For decades bingo has been a popular game in the UK. In the 20th century it started out at working men’s clubs and then graduated to dedicated halls frequented by WWII widows in the 50s and 60s. In the 90s, the launch of the internet led to the development of online bingo, and now enthusiasts can play anytime, anywhere via their smart devices.
Whether you prefer to play in person or via online platforms, follow these tips on how to play bingo safely.
Control your spending
It’s all too easy to lose track of how much you’re spending when you’re socialising, whether in person or online. To make sure that you don’t go beyond your means, take measures to control your spending during your game.
Some online bingo providers allow you to set stake limits and a cap for your overall spend, so you can rely on the platform to keep track of your money for you. Many also have time limits, keeping you aware of how long you’ve been playing and encouraging you to take a break in between games.
In bingo halls it can be more difficult to monitor your spending. In this situation, it’s advisable to decide on a spending limit before you go and to carry cash rather than your card to ensure that you stick to your limits.
Use licenced providers
It’s a legal requirement that all UK gambling establishments must have a licence granted by the Gambling Commission which certifies that their code of practice is in line with accepted guidelines.
Before entering a bingo hall, check for a premises licence – this should be prominently displayed. Gambling websites and apps should highlight their licence and link to the relevant public register information, so ensure this is in place before joining a virtual game.
Check website security
When you’re playing bingo online, check that the provider has adequate security measures in place to protect any card payments made via the website. All online gambling platforms should protect players by using an SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) to encrypt any personal information.
The best bingo companies provide additional safety measures for their online community. For example, some use human- and computer-led monitoring systems to seek out anyone trying to extract personal details from others in the live chatrooms. Other measures include withdrawal restrictions that send the money back to the original payment method leaving hackers high and dry.
Browse recent reviews
If you’re ever in doubt, browse recent reviews to get a sense of whether or not the bingo provider is trustworthy. You can read the reviews on the provider’s website or seek out independent review platforms and social media groups.
In-person players should ask around in their local community to make sure the venue is reliable and responsible.
