Bingo Networks vs. Bingo Software: What's The Difference?

The world of bingo playing is changing – while it's still fun to get out and down to the bingo hall, or even play while on holiday, our favourite national pastime is becoming all the more convenient.

Smartphones, tablets and even the good old faithful desktop are giving us the chance to play bingo 24 hours a day if we want to.

If you fall into the category of an "online gamer", next time you log on, ask yourself – how did you find this bingo website? You may have had a recommendation from a friend, or perhaps you found your favourite site via a search engine.

Bingo sites accessed through search engines are probably there because of bingo networks. It's likely that, rather than just clicking through to a bingo site from your search engine results page, you'll have got there via a bingo network.

What is a bingo network?

An operator who runs a bingo network will own a range of bingo websites. These websites may operate under a different name, or have different branding and themes, but they'll all run on the same software.

This means that each of the bingo games will use the same rules and functionality, despite the fact they may look a little different from a superficial view.

What are the benefits of signing up via a bingo network?

When you sign up to a bingo site on an established network, firstly, you have the backing of a third party which can verify the bingo site's legitimacy and make sure it adheres to all gambling laws.

Secondly, because the network shares certain bingo rooms, you'll always have someone to play with and people to chat to. The rooms are usually filled with players which means the jackpots are high and the atmosphere of the room is electric.

What is bingo software?

We mentioned above that all of the websites on bingo networks run on the same software. This software come from an external provider who uses the same template for creating the final finished online bingo website you play on.

For example, bingo sites on a bingo network that are all using the same software will be programmed with the same random number generator systems and may follow the same rules. These means that, whether the game you're playing is themed with cowboys and Indians or jewels and candies, you're playing by the same terms!

There is only a handful of bingo software that is being used including Jumpman Gaming, Dragonfish, Gamseys and Cozy.

Who works with bingo software?

Bingo software providers are B2B (business to business), so you'll find that some of the biggest bingo brands in the UK work directly with one trusted provider to offer a consistent product across all of their brands.

Benefits to B2B customers

For networks looking to find the perfect partners, having one consistent type of software can improve customer retention. By delivering one consistent, high-quality product, players are encouraged to return and play again.

They can also help to keep things safe through rigorous fraud prevention measures, and strict adherence to the latest gambling legislation. This provides extra assurance not only for the B2B customer but the players.

Don't forget the B2C customers – that's you and me, the players!

Other benefits of this consistent software include happier B2C players. Networks can benefit from a better service for their players thanks to chat moderators. Not only can these chat moderators monitor content and prevent abuse; they can also give much-needed help to first time players or anybody with a question.

How can I tell if my site is on a bingo network?

Just as you would check a new gambling site for information on responsible gambling and legal considerations, you can also check a site's network affiliations by scrolling to the footer of the site. The message may read something along the lines of "this website is operated by [network name] Ltd".

If you're feeling curious, you can search for them online to see what other bingo sites they operate. This may be helpful for you if you want to stop yourself from signing up to the same provider twice!

Bingo software is excellent for players because it can be used across different devices and offers security. It also gives extra safety and legal reassurance for operators. Next time you're feeling curious, why not have a look yourself?