Standalone bingo sites and networked bingo sites are two completely different entities; but what makes them so different and which is the best? The answers to these questions (and more), will be covered on this page, but in answer to the latter; only you can answer this. Bingo sites come in all different shapes and sizes, which is good because if we all liked the same thing’s it would be pretty boring.
Standalone Bingo – What Does it Mean?
Standalone bingo is a term used to describe a bingo site which is not part of a network; aka independent bingo sites thriving on their own merit. Now here’s where things can get a little more complicated to understand; many bingo sites use their own in-house (proprietary) software, these include Tombola and Bingo Cams whilst others opt for more established software providers such as Virtue Fusion (Playtech) and the dominating Dragonfish brand. Mecca Bingo and William Hill are two major brands on the Virtue Fusion software whilst hundreds of online bingo sites such as 888 Bingo and Costa Bingo opt for the more favourable Dragonfish platform.
Typically speaking, standalone bingo sites tend to be a little off the wall or tongue in cheek, to give players that ‘unique’ feeling. Innovative features combined with promotions which are exclusive to the brand, certainly stand out from the crowd.
Networked Bingo
Network bingo sites are the complete opposite of standalone bingo sites. Bingo sites belonging to a ‘network’ – and there’re many of them out there, share bingo rooms and promotions with each other. Strange as it sounds, if you were to sign up on Sugar Bingo and your mate joined Diva Bingo, you would both be playing bingo in the same bingo rooms, what with both bingo websites being part of the Gossip Bingo Network.
The Dragonfish network is by far the biggest, pooling together more than a hundred bingo sites, including the likes of Bid Bingo, Bingorella and Crocodile Bingo. But what are the features and benefits of playing on a networked bingo site? For starters, the promotions are bigger compared to standalone brands, what with all bingo sites pooling resources together. More cash pumped into promotions means more to win, but the downfall of this is more players competing for that cash. Major advantages include; VIP schemes, loyalty rewards and perks, on-going promotions and best of all – players can enjoy a wide range of games knowing that the bingo site is part of something bigger!
Head to Head – Which Comes Out on Top?
In all honesty, both are equally fun and offer plenty of variety, so it’s extremely difficult to say. This is one question you should be able to answer for yourself when you ask yourself the following question:
- Do I want to play bingo games for prizes that are shared between many bingo sites?
If you’ve answered no to this, then standalone bingo sites are perfect for you.
Many people opt for the bigger brands for security, what with the possibility of ‘dodgy’ bingo sites springing up now and again, but should you be in doubt over the authenticity of a bingo website, look for the licensing details which should be positioned to the lower of the home page. The UK Gambling Commission license is a MUST for all UK bingo sites, all reputable operators display this information along with a licensing number. Still unsure? Read our reviews to see if we rate it or hate it!
Questions and Answers
Q: Are standalone bingo sites small and less favourable?
A: No, not necessarily. Two of the biggest online bingo sites in the business are BGO Bingo and Jackpot Joy, both have been backed by a string of highly successful and certainly memorable television campaigns. Jackpot Joy hired Barbara Windsor, also known as the former Eastenders star Peggy Mitchell, who adopted the title of the queen of the bingo brand. Fast forward a few years and Paddy McGuinness stepped up to the plate to deliver more of a comic feel with his cheeky chappy attitude. BGO hired two of the movie industries biggest stars; the late Verne Troyer and Paris Hilton, and both of which added a touch of glamour to the bingo and games industry.
Q: I’ve never played at this bingo site before, so why do the promotions look like promotions from other bingo brands?
A: This is because they’re shared promotions and you may be accessing a ‘different’ bingo site but on the same network. An example of this is; Angry Bingo and Frozen Bingo (both on the Dragonfish network) offer daily jackpot games; both may be worded slightly different and have different names, but they both pay the same because they’re shared. On Mondays, both these bingo websites offer £1,500 games at 9pm, one is called Mammoth Moolah and the other Mad Money, but despite seeming totally different, they are in fact the same.
Q: If networked bingo websites are ‘different’ – why do most look the same?
A: This is down to the software used. The layout and features will be identical, but the theme will always differ on the many different bingo networks.
Q: Do standalone bingo sites have enough funds to cover the winnings (withdrawals)?
A: Yes, although there may be a slightly longer time frame when it comes to processing withdrawals, all reputable bingo sites pay you what you win.
Q: Can I pick up where I left off on a different networked bingo site?
A: It depends. For example, the bingo loyalty scheme at Costa Bingo; the Diamond Club, allows you to collect rewards as you play and you can choose to redeem them here at Costa, but you also have the option of taking your ‘diamonds’ with you to other bingo sites on the network. Sister sites include; Wink Bingo, Rio Bingo, Rewind Bingo and Farmyard Bingo. When it comes to bingo, you can’t purchase bingo tickets on one site and be able to play them out on another – that’s impossible. Same goes with slots and casino games.
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