Why Your iGaming Brand Needs Bingo and How to Integrate It

The entertainment world is full of flashy slots, live dealer tables, and crash content. While it may seem to have made the humble game of bingo disappear, those who leave it out of the offering make a big mistake. This gambling activity is a nostalgic pastime and a surprisingly powerful format that attracts loyal punters, drives engagement, and supports diverse monetisation strategies.

The game has a magic formula that works like a clock. A card, some numbers, a little luck, and a whole lot of excitement when someone shouts the cherished word upon a win. In the online gambling business, bingo means retention, community, and real revenue.

Smart Money offers you a look at how the format evolved into a must-have product in the modern iGaming niche. Order all the best bingo software from the top providers. Contact our client support to inquire about the details of a turnkey or White Label project with the integration of top games.

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History of Establishment and Progress

This classic game has roots that go back to 16th-century Italy, where a lottery-style activity called Lo Giuoco del Lotto d’Italia started it all. It made its way to France in the 1700s, where it was embraced by the upper crust, and then to Germany in the 19th century, where educators used it to help kids learn spelling and math.

In the early 20th century, Americans started playing a version of the game using beans to mark off numbers, shouting “Beano!” when they won. One day, a toy merchant, Edwin S. Lowe, overheard someone accidentally yell “Bingo!” instead. Just like that, a new name (and commercial goldmine) was born. Lowe ran with it and gave bingo a massive popularity boost. Later, he hired a maths professor to create thousands of unique cards to prevent duplicate wins.

Fast-forward to today, and bingo is going strong and has evolved. Yes, it is still played in land-based halls, but the action is now in the online format. Digital platforms offer custom variations, exciting themes, and even bonus rounds. The game constantly receives a fresh edge that appeals to modern audiences but still keeps its vintage charm. It may have started with beans and paper cards, but bingo has become a full-fledged, tech-powered gaming format.

The Core Types to Know About

Over time, different markets and user habits have led to the development of multiple bingo versions. Each variation has its own rhythm, card layout, and win mechanics. The basics stay the same (numbered cards and random draws), but the variety keeps the experience fresh and adapted to different playstyles.

The four most common types you will find are the following:

1. 75-ball. This is the original version that dominates the North American market. It is played on a 5x5 card with 25 squares (but only 24 numbers since the centre is a free spot). The digits are split into five columns under the letters B-I-N-G-O, making for a tidy layout and clear gameplay. It is the standard for a reason as it represents simple, fast enough, and perfect for suspense.
2. 30-ball. Also known as “speed bingo,” this one is made for punters who do not have time to waste. With just 30 balls and a 3x3 card, it is over before your coffee cools. It is a favourite among mobile participants and casual users who want that quick burst of gameplay during short breaks.
3. 90-ball. This UK favourite plays out on a longer 3x5 card with 15 numbers. There are multiple ways to win, with a single line, two lines, or a full house. That layered win structure gives participants more reasons to stick around, which is great for engagement.
4. 80-ball. This one is often considered the sweet spot between speed and strategy. The 4x4 grid offers 16 numbers. Punters can win with lines, diagonals, and even fun patterns like a square in the middle. It is flexible, fast-paced, and just unpredictable enough to keep things interesting.

Each type covers the moods of different players. A mix of the formats in the offering helps capture more attention and increase session time. The modern audience is unique, and not everyone plays bingo the same way.

Creative Variants of the Game

One reason the format has endured is its ability to evolve. While the traditional versions do the job, a whole universe of variations add flair, unpredictability, and fun twists to the core.

