Online Bingo Software and Networks

Most online bingo sites use software provided by one of the four main companies: Virtue Fusion, Microgaming, Gamesys or Dragonfish. But as well as powering the games, the technology companies each also offer a bingo network. This links players, chat rooms, games and bonuses across sites so if you’re playing at your favourite site you could actually be playing against – and chatting to – somebody playing on a different site.

This has many benefits and no real drawbacks and is a great way for bingo sites to be able to offer bigger and better prizes, have more regular games and much livelier chat rooms. This works in the same way as bingo networks do in the real world, with certain prizes and jackpots linking different sites in the same way that people in a bricks and mortar bingo hall in Leicester can play against people in Leeds, London and other cities (not all beginning with “L”!) for the very biggest prizes.

More players means bigger prizes, more frequent games and more people to chat to, and these benefits are particularly crucial to some of the newer and smaller bingo sites that may not have enough of their own customers to create a vibrant site and offer enticing enough prizes.

Virtue Fusion

Virtue Fusion are the very best of the best when it comes to bingo software and they have the client list and awards to back that up. Based in London they were bought by the Isle of Man gaming giants Playtech in 2010 and have been going from strength to strength since. Regulated by the Alderney Gambling Control Commission they offer a safe, secure, seamless and simple bingo experience that is also fun and interesting. The size of their network is a key strength, meaning they can offer huge networked and progressive promotions and jackpots, as well as delivering a lively but friendly chat scene.

They offer a huge range of games, both bingo and non-bingo, the latter including slots (standard, progressive and multiplayer), casino games and instant wins, the former including 90, 80 and 75 ball bingo, with Deal or No Deal, Lucky Numbers and Joker Jackpot thrown in for good measure.

Side and mini games can be played alongside bingo, whilst the ability to pre-buy for up to 20 games is excellent and with many Virtue Fusion sites fully mobile you need never miss a game again. Whilst the network of a site alone is no guarantee of quality, Virtue Fusion sites, replete with great features and regular and generous offers, are overwhelmingly excellent and come highly recommended, so why not give them a try today?

Microgaming

Microgaming have been around since 1994 and, like Playtech, are based in the Isle of Man. They are probably the leading supplier of gambling technology in the world and whilst their primary focus has been online casinos, their bingo software is superb too.

A truly global company, their technology powers more than 400 brands and some huge online bingo sites. Microgaming are careful about who they license their product to and whilst this is no guarantee of safety it goes a long way, especially as the software is thoroughly and independently tested and verified as safe, fair and random.

At Microgaming sites you will find a good choice of bingo games, with all the standard variants available and whilst there is not quite the choice that is offered by Virtue Fusion, Microgaming’s casino background gives them the edge when it comes to side games. Their Progressive Jackpot network is second to none, with several jackpots of over £3m having been won and more than £500m paid out in total.

If you fancy a break from bingo you will find masses of slots (including huge licensed brands such as The Dark Knight), casino games and instant wins, including scratchcards and Keno and, like the bingo, all delivered to the highest standard. All in all, Microgaming is up there with the very best so why not see for yourself?

Gamesys

Gamesys was founded in 2001 by – let’s not beat around the bush here – a group of exceptionally intelligent computer geeks. They are based in central London and with almost 1,000 staff across various geographical centres they continue to grow on the back of great sites such as Jackpotjoy and Virgin Games. Gamesys not only provide bingo software but they also actually directly run online bingo sites too (through their subsidiary companies) which gives them the advantage of seeing both sides of the coin, or both Fat Ladies if you prefer.

Their network is not as vast as the really big boys but they are still able to offer a fine array of games, both bingo and slots/casino/instants and put up some serious promotions and progressive jackpots. Their technological obsession means they are always striving to improve and innovate and with group wagering of more than £4bn in 2012 they are financially well placed to be able to do just that. With several great sites to choose from why don’t you have a look at Gamesys bingo today?

Dragonfish

Dragonfish are owned by the giant 888 Holdings gambling business and operate with a large number of dedicated bingo sites, rather than providing technology to bookmakers and other non-bingo experts. Many of the sites powered by Dragonfish are owned by Cassava Enterprises, another firm that also falls under the 888 umbrella. This effectively means that they have a hand in both the software and the sites themselves which means the exact requirements of the specific sites (and their players) can be more easily met.

Dragonfish sites tend to be strongly themed, fun and bright and the selection of games is good considering they are relatively small compared to someone like Virtue Fusion and they lack the industry experience of Microgaming. You will find 90 and 75 ball bingo, plenty of unique slots and casino games and a decent array of progressive jackpot games, although the prizes aren’t as gargantuan as at some of the other bingo networks. However, what you will find is some unique games and promotions and a small but growing network, so we say get your Dragonfish on now!