Comparing Bingo Bonuses: What Makes A Good Offer?

When someone mentions a game of chance, you can bet your bottom dollar that online bingo is at the top of the list. This thrilling game—where luck instead of skill plays a primary role in winning—is one of the most preferred games in the world. 

Data shows that the online bingo industry earned USD$ 60 billion (GBP£ 48.171 billion) in 2022 and is forecasted to grow to over USD$ 145 billion (GBP£ 1168.41 billion) by 2030. The sector’s double-digit cumulative growth is mainly driven by ‘accessibility, convenience, and engagement,’ as bingo is a social game. (1)

With such a huge demand, it’s unsurprising that gaming providers offer attractive bingo bonuses to attract new players and keep current users. They’ve also become more creative in structuring their bonus options. 

Countless bingo sites offer enticing promos, and it can be overwhelming to pick the best deal. But before you jump into the action, let’s look at what distinguishes a mediocre bonus offer from a truly exceptional one. Let’s start with the basics. 

Why players find online bingo appealing 

Gambling has been a source of entertainment for many Brits—with the majority hoping to earn money from it. A survey done by the Gambling Commission discovered that 38% of participants cited ‘the chance to win big money’ as their primary motivation, while only 16% wagered for fun. (2)

If you’re part of the latter statistic, you’ll find joy in online bingo for the following reasons: 

It’s beginner-friendly 

Unlike other forms of online betting, bingo games can be played without mastering specific skills, so it works perfectly for beginners. You only have to learn the basics to start playing. 

There are no tested and proven strategies to increase your chances of winning. But playing with fewer competitors and having a few entries may do the trick. You have a five per cent chance of winning if you play with one bingo ticket against 20 people. However, buying four cards increases your chances to 17 per cent—if other players hold one card. However, note that this may not apply to online bingo run by machine learning algorithms. (3)     

Accessibility 

Online gaming sites have made betting more accessible. Instead of driving to bingo halls, for example, players can play using mobile phones to entertain themselves. When social gatherings were banned in 2020, many UK residents turned to online gaming. University of Bristol’s 2021 research discovered that regular punters were six times more likely to engage in online gambling during lockdowns. At the same time, occasional bettors were twice as likely to wager digitally. (4)  

Attractive bonus offers 

As mentioned, the online bingo world is a lucrative sector that draws thousands of players from across the country. Besides accessibility, newbies and regular players are showered with bonuses and promotions to encourage them to keep playing. You’ll learn more about these rewards in the succeeding sections. 

Variety

Remote bingo sites are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and offer almost unlimited opportunities for playing. Virtual bingo also comes in different themes, with each option having slightly different rules. Quiz-themed bingo, gameshow bingo, and other types cater to various player preferences. 

Online bingo continues to attract players. Recent government data shows the remote casino, betting, and bingo sector amassed GBP£ 6.5 billion from April 2022 to March 2023. This figure represents roughly 43% of Great Britain’s total gross gambling yield of GBP£ 15.1 billion in the same period. (5) 

Types of bingo bonuses

Whether you’re a seasoned player or a total newbie, one thing’s for sure: bingo bonuses can make or break your gaming experience. Let’s cover the different types of bingo bonuses you might encounter: 

1. Welcome or Sign-up bonuses

Most bingo sites attract new members by offering a welcome and sign-up bonus. A bingo sign-up bonus comes in different forms. Upon registration, some are presented as deposit matches or free bingo tickets and bonus funds. Other gaming providers will entice you with free spins or a combination of different bonus types mentioned earlier.

2. Deposit bonuses

Some gaming providers match a bingo player’s deposit amount with bonus funds. Sometimes, they might assign specific deposit funds for certain deposit types or prices. For example, a GBP£ 100 credit card deposit might get you a 100% or 80% extra bingo deposit bonus of GBP£ 100 and GBP£ 80, respectively. That’s an instant GBP£ 200 or GBP£ 180 on your bankroll! 

3. No-deposit bonuses

This is the holy grail of bingo bonuses. Taking advantage of these offers lets you dive straight into the action without having to part with a single penny of your own money. It’s like getting a free sample before committing to the whole package.

4. Reload bonuses

If sign-up and welcome bonuses are designed for new bingo players, reload bonuses will keep current gamers loyal to the site. This bingo bonus rewards existing users to make additional deposits, encouraging them to keep the ball rolling while giving them extra bang for their buck.

