Mobile Bingo Sites: Diversity at Your Fingertips
That's right: everybody hurries to catch that train. You should hurry, too. You have a device, probably more than one, and you only need to pack it up with the adequate kind of apps and bookmarks. Maybe you are one of those people who like checking and researching in advance before loading your mobile phone with unnecessary stuff. Or, maybe you would do exactly the opposite - download everything and then try them one by one looking for the best.
Irrespective of which type you belong to, our article is a valuable read for you. In it, you will learn what criteria to consider when you choose. You can also compare between the opportunities presented before the different operating systems. But, you already have a device, so what will that matter? You're not going to replace your Android tablet with an iPad, or vice versa. No, of course not. Yet, this article will show you how one OS could be better than another in terms of bingo. Plus, you might decide to simply add another handset. There's nothing wrong with wanting and having more, to be sure.
What to Look for in Mobile Bingo? Software: legality, security, functionality
Starting with that is a bit of a drag. Yet, you know that your mobile device is a gate to you and your personal life. Random surfing and downloading open that gate wide. You need to check at least the legality of the products you let access your phone or tablet. It's a good idea to read the Terms and Conditions, but, I admit it, it's too much to ask. So, here is the short guide where to look and what to look for:
- Licensed by / Licence NumberYou see this either in the footer, below everything else, or in the very beginning of the Terms and Conditions tab. If the certification body name, logo and the licence number is not there, you may want to consider another bingo site. Because mobile sites are designed to be responsive to the screen size, there is usually no footer, and you need to check the T&C tab. Cozy Games, Virtue Fusion, 888 UK Ltd - these are just some of the brands that obtained a licence from the UK Gambling Commission as of 1st November 2014.
- RNG tested byWhen the domain holds its licence through a software development firm, the RNG testing and transaction security are provided by it, as well. Most operators, however, include names of companies accomplishing the audits. Such names are eCOGRA, TST (GLI), iTech Labs, Symantec, and some others that are well-known in the gaming world. So, remember to check for their logos and names.
Reputation of the land-based brandThat is the trickiest of all. Sometimes, new sites will surprise you by their professional and efficient attitude, while some well-established brands could tarry before responding to your customer care enquiry, etc. It is normally safer to trust reputed brands. At the end, however, you never know. If the previous two requirements are met, you may take your chance with a newer name, I believe.
Which OS is Better for Playing Bingo?
It is easier to start answering this question the other way around. Operating systems that I wouldn't recommend for playing bingo on your mobile are BlackBerry and Windows. I am sorry to have to admit it, but they take a very small share of the market and developers don't seem highly motivated to make new apps for those handsets. Sadly, the web apps are not really an option there, either. It turns out that even if you are reconciled to play in your browser, you have limitations. Tombola bingo, for instance, opens perfectly well in all mobile browsers, and you can even register a new account, but the games are not developed for BlackBerry and Windows phones. If you own one of those, you will probably use it for other purposes. If you're on the market for a new mobile phone, consider buying an Android or iOS handset.
Between the two, iOS is definitely leading. But, when you choose your bingo operator, it may or may not have a native iOS app. That doesn't mean you can't enjoy playing there. Very often, the native app is an extra of dubious efficiency. You access it more quickly, that's true. But, it takes up your phone memory and updating it can be annoying, especially if it turns out all of a sudden that you are stuck with an older version due to your device characteristics.
Because Google Play doesn't allow gambling apps in its store, any Android apps will need to be downloaded from the operators' websites. That doesn't alter the experience by quality or depth, so it's not a hindrance to bingo players. Most operators that offer native iOS bingo apps develop equivalent ones for Android, although that is not a sure dependence. Even when that is not the case, having a handset with a contemporary enough OS version will help you play in your browser. I would suggest you check the availability of mobile bingo games from your chosen operator.
Do Social Networks Count?
Of course they do. Many people would do anything that can be posted on Facebook afterwards. Although renowned operators don't offer their games on the social networks, they often maintain fan pages where they share recent updates and bonus information. And yet, outside of the group of renowned ones, there are plenty of bingo games available on Facebook, which you can play on your phone, as well. Normally, you may join the apps using your Facebook profile and so integrate the two. Here are some of the top rated ones.
- Bingo BangoYou will play Swedish bingo, which means 75-ball without the free space in the middle. There are 10 unique fantasy themes, 120 exclusive items you can purchase, collect and exchange for bonuses, and hidden treasures to diversify your play. This app has been installed nearly 1 million times and requires Android 2.3 or later, or, alternatively, iOS 5 or later, which makes it suitable for older devices as well. That neutralises the fact that its last update was in the autumn of 2013. If your phone runs of Android Gingerbread, you don't need further updates, as they would probably ask for a newer OS version.
- iBingoiBingo is another preferred bingo app, where you can join the action using your social profile. To play it, you need Android 2.3, a.k.a. Android Gingerbread, or later and it hasn't been updated in a while either. But, hey, if something works fine, why do you need to change it? Nearly half a million people have downloaded the app, which is a good enough sign. You will play 75-ball patterns and items to collect, awesome power-ups and other typically gamers' stuff will be there for you to enjoy.
The App Stores for Windows Phones and BlackBerry handsets also feature bingo apps, some of them are of recommendable quality. Pity, bingo on those apps is normally played on 75-ball cards and almost never traditional British bingo with 90 balls. On the bright side, the power-ups and collectibles are a fair compensation to that, I hope. The free apps usually offer seasonal rooms, fancy themes and side prizes that diversify the game.
In Conclusion
The variety is big and you have plenty of chances to have fun. If you are choosing your device with playing in mind, take it newer, bigger and faster. If you already have a handset, check the availability of various mobile bingo sites and apps for it. Don't despair if your chosen operator doesn't offer games for you to play on the go. Surely, another operator does. Or, a developer does. Today, it is impossible to have a mobile device and not be able to play bingo on it. So, just take your time and look around. The best mobile sites are out there.