Alternative versions worth knowing about:

1. U-Pick-Em. Instead of random card assignments, punters get to pick their own numbers, which resembles lotto or keno. This adds a layer of control and personal attachment that amps up anticipation every round.
2. Death Game. The slowest participant wins. In this version, the last person to complete their card takes the prize. It flips the game’s pace and creates a long, suspenseful session that rewards patience and endurance.
3. Bonanza. A rapid-fire remix of the 75-ball version gives punters a head start as they prefill their cards with 43 drawn numbers. The jackpot climbs as the game moves along and ramps up the tension and excitement with every digit.
4. Blackout. Also called “coverall,” this one is about going the distance. To win, you need to mark off every single number on your card. It is slower than most versions, but the payoff is bigger. The final prize is often tied to progressive jackpots or high-stakes tournaments.
5. Horse Racing Hybrid. This game mixes the mechanics of two formats. Each field on the card represents a race scenario or event. When that happens, you mark it off. It is a thematic, interactive, and fun way to bring variety into group play or special promotions.

These variations are proof that bingo is not stuck in the past. Operators may find anything for their audience, whether they want to slow it down, speed it up, or add a new layer of challenge.

Bingo Befor Beyond Gambling

Before it became a casino favourite, the format had a different role, deeply rooted in community and social interaction. Long before digital platforms and jackpot bonuses, the game was played in church basements and school halls, not for profit, but for the sake of bringing people together. By the 1930s, church bingo nights were drawing crowds of thousands across the US.

When bingo is run by charitable organisations, it is often exempt from standard licensing laws. In some regions, even minors can engage under specific rules. The legal structure is not entirely loose, though. Regulators like the UK Gambling Commission impose caps on entry fees, winnings, and promotional practices to ensure it stays ethical and safe.

Beyond fundraising, bingo has found an application in healthcare and elder care settings, where it is used as a light form of recreational engagement. In retirement homes and long-term care facilities, the game sparks memory recall, encourages social interaction, and creates a sense of inclusion. Its simplicity, familiarity, and communal nature make it an excellent activity for older adults. Many such participants grew up during bingo’s golden age and still light up at the sound of that winning call.

While the online version is generating revenue on digital platforms, it is also quietly continuing its legacy in places that have nothing to do with gambling.

Top Providers to Know About

Whether you work on a niche bingo site or just want to expand your library with something crowd-friendly and classic, the right content supplier makes the difference. A few of the standout developers offer solid, innovative titles, which are all accessible through the Smart Money network.

Red Rake Gaming

Straight out of Spain, the studio has made a name for itself over the past decade with a focus on high-quality, diverse content. Licences of the UK and Malta allow the team to bring over 95 titles to the general overview. The company’s portfolio is built on HTML5 tech, which means smooth performance on desktop and mobile, plus support for 16 languages.

When it comes to bingo specifically, Red Rake’s video games are well-designed and engaging. Hits like Disco Nights, Planet 67, and The Gold of Poseidon come loaded with flexible features like extra balls, multipliers, and themed bonus rounds. They are polished, replay-worthy, and made for punters who want more than just basic number-matching.

Evolution

The studio is famous for its blackjack and roulette with real croupiers. At the same time, more than 15 years of expertise helped Evolution dive into every major vertical, including real-time bingo. The team’s strength lies in making simple formats into immersive, big-production experiences.

Mega Ball is their flagship live bingo title. This variation lets participants fill out up to 12 cards per round, with 20 numbers drawn, then a final ball that comes with a random multiplier twist. A dynamic, fast, and surprisingly intense title is favoured by punters who like a little extra edge to their engagement.

Wazdan

This is one of those studios that quietly builds a reputation through consistent delivery and deep market coverage. The company has licences in a range of European areas and offers everything from traditional slots to poker and bingo. Their signature style is a clean, minimalistic interface with user-adjustable volatility levels.

Extra Bingo captures exactly what the name promises. The 80-number setup and built-in gamble feature give participants the chance to double their winnings and create just enough tension to keep things interesting without overwhelming casual users.

Belatra

This one is among the oldest names in the business. Their titles come with multilingual support and built-in jackpots and tournaments to help operators drive engagement without a ton of manual work.

The bingo content catalogue is solid and offers classic gameplay mechanics with a focus on accessibility. The studio keeps its activities compatible across various platforms, which makes them an easy plug-and-play solution for operators who want to scale quickly across different destinations.

