Table of Contents
- The Evolution of Bingo Software
- How Bingo Software Works?
- Why the Need for Online Bingo Software
- Popular Bingo Software Providers
- Inactive Software Providers
- How to Choose Bingo Software
- Mobile Bingo Software
- Online Bingo Software FAQ
The Evolution of Bingo Software
Online bingo has been around for so long, but only a handful of software providers exist. In recent years, there have been several mergers and takeovers of one bingo provider over another. For instance, Cozy Games was acquired by Electra Works under GVC Holdings, which has now been rebranded as Entain. Another example is Jumpman Gaming which has ceased its bingo production unit and adopted the Pragmatic Play bingo network instead. Several others have been consolidated in a similar way as well.
There are now fewer providers on the market. On the one hand, this has led to the proliferation of similar-looking sites considering that many brands share the same white label template. On the other hand, there’s better quality all around since the limited software providers means that only the best of the lot are left standing.
How Bingo Software Works?
Explaining how bingo software works is best done with a practical example. For instance, Foxy Bingo, Ladbrokes Bingo, and Gala Bingo all have the same range of games, a similar bonus structure, and a similar range of other features, including tournaments and available payment methods. This is because they all run the Entain bingo software.
Bingo software providers not only create games (like is the case with online casino and slot software providers). They are also web platforms that build and operate bingo sites from start to finish. They licence out a complete solution that includes games, bonuses, and other bingo site features, right down to customer support. Bingo sites that use the software will usually be paying for a package that includes marketing and operations solutions.
Most times, it’s one bingo software provider per site. However, bingo software companies regularly partner up with other third-party slot developers for side games and other casino-style games. So any bingo software will usually comprise titles from other big name developers.
Why the Need for Online Bingo Software
Bingo software is a very important part of online bingo sites. Without the gaming software, a bingo site would be a plain canvas yet to be painted. Gaming software at casino and bingo sites is usually from third-party companies who licence out their games to the site.
You’re probably wondering, well, why don’t they create their own software? Some bingo sites, in fact, have in-house studios where they build their own games. However, game development is a cost-intensive and time-consuming job and bingo sites already have enough on their hands, trying to curate an overall experience that keeps players engaged at all times. As such third-party providers make it a much easier process. These external developers are pretty large companies, so they have better resources to regularly release new bingo titles and distribute them to a wider audience.
Popular Bingo Software Providers
Although there are over 250 online bingo sites in the UK, just a handful of software providers support these sites. Here’s an overview of the most popular ones:
| Provider | Launch | Licensing | Top Games |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dragonfish | 1997 | UKGC | Bingo Roulette, Bingo Vegas Bingo |
| Playtech Bingo | 2003 | UKGC, MGA | Fluffy Favorites Bingo, Rainbow Riches Bingo, Age of the Gods Bingo |
| Gamesys | 2001 | UKGC, Gibraltar | Bubble Up Bingo, Bingo Royale |
| Pragmatic Play Bingo | 2018 | UKGC, MGA, Gibraltar | Heart Bonanza Bingo, Bingo Blast, Masked Singer Bingo |
| Entain | 2004 (as GVC Holdings) | UKGC | Cash Out Bingo, Fluffy Favorites Bingo |
Dragonfish
This is the number one bingo software in terms of how widespread it is. Lots of smaller bingo sites in the UK are Dragonfish sites. This brand also powers plenty of new bingo sites that launch regularly. Oink Bingo, Quality Bingo, and Mint Bingo are just a few of their partner sites. Dragonfish endeavours to keep things fresh by adding new stuff to the mix. Here, you’ll find modern variants like 52 number card-based bingo games. This award-winning platform also provides various marketing and operations solutions and often offers a complete solution for sites running the software. Besides bingo, more than 800 slots are available on the Dragonfish platform.
Virtue Fusion/Playtech Bingo
You may sometimes hear this software referred to as Playtech Bingo and other times Virtue Fusion. Virtue Fusion was acquired as a subsidiary of Playtech in 2010, and nowadays, Virtue Fusion sites are the same as Playtech Bingo sites. This software provider has some of the largest bingo rooms ever. As a consequence, they also offer some of the biggest jackpots. In addition to networked rooms, there are plenty of standalone rooms, too, allowing more exclusive experiences. Playtech is already a renowned casino game developer famous for its mobile-first approach. They’ve also got stellar mobile bingo sites, most notably Sun Bingo, Paddy Power Bingo and Mecca Bingo.
Gamesys
Gamesys doesn’t power nearly as many sites as its competitors, but this software is among the most memorable. Sites like Double Bubble Bingo, Virgin Games, and Rainbow Riches Casino all run on the Gamesys software and each one sports highly innovative and creative themes and features. Not only is this software sophisticated on the outside but there’s also a fantastic user interface all across the board. The highly customisable services ensure that each Gamesys site is unique. There are lots of exclusive games, too. For instance, Bubble Up Bingo is only available at Double Bubble Bingo.
Pragmatic Play Bingo
Pragmatic Play Bingo is another popular software provider, especially since it became the exclusive software for Jumpman Bingo sites. Bet365 Bingo, Wink Bingo, and PlayOjo are some of the top sites currently using this software. They’ve got all the favourites across 90-ball, 80-ball, 75-ball, 30-ball bingo and more. They’ve also got innovative variants like Bingo Blast and those Bingo Millions games offering super-sized prizes. Besides games, this software offers some of the best welcome packages, including no wagering and no deposit bonus offers. You’ll usually get a combination of both free bingo cash and free spins.
