OK, so you want to play online bingo but you’re not sure where to start. Here at Wink Bingo, we like to run a tight ship. However, we also know it’s important to educate novices about the nuances of the industry. For us, an informed consumer is one who will not only make the right choices but one who will get the most from their time online.

With that being the case, we want to show you some of the things that go into making world-class bingo sites. Starting with the fundamentals and teasing out a few features you may not have considered, the following list should give you an idea of how to identify the best bingo websites in the business.

Tons of Bingo Rooms

It may seem like an obvious point to make but leading bingo sites need plenty of gaming options. As a standard, 90-ball and 75-ball bingo rooms should be available at all stakes. However, beyond the basics, the top bingo websites will also feature the latest innovations such as Hi 5 or Bingo Roulette. These games fuse traditional bingo with elements from the casino world to create unique experiences.

As well as plenty of bingo variants, popular sites also feature slots and table games. For example, here at Wink Bingo we’ve got upwards of 100 of the best slots from top suppliers such as NetEnt. 

Safety and Security Provisions

This could potentially be the most important aspect of an online bingo site along with certificates of fairness. Without features such as SSL encrypted software, you and your bankroll could be at risk. Because of that, you need to ensure the place you’re playing is fully regulated. If it has a licence from a recognised regulator such as the UKGC or MGA, you can be confident the software has met rigorous safety standards.

What’s more, a valid gaming licence ensures your funds are not only processed securely but stored securely. In practice, this means the operator will keep your bankroll in an account that’s separate from its own operating funds. By doing this, your money is safe even if the company falls into financial difficulties.

Certificates and Fairness

Like safety and security, you need to make sure any bingo websites you use are fair. Again, this is often all part of the licensing process, which means an operator needs to show they have fair software in order to receive a licence. The bottom line is this, every game of online bingo is powered by something known as a random number generator (RNG).

An RNG is a piece of software that runs complex algorithms. These algorithms perform calculations that produce random results. This software can be tested so third parties can see exactly how random it is. All bingo sites must have their games tested by an official agency. Assuming they pass the tests, a certificate is issued and that’s what you should look for to ensure where you’re playing is fair.

Brilliant Bingo Bonuses and Promos

Everyone loves something extra and the best bingo websites make sure you always have something else to shoot for other than in-game prizes. For us, progressive jackpots are a great way to increase your potential. Whether it’s a slot or a jackpot bingo room, these ever-increasing payouts are an opportunity to turn a small stake into a mega payout.

Beyond the prizes we offer, promotions are a foundation of any leading site. As a new customer, you should expect some sort of welcome bonus. Whether it’s free bingo credits, bingo tickets or something else, and usually it will be a no deposit bingo game, no one should go empty-handed when they register their first account with a new bingo site. For existing customers, the same level of service should be available.

Using our own promotions page as an example, you’ll be able to take part in weekly giveaways. Moreover, you can earn loyalty points (Wink Points) each time you make a real-money bet. Once you’ve collected enough points, you can exchange them for game tickets, free credits and more. Put simply, the very best bingo sites will always feature plenty of promotions.

Slick Desktop and Mobile Software

The final feature you need to look for when you’re sizing up the latest bingo websites is software. Any operator worth its salt will ensure its games are available on desktop and mobile devices. Although an app isn’t necessary, native products are slightly more efficient than mobile websites.

However, regardless of the medium you’re using, the interface should be fairly simple and intuitive. As a player, you want to get into the action as quickly as possible. Therefore, you want a bingo site that’s well structured, stable and not overly complex. If you can find one that meets these standards and contains the other features we’ve outlined, you could be onto a winner.