Online Bingo Software – which platform is best?

Playing bingo online is a pastime which requires some thought, although getting involved initially is extremely straightforward over time you will begin to develop preferences and have specific expectations of new bingo sites. This is often down to the software that the sites are powered by.  Many sites run along the same software which means you can arrive at a new site and have no qualms or difficulties getting used to the site as it has a familiar back of house setup. The most popular online bingo software platforms are brought to you by the likes of Virtue Fusion, Cozy and 888 Holdings (which you might have seen referred to as Globalcom or Dragonfish). Some sites also choose to develop their own unique standalone software platform, but which is the better option?

Back to Basics

If you’re just online to enjoy a spot of bingo, you probably don’t care about software and think we’re already getting too technical. However, your software platform is the environment in which you can enjoy your favourite bingo games and it powers your favourite sites and without it, you wouldn’t have any games to play.  Similar to bingo networks, software can be something that’s shared across a number of sites (often referred to as a white label) or something specific to one particular brand.

The Benefits of Standalone Software

Standalone software platforms are created specifically by some of the big brands by their own in-house developers. Usually you’ll find these platforms are completely unique to the site you’re using although some operate a small network of sister sites too. There are many reasons for choosing to use a standalone software product, from the point of view of the site owners. It could be that they want to ensure their players enjoy a unique gaming experience or it could be that they want to integrate certain elements into their site that existing platforms don’t currently offer. Examples of standalone software sites include Tombola and the newly launched BGO.com. The advantages for the player at sites like this mainly come in the form of individuality and uniqueness. You can enjoy gameplay in a style you won’t experience anywhere else and this can lead to a feeling of exclusivity. Additionally, software developed in-house includes advanced features which aid gameplay and make it more enjoyable. Conversely, the disadvantages of the same platform type are similar. Just as some sites are able to offer an improved gaming experience others make it a complicated and a difficult affair, trying to incorporate too many things at once. Similarly, playing at a standalone site means you may not have access to as many big money games as player numbers tend to be lower.

The Benefits of Shared Platforms

The most popular shared platforms, as mentioned, come from 888 Holdings and Virtue Fusion. Sites that run on Virtue Fusion include many of the big names such as Mecca Bingo and William Hill Bingo. 888 Holdings sites include Foxy Bingo; although there are other big names out there such as Gamesys which powers Sun Bingo and Jackpotjoy. The big benefit of playing on a shared platform site is monetary. Shared platform sites tend to be busy, with more players and in turn higher jackpot prizes as more cards are regularly being purchased. Additionally, you can expect consistency from a shared software platform, with no worries relating to gameplay or when they do occur, a quick resolution. These sites are known for their reliability. You can also benefit from similar or even matching promotions across the many branded sites you may use, giving you the chance to pick up loyalty points which can be shared across software-linked sites. The disadvantages of this type of site come mainly in the limitations in terms of variety. Many sites offer identical game sets which can become boring in time and so it is good to see something unique and different now and again. Secondly as there are such large numbers of players it can be harder to secure a win, you’ll often find yourself playing in a packed out bingo room which means your chance of actually winning the game is significantly decreased. As you can see there are benefits to whatever site you choose and it’s completely down to personal choice.

Final Note

If you like your site to offer something different, it makes sense to go to one which has dedicated time to its own software platform but if big money is your thing, try out one of the many sites built upon familiar, popular software platforms.