Online bingo offers players giant jackpots, promotional events, generous deposit and re load bonuses and free bingo tournaments. In addition online bingo operators are providing players with even more incentives designed to keep them coming back for more bingo fun. During the last two years many bingo operators have turned their attention to player retention strategies. Experts say that player retention is essential for bingo operators if they are to survive in today’s highly competitive environment. Player loyalty programs are one way bingo providers can provide players with ongoing benefits and extra cash.

At most bingo sites players earn loyalty points every time they play. At many bingo sites players can earn loyalty points while playing side games such as online slots, video poker, keno, roulette and other side games. Once the points have been earned they are deposited into the player’s account and can be used to purchase bingo cards and in some cases may be converted into real cash. Some sites give players loyalty points after they sign up and make a deposit. In addition to earning loyalty points players can earn more points by referring a friend to the site. At some sites players can earn up to 5,000 loyalty points by referring a friend. Some sites keep refer a friend and loyalty points schemes separate while at others they are both included in the loyalty points program.

One of the most popular uses for loyalty points is exchanging them for cash. Once a player has earned enough loyalty points they may access their account and convert the points into cash. At some sites the cash may be withdrawn with other winnings while at other loyalty points can only be used to purchase bingo cards and play side games. At some bingo sites earning £1 may take 1,000 loyalty points. While this may seem like a lot players can accumulate loyalty points very quickly if they play regularly.

At many online bingo sites the most popular use for loyalty points is the purchase of bingo cards. Cards purchased with loyalty points are essentially free and can increase the player’s chances of winning a huge bingo jackpot. Players can also enter tournaments and progressive jackpot games using loyalty points. Progressive jackpots can easily grow to life changing amounts of money. Loyalty points can also be used for a variety of prizes including electronics, vacation packages and other branded merchandise. As always players should read and understand all of the terms and conditions associated with loyalty points programs.

Newspapers around the world are suffering from the effects of the global recession. In addition newspapers are losing readers and subscribers to online new sites. To remain competitive several newspapers have launched online news sites. Most of the newspaper sites are free for users and are supported by advertisers. Some newspapers, such as the venerable Wall Street Journal, charge a minimal subscription fee. In the UK newspapers are using another strategy to remain profitable; online bingo.

Newspaper bingo sites in the UK include Mail Bingo, Daily Express Bingo, Metro Bingo, Sun Bingo, Mirror Bingo and Daily Star Bingo. Most tabloids in the UK operate their own online bingo sites. One recent report said that the Sun newspaper makes 80% of its online revenues from the Sun Bingo and Sun Bet. Bingo is nothing new for UK newspapers. In the 80’s several newspapers operated bingo games. Bingo cards were printed and numbers were printed in the newspapers every day. Today newspapers have adopted modern technology and operate their bingo games online.

Although newspaper bingo sites may not offer the same bongo bonuses and promotions of many online bingo operators’ players feel secure at sites run by well known and respected newspapers. Newspaper bingo sites have credibility among players. In addition to newspapers magazines have launched their own bingo brands. Lisa, a regular bingo player from the UK stated “Something coming from an established newspaper or magazine would certainly be better than other sites that come from nowhere.” It is clear that the credibility of newspaper bingo sites is more important to a large number of players than huge bonuses, promotions and free bingo.

The UK is the largest online bingo market in the world and about 400 online bingo sites are now targeting UK online bingo players. About three million people play online bingo regularly and bingo operators are locked in fierce competition for these players. Most newspaper bingo sites provide players with the same benefits as offshore bingo sites but as has been mentioned many players consider security and credibility as most important. In the United States Mort Zuckerman, the publisher of the New York Daily News said that online bingo may be a way for some US newspapers to survive. Zuckerman told Forbes magazine “The fact is, if you look at England, a lot of their newspapers have bingo… they make a lot of money off it. It would save hundreds of newspapers in this country if they could do that.” While it is highly doubtful that American newspapers will adopt bingo to survive the future of newspaper bingo in the UK looks very bright.

There are now more than 400 online bingo sites online competing for the same pool of players. Since bingo sites are trying to bring in new players they are constantly improving their offerings and services. This has created many new and exciting features designed to make bingo even more fun to play. Here are some of the new features at online bingo sites.

Gambling statistics show that bingo is played in just about every country in the world. Unfortunately because of language barriers millions could not participate in online bingo games. Many bingo sites now offer games in several languages. Bingo operators are always looking for new markets and have expanded their operations into several countries. Bingo is popular in Scandinavia and games are available in Swedish, Danish and Norwegian. Spain has been a very lucrative market for online bingo sites and games are available in Spanish. The most common languages offered by bingo sites are English, Spanish, French, Italian, and German. Software providers are working on new languages so bingo operators can expand into untapped bingo markets.

