Given the mobile trend, it was only a matter of time before bingo would find its way into the world of Android apps. If you’re in the UK and want to play bingo on mobile, you have ample options. But which ones stand out? Here is a closer look at five of the best bingo apps for UK Android users.
Mecca Bingo
Mecca Bingo is one of the best-known names on the high street in UK and it’s no surprise to see them translating that success into one of the top mobile apps. The land-based bingo halls of Mecca are famous for being around since forever, and the mobile app is just as entertaining.
The app is easy to use, and though it may not be as full-featured as other options here, you get a solution which is simple and dependable. Mecca Bingo has got all the classic bingo games that players know and love including 90-ball and 75-ball, as well as fun variations.
There are a few other games like slots and casino if you want to change the taste so players have some variety. And though it occupies just 18 megabytes of space on a typical Android phone, the app runs fine on most devices, so you won’t need a top-of-the-line phone to take The Daily with you.
Mecca Bingo is not just a simple bingo app. It’s been built from the ground up for UK bingo fans. What gives it real currency is how familiar it feels. A lot of players have been to a Mecca hall before, so both the app and visiting the site feel like coming home. The colors are soft and soothing to the eyes. The text is clear. It doesn’t pretend to be fancy — it just works.
You’ve got an interesting variety of escape rooms, all being run at different times. That means there’s always movement going on. And some rooms are there for only a few hours a day, which makes things interesting for those who follow routine. Tickets are inexpensive, often costing just a few pence. That’s convenient if you are only going to play for a little bit without blowing your life savings.
The chat rooms can get busy at peak times, and users are generally quite friendly. There’s also a pretty good loyalty scheme. You accumulate points by playing. These points can be used for tickets or other small perks. And you’re lucky if there’s ever a promo and generally get double points. Mecca also operates free rooms at various times of the day. You’re not going to win big, but it’s a go.
Speed-wise Mecca Bingo is one of the slicker apps. Even on older Android phones, it doesn’t freeze up. The sound can be easily muted, a nice feature for when you’re on the bus or want to play without drawing too much attention.
Bingo Blitz
Over the years, Bingo Blitz has become very popular. And unlike the more traditional bingo apps, Bingo Blitz combines the classic game with slots to make it feel unique. It’s an app that combines bingo and other games, which is great for anyone who likes a bit of variety in their mobile activities.
Where Bingo Blitz shines is the rapid pace. It is quick to get into a game and if you’re after an efficient way of having fun for a few minutes, this app does the trick. The game is fast-paced, and with new rooms to attempt and frequent updates keeping things fresh.
The app also lets you gather special items, for a bit more of an interactive game play. The images are also of a good quality, which provides an attractive app for those who like their visual pleasures.
Bingo Blitz is something of a different kettle of fish. It isn’t your typical UK bingo app. It’s a bit more game-y, plus extras I just put in. But that’s why it is so popular.
There’s more to do than just go into a room and wait for your numbers; you’re collecting power-ups, moving through locations. It’s on a travel binge! It has this travel theme where you “visit” new cities after you finish rooms. It may not be for everybody, but it appeals to younger players, or those looking for something a bit less old-school.
The game is always changing. You can frequently catch events or rooms limited time. These can occasionally involve mini-games or extra side-tasks. It’s the kind of layout some players really appreciate — it adds a sense of activity to the app, as though something is happening all the time.
It’s worth noting, however, that Bingo Blitz is very in-game-coin reliant. You begin with quite a few, but the supply might dwindle after rounds. Or, if you’re not forking over real cash, you can wait for collected refills or check in every day to start building up coins again. It won’t be difficult to continue playing if you only play once in a while, but frequent players may find themselves pinched.
Still, the graphics are good and the app very seldom lags. It’s also a colorful, fast-moving game that doesn’t take itself too seriously. If you care more about fast-paced action than authenticity, and if you’d like to add a bit of extra excitement to the mix, then Bingo Blitz is for you.
Sun Bingo
Sun Bingo is quite possibly one of the most recognisable names in the UK when discussing online bingo. The app is from the company who brought you online bingo, and follows a similar format providing all your favourite bingo games with other large jackpots.
It’s an app that’s easy to download and won’t hog your phone for space. The layout is straightforward and no nonsense, perfect for kids who just want to get right into the thick of things. They do have a decent selection of bingo rooms and you will find 75-ball and 90-ball bingo here.
everything is neat and simple at Sun Bingo. It is designed for the sort of players who want to jump in and get on with it. Not much fussing and fiddling with too many extras or clutter. No gimmicks, just a clean bingo layout and halfway decent room selection.
The sign-up is quick. You do not get spammed with pop-ups. Once you’re in, you can be playing a game in seconds. The ticket prices differ but you will always find lots of cheap rooms and the odd free game if you check out the schedule.
The best thing about Sun Bingo may be the dependability. The app refreshes while not changing the layout or rules entirely. Players know what to expect. If you play the 90-ball room one day, it will be the same setup the next.
