Online Bingo Software - Guide
With shifts in technology, along with the convenience and accessibility of the internet increasing over the years - the way we all live our lives has changed forever.
Almost everything imaginable can be done online these days. From shopping and banking to playing our favourite game of chance. Everything is conveniently and readily available 24/7 and with just a few touches of a screen.
Without this clever software and the companies who design and provide it, we wouldn’t be able to play bingo games on our mobile devices with such fluidity.
Bingo accounts for billions of pounds worth of online gambling revenue. As such, software providers have to constantly strive for new and innovative ways to keep players interested and coming back for more.
There are nearly a hundred software providers today, but the majority of bingo sites use the same handful of reputable names.
We’ve put together this online bingo software guide to give you a rundown on everything you need to know - and why it is so important to bingo gameplay.
What is Bingo Software?
In a nutshell, bingo software companies design the colourful games we play. The vast majority of platforms utilize bingo software to make for a better experience for the player. Although some bingo sites create their own games, the vast majority don’t, and this is where software developers come in.
These software companies not only design games, but some of them make up larger bingo networks. When you’re playing on a platform which is part of a network, you are playing as part of a large group of players, across various sites. This means that each and every player is pooling together to make a much bigger jackpot prize.
Without this software, we wouldn’t be able to play games on the move, whether on a mobile phone or tablet. Ultimately - wherever you are these days you can have a quick game of bingo without much effort.
The Biggest Online Bingo Software Providers
As we have noted, there are nearly a hundred software companies out there developing games of all kinds. Whether it’s bingo, casino table games or slots - the software is vital for a smooth online gaming experience for players. This is especially the case when it comes to playing on mobile devices.
We at Bingosites.net have put together 10 of the best and most commonly used gaming provider companies, in no particular order. All of these companies have built a sterling reputation for themselves within the iGaming sector.
888 Holdings Plc
This gaming operator is often called 888.com and is very well known in the online bingo space for offering superb gaming solutions. Ever since they came onto the scene in 1997 they’ve grown year on year.
These market leaders have made some lucrative decisions over the years, adding many big names to their portfolio, including Wink Bingo. The company now has over a million registered users globally.
Although 888 holdings plc began as an online casino company, it now has a large number of popular bingo brands under its belts. In fact, it runs and owns a huge portion of the online bingo territory today.
Another string to its bow is its ‘Joy of Bingo’ network, linking the best bingo platforms together to create some impressive prizes across the board.
This provider is not short of awards either, as it has been ranked within the top 3 online bingo software developers more than once.
There are well over 200 websites served by 888.com’s software. Some of the highest-rated bingo sites powered by this software company are as follows:
- Costa Bingo
- Wink Bingo
- Posh Bingo
- Tasty Bingo
- Red Bus Bingo
NetEnt Software
First established in 1996 as ‘Net Entertainment’ in Sweden, NetEnt is another popular software provider on our list. The creators have a history in slot machines and land-based casinos and saw promise in the iGaming industry.
Fast forward 10 years and Net Entertainment opened an office in Malta, swiftly followed by a further six offices in other locations. In 2015, the company was officially renamed NetEnt. This software company has been winning awards regularly since 2010.
The design of NetEnt’s games are always backed by superb production and it is constantly evolving to stay at the forefront of technology.
Some of the most popular bingo platforms operating on this company’s software are:
- Chit Chat Bingo
- Loony Bingo
- Robin Hood Bingo
- Gossip Bingo
Dragonfish Software
In 2007, 888 Holdings Plc rebranded and launched their B2B (business to business) division as Dragonfish software. If you’ve ever played online bingo before, chances are you’ve played a game on this software platform.
Dragonfish software provides innovative and flexible services to third party companies such as gaming, operations, marketing and ePayments.
With over a decade of experience and a portfolio of well over a thousand games in bingo, casino and table games - they’re certainly flexible. These giants are known for their emphasis on game fairness, no wagering requirements and fantastic welcome bonuses.
This software developer uses Advanced Integration Platform (AIP), which allows bingo sites to upgrade their platform constantly.
Just a handful of the best bingo site brands in this companies portfolio are:
- Dazzle Bingo
- Dinky Bingo
- Tickety Bingo
- Bucky Bingo
- Bingo Storm
- Lovehearts Bingo
Cozy Games
Founded in 2005, this software provider is well respected within the online gaming space. Interestingly the firm was recently bought out by GVC Holdings, who are working on bringing the company up to date.
Now instead of £15 no deposit bingo, players are offered a sliding sign up offer depending on how much you deposit.
As well as bingo games, the developer also creates digital scratch cards, casino games and slots. Cozy Games software is considered effortless to use and very mobile-friendly
There are over 100 bingo platforms using its software and a lot of brands operating within the network, so the jackpots can be huge.