There have been noticeable improvements in software at most online bingo sites. Software developers are constantly adding new improvements designed to enhance the online bingo experience. Software advances have enabled game developers to produce crystal clear graphics and awesome animations. There is great music for players to listen to and some bingo sites have 3D games for players to enjoy. Since computer technology is constantly evolving players can expect more improvements and faster games.

Bigger jackpots are being offered at most bingo sites. In the past most online bingo jackpots were two and three figures but those days are gone forever. Bingo players can now win life changing amounts of money. Progressive jackpots at some bingo sites are worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. There are even a couple of online bingo millionaires!

For most online bingo providers bonuses have been a highly successful marketing strategy. Thanks to industry competition today’s bingo bonuses are bigger than ever. Most bingo sites offer welcome bonuses and re load bonuses. Bonuses of 500% or more are now common. Many bingo sites offer special bonuses to loyal players.

Most online bingo sites have improved their customer service. Players with technical problems want them resolved right away. Bingo operators understand this and have worked very hard to improve customer service. Most online bingo sites offer live support, live chat and phone and fax support.

Bingo providers are constantly looking for ways to enhance the online bingo experience. Not content to rest on their laurels bingo operators are working very hard to make their sites as attractive as possible.

Bingo demographics vary from country to country. In the UK which is the world’s largest bingo market about 70% of all players are female and 30% are men. In most countries females dominate the world of bingo and about 80% of all players are women and 20% are men in the US.  Bingo is no longer a game for pensioners and seniors. In the UK many bingo halls are investing heavily in features designed to attract young players. Some bingo halls plan to add live entertainment to lure younger players. Many land based players also play online bingo. Statistics show that young players are more likely to play online bingo and older players still prefer live bingo games.

For most bingo players the opportunity to socialize is just as important as winning a jackpot. In fact many players consider the social aspect of bingo more important than financial gain. Meeting new people is one of the key reasons so many play bingo. The popularity of bingo and social networking has made the game extremely profitable for online bingo operators. Bingo providers are taking advantage of the marketing opportunities offered by social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter. Site users create their own profiles and socialize with other players from around the world. In the past online bingo was mostly confined to the UK and the United States but in recent years online bingo has spread to several countries and continents.

Many online bingo operators offer free bingo games on their fan pages so potential players can check out all the bingo games available. Facebook pages and Twitter allow bingo sites to announce the latest bonuses and promotions. Bonuses and promotions make online bingo one of the most affordable games on the internet. Deposit bonuses have never been better and sign up bonuses are a great way for new players to stretch those hard earned dollars and pounds. Players in the United States need not feel left out and there are still plenty of online bingo sites accepting players from the United States.

Bingo players in the UK and Europe have over 400 online bingo sites to choose from. There are many reputable bingo review sites where players can find details on all the latest promotions and bonuses. Players can also find software reviews the enable them to find the highest quality online bingo games. Bingo is bringing people together in greater numbers than ever before and given the huge jackpots and bonuses available to players online bingo’s success is not surprising.

In the last five years the number of bingo sites has just about doubled. Online bingo has grown into a two billion dollar a year industry making the game attractive to investors. Internet bingo has also been recession resistant and the industry has grown and expanded despite adverse economic conditions. Bingo players have hundreds of sites to choose from and it seems that every week one or two more bingo sites are launched. The increasing number of bingo sites coming online means that bingo sites must offer players bigger jackpots and prizes and more player incentives. Industry competition has been good for players and the days of two and three figure jackpots are gone forever. Players can also be pickier when choosing a bingo site. What should players look for when choosing a new bingo site? Here are a few suggestions.

Bonuses are important to most players. Most bingo sites offer players several bonuses and perks. The most common kind of bonus is the deposit bonus. There are two kinds of deposit bingo bonuses; a fixed amount that is deposited into the player’s account and bonuses based on a percentage of a player’s deposit. Because of intense competition percentage bonuses of 500% and even 600% are common. Deposit bonuses can be lucrative but players should always read the terms and conditions of any bonus offer. Wagering requirements can make a bonus all but worthless. Some bingo sites require players to wager 40 times the deposit and bonus before any winnings can be withdrawn.

Players should always check out the selection of games and the quality of the games. Today most bingo sites provide players with realistic casino quality games and players should never settle for less than the best. Players should be sure to check where the site is licensed and the reputation of the licensing jurisdiction. Reputable bingo sites will usually have their game software checked by a regulatory body and this should be clearly listed on the site.

Check all of the site policies. These should be written in easy to understand English. If the policies are written in legalese of obscure language it is better to look elsewhere. Check all of the security features of the site. All financial transactions should be encrypted and the software used should be listed on the home page of the bingo site.