There’s a space for games other than bingo, but you don’t have to touch them if you’re not interested. The bingo rooms remain central. That is great news for purists who have no interest in pulling slot machines or chasing jackpots in other games.
The chat rooms are downright community-like. Some of the regulars know one another, and there’s a fair amount of banter. The moderators are friendly and lurch into action if a conversation goes off the rails. It lends the app a touch of warmth, particularly if you play at the same hour every day.
It may not have frills and thrills, but Sun Bingo does not require them. It is fast, seldom crashes and gets directly to the point.
Betfair Bingo
Betfair is a big name when it comes to betting and gaming in the UK, so does their bingo app live up to the billing? One of the smoother operating apps is Betfair Bingo. The app has many different bingo rooms to play in – some with 90-ball bingo and others with 75-ball. They even have some special rooms with guaranteed jackpots which I think bingo players always love.
Betfair Bingo probably comes as a bit of a surprise to some. Best known for sports and casino betting, that may seem an odd match. But for a bingo app, this is something. It’s slick, and it slides smoothly into Betfair’s broader platform without giving off too much of a try-hard stench.
The layout is sharp. You receive clear info about the tickets (ticket counters!), jackpot displays and predefined rooms. There are themed rooms, as well — ones inspired by holidays or events. These typically serve up better jackpots, but they are also busier — in other words, you’ll be pitted against more players.
Betfair’s app is useful for switching between bingo and other games, if you fancy a change. You can jump into a quick game of bingo, then switch over to poker or another game without having to log out. Little stuff like that makes a difference if you enjoy variety.
An appealing touch is the balance display. It will display your bonus cash and real money separately. It might sound petty, but it can prevent confusion. This way, you know exactly what you are spending.
Speed is also a plus. The app is fast, even during periods of high volume. It has a smooth feel, without lagging under player load, and the load screens are fast. It is spot on for anyone who loves quick hit access to games.
888 Bingo
888 Bingo may not be the noisiest, but form is temporary and class is permanent. The app isn’t cluttered. It provides you the fundamentals, and then a few extras that don’t bother.
Getting started is easy. It takes less than two minutes to sign up. Once you’re in, the home screen displays your top rooms and a clean presentation of upcoming games. It’s not flashy, but it’s clean, and holds up on smaller screens.
Tickets start cheap. Some rooms start at just 1p or 2p, and there’s usually a free game for new sign-ups. There is also a room of “freebie” games that runs at appointed times; the prizes are not enormous, but it’s a nice way to get your feet wet without plunking down any money.
On 888 Bingo, chatting is all the rage. The moderators are chatty, but not too much. There is a proper bingo-room feeling, like in the old days. You do get to know people, and if you play regularly, it’s not long before you start noticing the same names popping up.
They also have some really fun room names (like “Wow!”). and “Fab Friday” breaking it up. It’s not all 75-ball and 90-ball either — there are other styles, such as the slightly cheeky 52-ball, that can add some spice if you’re getting bored of the classic format.
One downside? If you’re on an older phone, he app can feel slightly sluggish sometimes. But it’s uncommon, and they appear to roll out updates on a regular basis to squash bugs.
Why These Apps Are So Popular
So, what is it of these apps which appeals so much to the UK Android user? They all have a classic bingo theme but this is joined by some unique, exciting features that are sure to keep you entertained. Whether you’re into fast-paced games, huge jackpot prizes or something in between, there’s one that caters to your interests.
Second, they are all supremely user-friendly. Mobile bingo ought to be easy and convenient, and these apps are exactly that. With simple interfaces and instant loading, they can put you right in the action with no fuss.
Another appealing feature of these apps is the incorporation of loyalty schemes and bonuses. Bingo is, of course, all about having fun and these games are designed to be fun above all other considerations; it doesn’t hurt that players get plenty of rewards however, and in all five apps this is something players can expect.
Finally, the mobile version is excellent. These apps, of course, have been designed with Android users in mind so you can expect smooth gameplay regardless of the size or model of your phone.
Which App Suits Who?
If you prefer the more traditional bingo, then Mecca, Sun Bingo or 888 will likely be a better choice. They are the purveyors of “no frills bingo.” You can dip in and out of without having to learn tricks or chase coins.
If you’re in the mood for something speedier or new, you might make your way to Bingo Blitz. Just be aware that it’s more of a gaming activity than true bingo.
Betfair is ideal for those players who need bingo as an element of a more comprehensive gambling addiction. If you are already using their betting website, then switching into bingo is streamlined.
Daily Play and App Performance
All five apps are solid choices for daily use. They rarely crash and they load fast. Mecca and 888 are the easiest on battery life. Bingo Blitz does tend to be a little heavier, especially when sound and animations are on.
As for updates, Sun Bingo and Betfair update a lot, but they do so discreetly. It’s not all sudden massive changes or long downloads. It’s great for people who don’t love surprises, or being forced to re-learn where everything is.
Some apps will also allow you to play without downloading, through your web browser. But what you get with the actual app versions is typically smoother and offers a better portal to promos.