5. Loyalty or VIP programs

Why settle for a one-time bonus when you could be showered with rewards for your loyalty? Many UK bingo sites offer loyalty programs and VIP bonuses, allowing you to earn points, climb the ranks, and unlock exclusive perks and privileges along the way. These bingo bonuses are designed to keep regular players coming back for more.

But what truly sets a great bingo bonus apart? The key lies in the fine print, where you must be a savvy player.

A checklist of the best bingo bonuses 

So, what makes a good bingo bonus? At first glance, it may seem that the best bingo bonuses offer the biggest cash back or the greatest number of bonus spins. But each bonus offer typically has strings attached. This means that certain conditions may prevent you from enjoying its full benefits. 

1. Generous bonus amount with reasonable wagering requirements 

Sure, a hefty bonus amount might seem enticing at face value. However, always check the fine print. It’s crucial to scrutinize the terms and conditions to ensure it’s truly as lucrative as it appears. 

Check the wagering requirements, too. These determine how many times you must play through the bonus amount before you can withdraw any winnings. Wagering requirements can be every bingo player’s best friend and worst enemy. That said, ensure you understand the ins and outs of those wagering requirements before diving headfirst into a bonus offer. A lower wagering requirement, say 20x or 30x, is generally more favourable than 60x or higher.

2. Wide range of game availability 

Ideally, you want a bonus that’s eligible for a wide range of games and bingo rooms. It could even include access to online casino games in some cases—giving you the freedom to explore and find your favourites.

However, note that some bonuses exclude certain bingo variants or slot games, limiting your playing options. Others may have no restrictions at all. 

3. Flexible time limits and no maximum withdrawal caps 

Time limits and expiration dates are another consideration. Bonuses that expire quickly or have overly strict time constraints can add unnecessary pressure and reduce the overall value of the offer. So, ensure you have enough time to meet the wagering requirements before the bonus expires. For example, a seven-day bonus expiry is better than a two-day offer for occasional players.

Now, this is where it gets tricky. Some bonuses cap the amount you can cash out, which means any winnings beyond that limit are forfeited. Steer clear of these unless you’re a casual player looking for some fun without high expectations. 

4. Bonuses available for multiple deposit methods 

Restrictions on payment methods also matter. If you prefer using e-wallets or cryptocurrencies, ensure the bonus doesn’t exclude these options, as that could limit your convenience and flexibility.

Generally, credit cards and electronic wallets have the lowest processing fees, while bank transfers typically take longer and are more costly. The best online bingo deals often accommodate all possible deposit methods.

5. Loyalty programs with ongoing rewards and perks 

Remember loyalty programs! Many bingo sites reward their dedicated players with ongoing bonuses, cashback, and other perks. These can be a game-changer, especially if you plan on sticking around for the long haul. 

A generous bonus amount coupled with reasonable wagering requirements is a great start. Throw in a wide range of eligible games, flexible time limits, no maximum withdrawal caps, and compatibility with your preferred payment methods, and you’ve hit the jackpot.

By carefully weighing these factors and comparing bonuses across different bingo sites, you can identify the ones that offer the best value and maximize your experience.

Tips for maximizing bingo bonuses

But wait, there’s more! Before you hit that sign-up button, here are a few additional considerations to keep in mind:

To pick the best bingo promotions, balance due diligence and not chase losses. Remember that the house always has the edge in onsite or off-site gambling. There’s a higher chance of losing more than winning money. For example, the average house edge for casino games runs anywhere from less than one per cent to 50 per cent—with Keno, a slight bingo game variation, and some slot games having the worst winning odds. (6)  

Last but certainly not least, remember to consider the quality of customer support and the reputation of the bingo site itself. After all, you want to play on sites that value your patronage, treat you respectfully, and resolve any issues or concerns promptly and professionally. Read reviews on the best bingo sites before signing up. 

Conclusion

Ultimately, the best bingo bonus is the one that aligns with your playing style and preferences. A high roller might prioritize a massive bonus amount, while a casual player might value a lower wagering requirement and wider game selection. 

Armed with the knowledge and insights gleaned from this guide, you’re ready to embark on your bingo adventure with confidence. Trust your instincts, do your research, and have fun exploring the exciting world of online bingo!

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