Security

Checking if a bingo site is safe is a simple as examining the security certificate, the two most popular of these are Thwate and Verisign. If either of there certificates have expired, this will show. The onus is upon the site to update their certification. Encryption should be at least SSL-128 bit or more and you can find this information under the “security” tab at the bottom of the home page.

Customer Service Levels

Each bingo site offers various service levels in terms of customer service, in the majority this is 24/7, email of live chat. There may also be toll free telephone numbers with office hours, if the bingo site has all of these, you are in good hands.

Jackpots and Other Prizes

The more large jackpots and good prizes, promotions or bonuses a bingo site is able to provide, generally bodes well for the player. Network operators offer linx games, in the majority this is large prize money. There are also a number of standalone sites with very good reputations which offer superb prizes.

Online Bingo Software

Generally speaking an bingo site is licensed according to the type of software platform which is used. There are many of these companies and they have very good reputations. Some bingo sites have proprietary software and there is nothing wrong with this, licensing laws are in place to protect users.

We rate the following:
1. BingoTek
2. Leap Frog (impressive 3d software)
3. Globalcom/electrocade
4. Playtech
5. Chartwell

Chatrooms
These are an important part of an entertaining online bingo experience, they should be relatively busy. You should receive a good welcome from existing members and the CM’s, and they should offer chat games where prizes can be won.

Currency
Most bingo sites offer one or two base currencies, while the bigger operator offer more. Any winnings which are withdrawn will be converted to the currencies of the country where you are playing from, at the prevailing exchange rate.

Games
The bingo site you choose should have a good variety of games including both 90 and 75 ball bingo. More sites today are offering 80 ball, and 30 ball speed bingo and this is an added bonus. Other games may include slots, instant wins, pull-tables, scratch cards, video poker and even table games such as blackjack and roulette.

Loyalty Programs
Differ from site to site, but in general offer added incentives and bonuses to the players account.

Downloads
Most online bingo can be played without a download, through flash technology. However the more sophisticated software, providing 3D games needs to be downloaded. The software is free and completely safe from spy-ware or viruses.

Players from Other Countries
UIGEA in the US has seen many online bingo site withdraw from offering services to this country. In “Rules” on most sites a list of prohibited countries are listed.

License
Every bingo site must be licensed by the jurisdiction it operates under.

Operations Duration
The length of time a bingo site has been operating, can denote reliability.

Branding
Well know brands have very good reputations and they have to protect these.

Withdrawals
Many bingo sites place restrictions on withdrawals, these are generally linked to bonus amounts and cash wagering requirements. Make sure you have read, understood, and agreed with all terms and conditions before you join a site.

Awards
It is fairly obvious that if a site is an award winning site, it has proven to be reliable, as it’s members and other industry players who vote for sites to receive these.

No-deposit and Deposit Bonuses
These vary from site to site, be careful about taking advantage of the full bonus amounts as they can lead to bigger withdrawal restrictions.