Bingo has been around for hundreds of years and over the last couple of decades the online bingo industry has skyrocketed. Driven by technological advancement, new innovations have transformed and enhanced the online bingo experience for players.
Technology influences every aspect of the online bingo game, from the behind-the-scenes mechanics of the game, to the visual display and features functionality. Advancements in artificial intelligence, digital design and software engineering has enabled game developers and operators to improve their bingo offering and increase attraction and profitability.
We take a look at some of the most significant technology that drives online bingo sites and bingo gameplay and what advancements we could see in the near future:
Software and random number generators (RNG)
Software is an integral part of the online gaming experience, it is what powers the game and makes it function as the game designers want it to. Software is used to replicate and automate the experience we enjoy when playing in traditional land based bingo venues.
Random number generators (RNGs) are a critical component in all types of iGames, including online bingo. A RNG is a complex algorithm that ensures gameplay is fair and results are randomised through the generation of unpredictable sequences of numbers.
The RNG helps to simulate the process of drawing bingo balls in a traditional machine. This gives players an equal chance of winning and assures players that the bingo operator cannot tamper with the results of the game in any way. This in turn helps to foster trust between players and bingo operators as they can be sure the game is fair.
While RNGs take away predictability from the game, they ensure they run efficiently and meet the standards set out by the Gambling Commission.
User interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design
Online bingo sites are particularly well known for the use of vibrant colours and eye catching graphical elements. UI and UX ensure that not only does the game look great, but is designed in a way that is intuitive, easy to use and adapts well when used across different types of devices.
One feature that is the main focus of the design includes the site navigation, which should be simple to use and follow a logical order. Furthermore, customisable bingo cards can increase a player’s satisfaction - the player can choose everything from the colour scheme and theme to the style of the bingo caller’s voice.
Personalisation features such as these help the player feel more connected to the game and increase engagement. Responsive design is also important to ensure that the bingo game displays and functions on a mobile screen just as well as it does on a computer or tablet.
Social features, including chat functionality
Social interaction is at the core of the bingo experience, it is what differentiates it from the many other iGames and gives the game a community feel. All bingo games come with the char feature, allowing players to text chat live during gameplay and in between games.
These chat boxes help to replicate the social atmosphere that is experienced in a land based bingo hall. Some of these chat features have integrations that allow you to connect to your social media accounts and invite your connections to join in with games too.
This is great for the bingo operator too as it helps to promote the game and increase player numbers and profits. Furthermore, social features help to increase player loyalty as the keep returning to the same games in order to catch up with their friends and bingo acquaintances.
Security and payment processors
Security is of the up most importance to bingo sites and their customers. Technology helps to ensure the privacy of player’s personal information and payment details while also protecting the operator from financial fraud and criminal behaviour.
Advanced payment gateways are one technological innovation and support a variety of payment methods being used to make deposits and withdrawals. Common payment methods include credit and debit cards, e-wallets and bank transfers. Customerwant to make sure there is minimal delay when receiving their winnings.
Encryption technology is employed for security reasons, with bingo sites needing a valid SSL certificate to ensure player information remains private. These steps ensure the bingo operator is compliant with regulatory authority requirements.
Smartphone technology
Mobile tech has come a long why in recent years and has only enhanced the online bingo experience even further. Smartphone bingo apps when that accessing games is quicker and easier than ever before and push notifications ensure players are always kept up to date with upcoming games and new releases.
While technology has transformed online bingo over the last couple of decades, newer innovations such as Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality offer some great opportunities for even more immersive bingo games to be developed.