playing. There are no costs because bingo apps are free to download.
To find a bingo app, you can search for the name on the relevant store. Better yet, visit the casino website and find the app link, which will take you directly to the correct app for the bingo service. Some sites like Wink Bingo still offer external apps. On these sites, you’ll find a special QR code or apk link that you can use to install the app on your device.
Playing Bingo on Android vs iOS – Mobile App Compatibility
Android and iOS users have had their fair share of issues with online gaming apps. For a long time, Android users couldn’t download bingo apps from Google Play due to restrictions that prohibited online gambling applications on the store. We saw several sites providing Android apps that are separate from the Play Store. Downloading these external apps is a slightly longer process that requires players to change their phone’s security settings. So many players were inclined to them. This all changed in 2017 when Google Play began allowing real money gambling apps, and Android smartphone and tablet users can now download lots of bingo apps for free.
The situation was the opposite for iPhone users who add access to a variety of online bingo apps on the App Store. However, in 2019, changes to the App Store guidelines required all real money gambling apps to be iOS native and not HTML-based. This means no more third-party distributed games. Only apps developed especially for Apple’s operating system will be allowed. Since most bingo and slot games are HTML5 games, this saw the end of many iOS apps.
Although iOS apps have a longer track record, with this new development, it may be more common to find Android mobile bingo apps.
Browser-Based or Mobile App Bingo – Which Is Better?
Playing bingo on mobile is possible online via a web browser or a dedicated mobile app. Both options are equally convenient and allow you to play on Android or iOS devices. Most operators will provide both, but some will only have a mobile bingo site and no app. In our opinion, when playing at a quality bingo site, you’re good to go either way. However, here’s how they fare against each other:
| Browser Based Bingo | Bingo Apps |
|---|---|
| Doesn’t require storage space | Better graphics and customization features |
| Allows players to switch between multiple sites | One click access to bingo |
| Doesn’t require regular updates | Special app bonuses may be available |
| Flexible access to your bingo profile even across multiple devices – phone, or tablet |
Mobile Bingo Bonuses
Signing up at a mobile bingo website or app should automatically make you eligible for a welcome bonus. The best bingo bonuses are available precisely for mobile players. And there are many others that you can claim further along the line. The best mobile bingo bonuses include:
- Match deposit – This bonus is awarded when you make your first bingo deposit. It’ll give you some percentage of your deposit as a bonus.
- Free spins – Many bingo sites feature a casino section with slot games. As such, it’s common to find a free spins bonus provided for players.
- Free bingo tickets – This is often advertised as a ‘Bet and Get’ offer. For a stipulated deposit amount, you’ll receive a certain value of free bingo tickets.
- No deposit bonus – With the no deposit bonus, you don’t have to risk any of your own money. You’ll usually receive it for free as soon as you sign up.
- Jackpots – Several bingo promotions are given with a jackpot prize pool. Players who join in stand a chance to win a share of the big prizes.
- Loyalty/VIP program – Many bingo sites value their regular players and will provide several ways for them to rack up points and earn cash prizes and other rewards.
Mobile bingo bonuses are some of the simplest offers and are incredibly easy to claim. Just remember to read the terms and conditions, and it’ll be smooth sailing. You can expect low wagering for free bingo tickets – as low as 1x. For certain promos like jackpots, you can instantly keep what you earn.
Common Mobile Bingo Games and Software
Few experiences are more gratifying than launching your favourite bingo room on your mobile device while on the bus or waiting in line at the coffee shop.
The great news is that your favourite bingo games are available to play on mobile devices. Traditional 90-ball variants, 75-ball, 80-ball and even the more modern 52-5 bingo variants are all among the best mobile bingo games.
The availability of these bingo games on mobile is thanks to the software companies that operate exciting online bingo networks. They include:
- Dragonfish
- Virtue Fusion
- Playtech
- Jumpman Gaming
- Gamesys
- Pragmatic Play
- Entain
- Cassava
Slots on Mobile Bingo Sites
A lot of these bingo software providers dabble into online slots too. Some, like Pragmatic Play, have their own in-house slot studio, while others, like Dragonfish, offer third-party slots through their game aggregation platform.
If there’s any game people love more than bingo, it’s slots. So with operators trying to outdo the competition, many also provide popular online slots to attract an even larger market share.
The Most Popular Way to Play Bingo
Mobile apps are still largely common but are not so much a criterion for the best mobile bingo sites anymore. Bingo operators are providing more advanced website offerings with highly responsive sites and stable HTML5 games. The quality of instant play gaming is increasing, so the need for a downloadable app is getting smaller by the day. Also, considering the issues online bingo apps have faced in the App and Play Store, some operators have not bothered with mobile apps at all. As such, the mobile site is probably the more common way to play online bingo at the moment.
A lot of the more established sites still offer players a choice of the two. Where an app is available, there’s no reason not to take advantage of it. However, we think there’s an equally fun experience either way. Whether on the app or the mobile site, you can enjoy full functionality and all other offerings that bingo players love.
Mobile Bingo FAQs
What mobile payment options can I use for mobile bingo?
When playing at mobile bingo sites, you can use payment methods like PayPal, Skrill, and Neteller. Within the UK, credit cards are not allowed for gambling transactions. However, you’ll also be able to use Paysafecard and secure phone-based payment apps like Apple Pay.
Is the iOS bingo app better than the Android bingo app?
Both iOS and Android apps are a great way to play mobile bingo. Since iOS apps have been in development longer than Androids, some people consider them better than Android versions. However, the best Android bingo apps will deliver an equally memorable experience. Simply download the version that suits your device’s operating system.
Should I play bingo on a mobile app or online?
The main difference between bingo apps and mobile sites is that one is downloadable, and the other is not. In our opinion, the gameplay experience, software, bonuses and other perks are equally the same. You don’t have to choose one over the other, especially when many platforms will allow you to access both.
Can I play real money bingo on mobile?
Yes, mobile bingo apps and sites are real money gambling platforms. You wager with real cash and can win real money also. You can win large amounts if you’re lucky enough to secure any of the jackpot prizes featured.