While not a complete list by any means the characteristics listed above are the main factors new players should look for when selecting a bingo site.

Summer is traditionally slow at most online bingo sites. Players abandon bingo games in favor of outdoor activities like swimming, camping, hiking and many other outdoor activities. In addition school is out leaving less time for busy moms to go online to play bingo games. Since there are few holidays during the summer bingo sites do not have many holiday promotions. Father’s Day is coming up and bingo sites are taking full advantage of the opportunity offered by this summer holiday. Since most online bingo players are women many people will not make the connection between online bingo and Father’s Day.

In the old days before online bingo fathers would head to the local pub while the wives attended games at the local High Street bingo hall. Back then many men would not be caught dead in a bingo hall but times have changed thanks to internet bingo. Today there are even a few websites devoted to bingo for men and one site has the slogan “putting the balls back in bingo.” In spite of all the advances men have made in the world of bingo the general consensus is still that bingo and men don’t mix. Bingo is still perceived as a game for women but that hasn’t stopped most bingo sites from running Father’s Day promotions.

For most people Father’s Day involves the purchase of a card and gift and listening to the old man’s stories. Thanks to the father’s day promotions bingo players can win some pretty nice gifts for dad. One site is offering bottles of champagne with custom printed labels with dad’s name on the bottle. Some bingo sites are offering increased bingo bonuses for father’s day and some are offering male oriented prizes. The increased jackpots some sites are offering will enable lucky winners to have a very special father’s day. Since father’s day is only four days away players have a limited time to take advantage of all of the father’s day bonuses, jackpots and prizes.

Father’s day is providing bingo sites with one of the few promotional opportunities available during the long summer months. Players should hop online and take advantage of all of the special father’s day promotions during the short time left until the holiday.

For years players at bingo sites have enjoyed a variety of player perks and benefits. Free bingo games, hefty deposit bonuses, sizable jackpots and ongoing promotions have all been the rule in the industry. Now several industry experts say that in the near future online bingo players could see those same benefits either cut back or withdrawn altogether. During the last few years the number of bingo sites has tripled and there are now over 400 bingo sites targeting the UK market. Intense competition has benefitted players as bingo sites try to outdo each other by offering a staggering variety if lucrative bingo bonuses and offers.

One indication that the good times may be over is the fact that many bingo sites are tightening the terms and conditions associated with bonuses and many have increased wagering requirements for players to access bonus money. Many bingo sites have withdrawn free bingo offers in favor of cash back options and bonuses for established loyal players. While player acquisition remains important many bingo sites are focusing on player retention. Studies have shown that bingo has the highest player retention rate of any form of online gambling.

New gambling laws and licensing requirements are bound to have an effect on the internet bingo industry. Currently offshore operators have a distinct advantage over bingo sites licensed in the UK. Offshore sites are taxed at an average rate of 1% while UK sites are taxed 15%. New licensing and tax requirements may force smaller independent bingo sites to lower bonuses and jackpots to remain profitable. Since smaller operators have to compete with large well funded bingo operators many smaller bingo sites will most likely disappear. Cash strapped governments are looking for new revenue streams and the UK is no exception. It is only a matter of time before the new rules and tax requirements are implemented.

New taxes and licensing requirements will push the cost of doing business much higher. This year will probably bring many consolidation and mergers which will bring lower levels of competition. Online bingo has benefitted from a down economy that prompted many to seek low cost home based entertainment and online bingo fit that need perfectly. Now that the economy is recovering many players may cut back on internet bingo games in favor of other activities. This will put even more pressure on bingo operators. For now many in the industry are wondering what the rest of the year will bring?

So far this year has been great for online bingo players. Bonuses are bigger than ever and there are a record number of special promotions and player perks and incentives. Many are starting to wonder just how long the good times will last. Some industry experts are suggesting that in the near future players could see reduced bonuses and promotions because of industry consolidation and new government regulatory proposals. During the last few years hundreds of new bingo sites have been launched and the fierce competition has been beneficial for players at bingo sites.

During the beginning of the online bingo boom many big bingo names tried to avoid bingo bonuses and focused on developing new bingo games but during the last two years the competition for players has forced bingo sites to offer players bigger bonuses which are now the norm in the industry. Of course bingo operators are in business to make money so there are usually very strict terms and conditions associated with bonus offers. Some sites have strict conditions that make it virtually impossible for players to actually withdraw funds won with bonus money.

Because offshore bingo sites are unregulated the returns at many bingo sites are much lower than those in land based bingo halls. Bingo sites rarely display the number of cards sold for each game making it difficult for players to see the amount of money wagered against the prizes that are paid. Industry observers say that some bingo operators may take further advantage of this as times get tougher for the industry.