Entain
This provider powers the bingo product of some of the most reputable sports betting gaming brands in the industry, including Coral Bingo and Ladbrokes Bingo. Since they absorbed Cozy Bingo software, they now also run the popular Gala Bingo. Many other player-favourite online bingo sites in the UK are part of the Entain platform, and the developer has lots of exciting 90-ball, 80-ball, and 30-ball bingo variants, plus several unique rooms. Bingo Boom, Cash Out Bingo, and Deal or No Deal Bingo are among their top games. Entain sites are also great for bonuses and regularly offer 1TG tickets with guaranteed jackpots.
Proprietary
The idea of proprietary bingo software is any standalone bingo site that uses its own exclusive games and bonuses. A bingo operator itself may develop proprietary software, suppose they have an in-house studio. Or they may order a bespoke product created by a third-party provider. Nonetheless, you won’t find proprietary software anywhere else besides on the particular site or group of sites under the operator. Tombola, Buzz Bingo, and PocketWin Bingo are examples of well-known proprietary bingo sites.
Inactive Software Providers
Many of the bingo software that launched years ago are no longer active. Some have closed down for being unable to meet the latest demands, others have merged into a single, much stronger company, and others have simply been bought over by larger gaming software developers (Cozy Games, Daub Gaming). A few have replaced their own bingo network with a third-party bingo provider (Jumpman Gaming).
You may sometimes see these inactive providers still mentioned in some reviews, but don’t get the wrong idea. It’s only a way to enable a smooth transition for players unaware of the current developments. Virtue Fusion and Playtech Bingo, for instance, are still being used interchangeably, although Playtech acquired the bingo giant back in 2010. Other inactive bingo software companies include Leapfrog Gaming, Parlay Gaming, and Electraworks.
How to Choose Bingo Software
Rather than go looking for a single bingo site, you might want to hunt for the best bingo software provider. As discussed earlier in this guide, the software platforms that run online bingo sites are usually responsible for most of the site features on display.
Choosing the right bingo software also means you’ll be able to play at any sites that use that software and get a similar experience every time.
Without further ado, here’s what to look out for when comparing bingo software:
Quality of Bingo and Side Games
Quality bingo games will always offer a better gaming experience than mediocre games, so this is what you should look out for. Besides the creativity and technology put into developing modern offerings, some games take it further and offer in-game bonuses. Others have features like 1TG, and 2TG, where you still receive a payout even if you don’t get a full house. This all adds more value to your game experience. Side games are a significant part of the entertainment in bingo rooms, so the quality of these slot games will also boost the experience.
Bonuses and Promotions
We’re certain there are no bingo sites without bingo bonuses nowadays. The best bonuses and promotions will add value to your experience by offering extra free bingo cash or free bingo tickets when you sign up. Since most UK bingo sites also feature slot games, you’ll get a certain number of free spins bonuses as well. Even better is bingo software that offers a combo of these offers. Those wanting to stand out even more will provide no deposit or no wagering bingo bonuses.
The new player offers are just one section of the rewards system at online bingo sites. Software providers also design network tournaments across single or multiple rooms. These networked promotions are even more popular among bingo lovers because they provide those coveted guaranteed or progressive jackpot prizes. Software providers that offer regular and seasonal tournaments will be the most fun and engaging.
Partner Brands – Quantity and Quality
It’s a good idea to consider the number of brands using a particular bingo software. Dragonfish, for instance, has the most partner brands in the business, and this could mean that their network games will be more popular with busier chat rooms and larger progressive jackpot prizes.
Also, the quality of the partnering bingo sites says a lot about the software’s quality. Although there may be fewer brands using a software, the market share and the engagement they pull in also indicate the software’s quality. It’s safe to assume that the best sites use the best software, as this is usually the case.
Reputation within the Industry
The leading bingo software providers have attained that status because they’ve been delivering excellent bingo entertainment for a while. Players recognise their quality standard and they most likely have received accolades and awards in merit. Not only the oldest or longest running software providers can have a good reputation. New providers can quickly build up a good reputation as long as they maintain a good track record right from launch.
Networked vs Standalone Games
Networked games are linked across multiple sites using the same software, whereas standalone games are only available at a single site. Networked games will have massive progressive jackpots because of the large participation. However, it would mean that there are statistically smaller chances of you being among the lucky players to win big. In contrast, for a software provider with fewer partner sites, the bingo rooms aren’t that large, and the progressive prizes are relatively smaller. However, you have better chances of winning because you’re competing against fewer players.
Mobile Bingo Software
Online gaming technology has come a long way since the late 90s when internet gaming took off. Gone are the days of Adobe Flash when you had to download the bingo client before you played. The latest technology is HTML5 based, from the websites themselves to the games. You can play directly online via the site (some bingo sites will curate an application software which you can download without any plug-ins).
These games are perfectly compatible with mobile devices and work just as they would on desktops with the full library available, bonuses and other features. The user interface is optimised, and you can play from anywhere. Considering all this, it’s pretty clear that the best bingo software are those that support mobile bingo sites.
Online Bingo Software FAQ
Do bingo sites use third-party software?
Yes. Online bingo sites are mainly powered by third-party software providers like Dragonfish, Playtech Bingo, and Pragmatic Play Bingo.
Which bingo software provider is the best?
The best bingo software provider is a personal choice. There are multiple good ones which we’ve highlighted in this article. You simply need to decide which provider’s games and features appeal most to you.
Can I download online bingo software?
Plenty of online bingo software nowadays is HTML5-based, allowing you to play directly online via multiple devices. However, it’s possible to download online bingo mobile apps. The availability of this option depends on individual mobile bingo sites.
Are standalone games better than networked games?
Both standalone and networked games have advantages and disadvantages, and you’ll have to choose which you prefer based on your tastes. The good news is that several online bingo sites will feature both kinds, so you don’t have to pick one or the other. Simply try them all.