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Sky Bingo Verdict
Sky Bingo does feel somewhat like a tacked-on bingo site, as there are several areas where it feels much more like a sports betting site. They could use a few more rooms and it would be nice to lose the aggressive registration system that won’t let you look around the site. However, the games here are of high quality and chat is great fun, so what they get right, they get right.
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Design & Usability
Sky Bingo’s welcoming page is actually not all that welcoming; you get a grainy image, some promotion boxes and then a list of terms and conditions. Regardless of which one you click, you’re taken to the main page, with a registration form on the right. Registering is a little tricky too, asking for a pin number and more. You will need to give them some card details before you can even look around.
Once you get this to leave you alone (which is easier said than done), navigation is pretty simple, with a typical top bar for all the usual sections. Aesthetically, though the site is very smart, it’s quite lacking in warmth.
Software & Gameplay
Sky Bingo is powered by Virtue Fusion, a high-end platform which powers some of the biggest sites, including Mecca Bingo and Gala Bingo. You’re presented with a simple lobby which is very easy to use and sharply designed, but quite lacking in character. Games are sorted by type, down the left-hand side. You’ll have no problems finding the game you’re after.
Bingo rooms are easy to use, many having some extra features. Chat is easy to read and seems to be popular at any time of day. You can have a good session here between the fun hosts and smooth bingo software.
Safety & Security
You will find all the correct licenses at Sky Bingo, from the UK Gambling Commission and the Alderney Gambling Control Commission. They have the independent IBAS certification for fair play. You’ll also find a privacy policy, plus your details are protected by Comodo encryption, an industry leader.
The site has various seals of approval for responsible gambling, from sites like Gambleaware and Gamcare. They work with appropriate charities and you can find their responsible gambling guidelines on the site.
Payments & Withdrawals
Depositing and withdrawing is fairly easy here, using the same sliding side bar as registration. The system is clear enough, but some will find the bar annoying; it’s just as effective to go to a proper banking page. They claim to process withdrawals within 2-5 working days, a shade under average.
All card options are available here but only PayPal is accepted for e-wallets. While it is probably the largest for UK users, it would be good to have some choice.
Customer Support
Sky Bingo uses a whole separate help section, which is very thorough but can be a little annoying as it takes you away from the main site. You have quick buttons here for different account issues and some searchable FAQs, all pretty useful.
Sky’s available contact methods include phone, live chat and email, though the phone line is not available 24/7. Overall, the support systems are good and the staff are very highly trained.
Bonuses & Promotions
There are various promotions on at any time, at Sky Bingo. They present each one with big, bright graphics that fit Sky’s glass-like branding. They have ‘flash rooms’ open for a set time with special jackpots, a fun take on jackpot promotions. You can join chat parties with games and surprises, something which always goes over well in chat. The promotions all have enough spin to make them feel original.
The welcome bonus for newcomers is called a ‘£40 Hello’ but this is including your own £5 deposit. You actually get a £25 bonus and a separate £10 bonus for Rainbow Riches bingo. While the offer is still good, it could do with being clearer. You must play through the bonuses three times before you can withdraw, less than average.
Device Compatibility
Sky Bingo has the same set up as most Virtue Fusion sites for mobile, which is that you can play by app or by directing your device’s browser to the site. The mobile app is available on iOS devices, but Android users can only get it by manually installing, due to limitations of the Google Play store. You can find information on how to access these apps in the help section.
The actual mobile site is good, easy to navigate and works pretty smoothly. It just needs a few tweaks to be perfect, such as a bigger chat window. Everyone should be able to access the site in some way.
Variety & Originality
Sky Bingo offers a decent variety, thanks to the Virtue Fusion games catalogue. You’ll find 90 ball, 80 ball and 75 ball here, plus handful of one-room specials including 50, 40 and 36 ball. A good mixture there, with some exclusive offerings, like Rainbow Riches Bingo where you can choose a magic number to help you win. These extras make the site pop a little compared to those which just offer various basic rooms.
The slot selection is good, offering more than some other Virtue Fusion sites. These include some licensed names like Deal or No Deal. The extra slots seem fitting, while they have around 15 bingo rooms, less than some sites.
Loyalty & Rewards
The Sky Bingo VIP programme is a fairly standard loyalty scheme with a few extras. You earn gems as you play, then you can convert them to cash. You earn 5 gems for each £1 spent on bingo, and 1 for £1 on side games.
You can rise up through five levels, with Diamond at the top. Each new level’s gem requirement is made clear on the site, though note that you’ll also need to earn a certain number of gems to maintain your level, losing it if you don’t play regularly. Each tier gains access to a special bingo room with higher jackpots, plus a daily scratch card.
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