Some of the most popular bingo platforms by Cozy Games are:
- Swanky Bingo
- Foxy Bingo
- Mummies Bingo
- Bingo Hero
- Lucky Ladies
- Comfy Bingo
Evolution Gaming
First established in 2006, Evolution Gaming provides iGaming platforms with interactive and exciting games.
The software supplier works with a large number of top brands and is known for its high-quality video games. Games can be played across all devices smoothly.
As well as boasting impressive software and B2B live casino resources, this software company also power some major bingo websites. Some of the better-known bingo brands operated by Evolution Gaming include:
- Little Miss Bingo
- Bingo Idol
- Royal Panda
- Just Cash Bingo
- Mainstage Bingo
Playtech
This software developer came along in 1999 and two decades later is a titan when it comes to online gaming software. All Playtech games are mobile and tablet friendly and offer multiple payment methods.
When it comes to bingo networks; this company easily surpasses 100,000 players daily across its bingo sites. The bingo jackpots and prizes associated with this software developer are generally impressive.
Playtech has a development unit which is dedicated to elevating tailor-made games content, as well as products for large networks and singular licences alike.
One of their well-received achievements was the development of ‘The Chase’ (a popular quiz show on ITV). This was created especially for Gala Bingo. Then there’s ‘Cash Cubes’. This is an in-house game hugely popular across Playtech’s bingo networks.
Speaking of networks, even if you haven’t heard of Playtech, chances are you have heard of Virtue Fusion. The software company acquired Virtue Bingo network 10 years ago. Since then they have come on leaps and bounds.
Some of the most well-known bingo platforms operated by Playtech are:
- Sun Bingo
- Paddy Power Bingo
- William Hill
- Bet365 Bingo
- Buzz Bingo
- Coral Bingo
- Betfred Bingo
International Game Technology (IGT)
IGT is a software company with a rich history in the gaming sector. Created in the ‘50s and publically traded in around 1980, IGT was actually the first software company to create the video poker machine.
In fact, IGT has been powering land-based casino titles for decades. These days, this software veteran provides bingo sites with a vast scope of media such as television shows, movies, games and more. It’s believed that the big Egyptian themed bingo craze was down to IGT’s Cleopatra series.
With lots of in-game bonuses and a mobile-friendly interface, this is a trusted supplier of casino and bingo software. The games are all mobile and tablet friendly which is essential if you are on the move.
Some of the games you’ll find on bingo platforms using IGT are 100,000 Pyramid, Monopoly, Wheel of Fortune, and a plethora of other themes.
Some of the best bingo sites using IGT software are as follows:
- Mecca Bingo
- Coral Bingo
- Paddy Power Bingo
- Bgo Bingo
- Gossip Bingo
- Gala Bingo
Leapfrog
This online software developer has been on the scene since 2002. Unlike some other companies on this list, it runs a modest number of bingo sites. With that said, having fewer bingo platforms attached to the developer can give you a sense of being in a bingo ‘clique’.
Leapfrog like to create very interactive games - such as 3D bingo rooms. This allows players to create their own avatars and walk around a casino. This is perfect for people who miss the buzz of a bingo hall, or those who like to interact with others whilst trying to win big.
This innovative feature allows you to move around the virtual casino, into different bingo rooms. This gives players that land-based casino experience without leaving the house. In this scenario, in particular, there will be the opportunity to chat with fellow players via their own avatars.
This company does specialise in online bingo, but also offers 3 and 5 reel slots, and table games to boot. You are likely to find games like ‘Reel Bingo’ which combines bingo and slots, offering free spins and regular bonuses to keep you enticed.
These immersive games are gaining popularity amongst bingo players who like the social side of the games.
Below we’ve listed a selection of the best bingo titles on offer thanks to Leapfrog:
- Bingo Liner
- Bingo Cabin
- Bingo Cafe
- Jet Bingo
- Busy Bee
- King Jackpot
Gamesys
Founded in 2001, Gamesys is a well-established software supplier and has some well-known bingo brands in its portfolio.
Although Gamesys started as a very modest UK company, this team of developers have now grown into a global company. It now has many awards under its belts, including ‘Best Innovation in Bingo’ awarded by EGR.
Jackpotjoy is probably one of its better-known brands, but the software provider is so popular it has accrued over 40 million members. Social games like bingo, slots and casino games are the company’s most successful ventures.
As with all of the software giants which have made our list, Gamesys is fully regulated and licenced by the Gambling Commission. This means you can be sure that your funds and personal information are being looked after responsibly by the platform.
Some of the biggest names in bingo which are operated by Gamesys are:
- Heart Bingo
- Virgin Games
- Jackpotjoy
- Smooth Bingo
- Love It Bingo
Play’n Go
This software company was formed in the mid-1990s by a group of computer technology enthusiasts. Gaining independence in 2004, Play’n Go began focusing its attention on the mobile gaming arena and easy to play games.
This Swedish software provider has a variety of bingo games and fun features, some of which allow players to buy extra balls. There are many formats of classic bingo games available via this supplier.