Many governments are looking for new revenue streams to address massive budget deficits. Many countries are expected to legalize online gaming and impose taxes. So far offshore bingo sites have managed to avoid taxes which have enabled them to offer players large bonuses and other player perks. In the UK the tax bite for bingo sites licensed in the UK is about 15% and currently most offshore operators only pay about 1% of their income in taxes. A rise in taxes would put many bingo sites out of business and would probably cause the remaining sites to cut back on bonuses, perks and prizes and jackpots.

A combination of increased operating costs, newly imposed taxes, reduced competition and lower revenues will hit bingo players hard. In the future bingo players will probable look upon the last few years as the ‘golden age’ of internet bingo.

Recent bingo news reports indicate that the UK government is taking a close look into the possibility of taxing and regulating online bingo sites licensed outside the United Kingdom. Currently the government receives no tax revenue from the many offshore bingo sites openly operating in the UK. Bingo operators licensed in the UK say this puts them at a competitive disadvantage with offshore operations. Many offshore bingo sites are also allowed to advertise in the UK if they are on the government’s ‘white list’ of approved licensing jurisdictions. Many in the industry believe the situation is about to change.

Online bingo operators have always enjoyed a clear advantage over land based bingo sites in the UK because by locating their operations offshore they can afford to invest more heavily in advertising and marketing. They can also offer players bigger bonuses and promotions than sites taxed by the UK government. Most sites licensed in the UK pay a tax of at least 15% and most offshore operators typically pay a tax of about 1% if they pay any taxes at all. Even worse offshore bingo sites have full access to all media in the UK.

Most expect the UK government to recommend that all sites doing business in the UK will have to obtain a UK gaming license in addition to any other licenses from other jurisdictions. Industry experts say that this will have serious implications for offshore operators. Most likely the government will impose some sort of taxation and ‘secondary’ licensing costs.’ Most expect the tax rates to equal the 15% paid by bingo sites licensed in the UK. Rank Group chief executive Ian Burke believes that changes are coming and stated “Many European markets are moving to regulating and taxing online gaming and it’s inevitable that the UK government will look at changing the offshore tax regime.”

The effect of paying 15% as opposed to 1% could mean that larger online bingo operations could have a tax bill amounting to millions of pounds. Burke said that smaller operations could be hurt and stated “Weaker companies would disappear as their business model would no longer be sustainable.” Many major bingo firms such as Ladbrokes, William Hill and others moved offshore to avoid UK taxation but new regulations will erode the tax benefits leading many firms to relocate to the UK. The UK online gaming sector is worth about 1.5 billion pounds annually and some companies spend as much as 30% of their total revenues on advertising in the UK. Clive Hawkswood, the chief executive of trade group the Remote Gambling Association says a lot is at stake for many gaming companies. Hawkswood stated “Some online casinos have a payout rate of about 97 percent so there is no room to withstand such a jump in tax.,” said Hawkswood, opining that in order to survive companies may have to cut back dramatically on marketing, which has been lucrative for the UK media and sports industries”. The entire online bingo industry is watching developments very closely.

Bingo is probably one of the simplest games to play. It is not necessary to learn complicated strategies and techniques; bingo is a random game of chance. Basically players purchase their bingo cards and mark them as the numbers are called. Players at bingo sites can use auto daub to mark their numbers automatically. This feature allows players to mark several cards at once. Like slots bingo is pretty random and based on luck but there are a few things bingo players can do to give themselves an edge.

Players should always try to find the best bonuses. Most bingo sites offer players substantial deposit bonuses. Usually deposit bonuses are based on a percentage of a deposit. Many bingo sites offer bonuses as high as 500%. Look for a site that has ongoing bonuses. Many bingo sites have started to offer various bonuses to established players designed to give players more value for their money. Don’t forget to read and understand the terms and conditions associated with bonus offers.

Players should find a favorite site and play often. Most reputable bingo sites have player loyalty programs and schemes. Many bingo sites are now giving players exclusive bonuses and cash back offers. Players can win points for every wager and collect real cash that can be used to play more games. Bingo bonuses are no longer limited to new players and more bingo providers are offering bonuses designed for player retention. Take advantage of all the bonuses available.

Players should save large wagers for progressive jackpot bingo games. Progressive jackpot bingo games are won if a player scores a full house within a certain number of calls. Players should keep a record of jackpot hits and look for any patterns that may emerge. The only time players should make large bets is when a large cash prize is on the line. It makes no sense to bet large for a small jackpot. Try to find games without a lot of players and your odds of winning will be increased.

Always check the game schedule for specials and promotions. Guaranteed jackpot games are always a good choice especially if the jackpot is large. Many bingo sites offer buy one get one free bingo cards. The more cards played the better the odds of winning. Players that take advantage of the best bonuses are ahead of the game and have increased their chances for a big bingo win.