The top bingo sites offer the ultimate convenience for all of us wanting to play our favourite game online - the choice of either playing on our regular desktop PC or on smartphone via dedicated mobile app. This is a far cry from the early days of online bingo, back when one had to depend on dialup internet connections, never mind the time where the only way one could play bingo was to physically visit a bingo hall on a set time and date.
The current situation, as convenient as it is, did get us wondering however. Which option to play online bingo is the best, a mobile app or the desktop PC? Both these solutions have their pros and cons, not to mention their champions and detractors, so we’re going to analyse the two to ultimately decide which solution for playing online bingo is the very best. Keep on reading until the very end to get to our conclusions!
A Short History of Online Bingo
Once a staple of community halls all over the UK, bingo became an internet hit when the first online bingo sites were launched in the mid-1990s. These websites replicated the bingo experience, only with the screen replacing the traditional paper tickets. Back then the only way to play online bingo was by using a desktop PC, which was then connected to the internet via dialup modem. It has to be said - today’s youth don’t know good they have it!
The early online bingo games were fairly crude, with simple visuals and no means to communicate with other players. However as the internet developed and connection speeds became faster online bingo sites improved rapidly, getting slicker visuals and live chat functionality, not to mention sophisticated lobbies and themed rooms.
June 2007 saw the release of the iPhone, and with that the smartphone revolution. Suddenly we all get the power of the internet - which, as mentioned, used to require a desktop machine - in the palm of our hands. All sorts of games migrated to the smartphone, including bingo. Bingo is particularly suited for mobile play, as it simply requires tapping the numbers on the screen, and many online bingo providers started creating dedicated apps to make this experience even better. With all of this in mind, does the smartphone have the upper hand or is the desktop experience still reign supreme?
The Mobile Bingo Experience
The chief convenience of mobile online bingo is obvious - you can play anytime, anywhere! Thanks to the power of modern smartphones and reliable 4G and 5G connectivity mobile bingo is as playable as it gets. Worried about the smaller screen? You don’t have to, as dedicated bingo apps are designed specifically for standard smartphone displays, and many include adjustable text settings to ensure a comfortable experience.
Bingo apps have the same benefits as any other mobile app, such as push notifications, touch-friendly design, and automatic updates. You can also take advantage of your phone’s security features, allowing biometric unlocks for your bingo app. These features also cover payments, as these can be integrated with methods available in your device like Apple Pay or Google Wallet for both ease of use and security.
All of this said mobile app bingo does have some cons. The chief of these involve your data connection and battery, both of which can be drained while playing online. Smartphone notifications can also prove a bit of a pain, as these can distract you from playing bingo. Finally while apps do adapt to smaller devices, some of us can still find it difficult to play bingo on a 5- or 6-inch display.
The Desktop Bingo Experience
The Desktop Bingo Experience
Desktop or laptop PC bingo is the original way many of us have experienced online bingo, and for some it remains the top way to play the game. It brings some instant benefits, such as the fact that you play on a bigger display with the enhanced power of a regular PC. Sitting at a desk on a good chair makes for a more comfortable experience, especially for longer sessions, while PCs allow for easy multitasking. You can stream music, chat online, and play bingo at the same time! Then there’s the fact that there are no worries regarding battery life at home, while online bingo will certainly not prove a strain on your home broadband connection.
Of course, desktop bingo has one big drawback due to its lack of portability. Laptops might technically be portable, but they’re certainly not the most comfortable way of playing online bingo while waiting for the bus or on the train! Desktop bingo also lacks the personalisation features present in some mobile bingo apps, as well as the real-time notifications that can instantly let you know when your site is running a promotion or a special event is taking place.
Mobile Vs Desktop Bingo - A Summary
Did you take all of our points regarding mobile and desktop online bingo? If you need a summary then we’ve tabled all our points down below to let you better decide which experience best suits your preferences.
|
Category |
Mobile Apps |
Desktop/Laptop Play |
|
Convenience |
Highly portable, play anywhere, anytime. |
Limited to home or office, not portable. |
|
Notifications |
Push alerts for promotions, jackpots, and upcoming games. |
No real-time alerts, you must log in to check. |
|
Design & Navigation |
Streamlined, touch-friendly, simple menus. |
Larger screen allows more features but can feel cluttered. |
|
Screen Size |
Small, can be restrictive for multitasking or chat. |
Large, ideal for tracking multiple cards and engaging in chat simultaneously. |
|
Performance |
Good on modern devices but depends on phone power and signal. |
Generally smoother with more processing power and stable broadband connection. |
|
Battery & Data |
Heavy sessions drain battery and mobile data. |
No battery concerns; broadband is usually unlimited. |
|
Payments |
Supports Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal; very quick deposits. |
Full payment options available, but often require manual card entry. |
|
Social Interaction |
Integrated chat but often requires toggling between chat and game screens. |
Larger display makes chatting and playing simultaneously easier. |
|
Accessibility |
Zoom, voice control, and biometric logins are handy but small buttons/text may be challenging. |
Big screens and keyboard shortcuts are better for some players with accessibility needs. |
|
Updates & Features |
Frequent updates keep apps fresh with seasonal themes and bug fixes. |
Stable platform, but new features may appear more slowly. |
|
Stability |
Can be affected by poor wifi or mobile data drops. |
More reliable connection via broadband means less chance of being cut off mid-game. |
|
Ergonomics |
Best for short sessions; prolonged use can be uncomfortable on small screens. |
Comfortable for long sessions with full keyboard and mouse. |
So, Which is Better?
So, Which is Better
The answer to which online bingo solution is better ultimately depends on your preferences and requirements, as well as your own capabilities. Are you constantly on the go and require both flexibility and ease of use? Then mobile app bingo is the one for you. If on the other hand you need a bigger display and suffer from accessibility issues then desktop is by far the more comfortable solution.
Do keep in mind that you don’t need to choose just one of these two options! After all, the top bingo sites allow you to seamlessly switch between desktop and app, since all your details and game history are stored on the cloud, and not the device. So by all means enjoy a game of bingo on the bus as you get to work before settling in for a more comfortable session on your desktop PC once you’re back at home. The world’s truly your oyster as far online bingo is concerned!
Enjoy Online Bingo Your Way
The modern world is all about convenience, and that includes the game of bingo. The internet has truly spread this pastime across the world, letting us play whenever and wherever we are. Whether it’s at home or while you’re on the go, it’s always time to get yourself a ticket or two and enjoy a fun game.
As easy as it is to play online bingo, do remember to enjoy the game responsibly. Set a bankroll for playing online bingo, and stick to it, and never chase your losses. This is a game of chance after all! With all of this in mind you’ll be set to not only have fun, but do so in a safe and responsible manner.