When playing on a bingo site powered by Play’n Go, you can generally expect to be offered traditional 90-ball and 75-ball bingo. But don’t be disheartened, what they do they do well, and there are lots of variants to choose from.
Offering a variety of currencies and languages as well as a customisable game design, this software supplier is popular around the world. As with most software providers, the bonuses on offer are usually very competitive.
The software is very safe and secure (as with all companies on our list). It also has some great chat rooms for those who like to be sociable during play. There are also a few media options, meaning you are able to play its games via social media, too.
In addition to this, Play’n Go runs a network, so you can either play as part of a big group or on an independent site. Some of the most popular bingo brands associated with Play’n Go are:
- Rainforest Bingo
- Sweet Alchemy Bingo
- Hot Bingo
- Rally 4 Riches
How to Find Which Software Company a Bingo Site Uses
Let’s say that you are interested in a particular software provider, and intend on joining a bingo platform based on that company’s games.
The majority of platforms will clearly credit the software supplier somewhere on its website. We find this is usually somewhere at the bottom of every page.
If you can’t see a logo anywhere on the site’s main pages, you can usually find the information in the ‘About Us’ section.
Alternatively, you can do a quick internet search entering the software company you are interested in; for example ‘Dragonfish bingo sites’. This will reveal a list of bingo platforms powered by the particular software supplier.
Aren’t all Bingo Software Developers the Same?
No, although you could be forgiven for thinking all providers are the same - they do differ. Most of these companies offer 90-ball, 80-ball and 75-ball bingo, but the differences between them can be notable.
Every game designed by one of these companies will have a different feel to it. This is achieved by using distinctive graphics, unique gameplay and exclusive special features. In fact, avid bingo players can often spot the characteristics of different software developers in a split-second!
Whilst some players like to stick to a provider they like, others like to join a variety of sites, each using different software. This is mainly to keep things interesting, and of course, opens the door to different features and bonuses.
To give you an example, when using a bingo site powered by Playtech/Virtue Fusion, you can expect to find their Deal or No Deal Bingo game, which is very popular. When you visit a Cozy Games bingo platform you will be able to play all classic variants of bingo as well as the lesser-known 50-ball bingo.
Bear in mind that when you are playing on a network, each site within that group tends to have the same games and bonuses. That doesn’t mean that you can’t sign up to various sites and receive a few prizes. But, always check the terms, as some platforms might ban you for misuse of bonuses.
RNG Ensures Software Fairness
RNG is an acronym for ‘Random Number Generator’ and is the champion of game randomness. In the old bingo halls of the 1960s, numbered balls would be blown around a clear box and fired out of a tube for a bingo caller to reveal.
Advancements in technology and regulation led to online bingo becoming so hugely popular that now all games use this technology.
In layman’s terms, RNG generates between one and a billion numbers, all at random, every single second. This is continuous and irrelevant of whether or not the game is actively being played.
This is a complex and vital mathematical software when it comes to ensuring players have a truly fair and random game, each and every time. The RNG computer is a server-based electronic instrument, so there’s no chance of human failure or foul play here.
RNG software is an industry-standard and used universally to check each game before it can go live on a website. All regulated and licenced bingo sites and software providers are tested using this digital technology.
Your bingo platform of choice should have a stamp of approval by a recognised licence provider, which has been authorised by the Gambling Commission.
As well as licencing, software providers are legally obliged to have its ‘product’s tested by a third-party testing lab.
Every testing house has to be approved to test compliance by the Gambling Commission. There are lots of third-party laboratory testing houses but some of the most recognisable names are:
- eCOGRA
- BMM Testlabs
- GLI
- iTech
- TST
As we’ve said, these test houses trial all games for fairness and randomness before they go to market. This all has to be done within the Gambling Commission’s technical standards and requirements.
After a length of time evaluating all aspects of a game, thousands of times, the test lab will declare the game fit and fair for the public. At this point, the game can be enjoyed fairly and players are safe in the knowledge that it is up to standard.
The Bottom Line
Hopefully, by now, you have a greater grasp of what software developers are, and how vital they are to your gaming experience as a whole. No two software companies are the same, and there will be characteristics and bonuses unique to the particular designer.
You might be a creature of comfort and like the idea of sticking with one provider. Some players do this because they love a particular game which is only available via sites associated with specific software companies.
Alternatively, you might want to join a few different bingo platforms or networks which are powered by different software companies. This is a good way to ensure you aren’t faced with the same style of game every time you play.
There is a bingo site for every type of player. Software developers are constantly rolling with the times, creating more fun and interactive ways to play bingo.
Like with anything loved by many, there will always be a wolf in sheep’s clothing waiting for someone to take their eye off the ball.
It is for that reason that it is highly recommended you check that the bingo platform is licenced and regulated. Do this before you make any commitment and sign up. It’s the only way to protect yourself against fraudsters looking to rip off unsuspecting customers with bogus welcome packages.