Caleta Gaming

The company is based in Brazil but operates globally as a reliable source of multi-platform content. The team rolls out a couple of new releases each month to keep their library fresh and diverse. Bingo is one of their core verticals, and they complement their offerings with a suite of bonus wheels, extra balls, and free spins.

Caleta’s video titles include colourful, engaging hits like Catch a Fish, Bingo Fada da Fortuna, and Bingo Samba Rio. These are visually fun, fast-moving games that appeal to casual punters and slot fans alike. The team already has more than 20 video bingo titles in the catalogue to bring variety and volume to any operator.

Boldplay

With the launch in 2019, the studio might be a younger face in the niche. At the same time, the team has already delivered a slick catalogue of 80+ branded slots, lotteries, mini-games, table titles, and, of course, bingo. What sets them apart is their focus on high-performance HTML5 development.

On the operator side, Boldplay keeps things simple with a solid back office, multilingual and multicurrency support, and demo options for easy promotion. They are certified across several regulated markets and focus on being operator-friendly.

Pragmatic Play

The company has earned its reputation as one of the most agile producers in the sector. Since 2015, the company has become a household name across iGaming circles, with multiple high-tier licences and 200+ titles in stock. A modern lineup of bingo content covers classic formats and trendy twists.

Their offering is built for scale and engagement. For now, there are nine different bingo variants. Plus, Pragmatic brings along a whole toolbox of marketing perks, like cross-sell features, fixed and progressive jackpots, and backend analytics for performance optimisation.

Skilrock

The company brings nearly 50 years of gambling expertise into the iGaming space. The studio creates physical and digital solutions, from lottery terminals to sportsbook platforms. Skilrock is big on customisation, and operators receive the chance to tweak brand-new bingo activities that suit their exact needs.

A catalogue of 70+ games and full language and currency flexibility, the team understands how to serve a diverse audience. Their bingo games sit comfortably alongside a broader suite of titles. And if you need something that does not exist yet, Skilrock will build it for you.

Eurasian Gaming

The manufacturer is a rising name from Malta that is quickly picking up popularity across Europe. Since 2018, the studio has brought an interesting mix of titles. Bingo, fish hunting, and slots are all built with a strong emphasis on mobile engagement. Portrait mode, fast-play options, and buy bonuses are part of their standard offering.

Slots like Horus Eye and Chilli Hunter often grab the spotlight. Meanwhile, Eurasian’s bingo content blends slick visuals, smooth performance, and intuitive layouts. They are licensed in Italy, Spain, and other EU regions and keep a steady rhythm of releases that fit perfectly into growing libraries.

Greentube

If stability and legacy matter, this sphere tycoon is hard to beat. The long-running European provider offers 400+ titles, from slots to table games and, of course, bingo. Their omnichannel strategy ensures participants can enjoy the same experience at a land-based terminal, online, or a mobile app.

In addition to their rich game catalogue, Greentube brings serious backend muscle with the NRGS platform, a suite of tools for bonus campaigns, retention mechanics, and smart reporting. While they are best known for iconic games like Book of Ra Deluxe, their bingo and number-based titles are designed to complement larger portfolios.

Salsa Studio

The producer is leading the Latin American iGaming scene and developing in Europe as well. The studio blends cultural relevance and fresh design. Its content is highly animated and engaging and built on research into user behaviour and local audiences.

Salsa’s bingo offering includes responsive HTML5 titles for quick loading and smooth play. Built-in multicurrency and multilingual support help their content scale easily. Thanks to their fast game engines and customisable promo tools, they are a perfect choice to add vibrant, modern bingo entertainment to your lineup.

The Main Things about the Never-Dying Format

Bingo might be one of the oldest activities in the gambling world. At the same time, calling it outdated would be a huge mistake. Its simplicity, flexibility, and ability to adapt to different audiences and platforms have made it an impactful force in the iGaming niche.

What makes bingo such a smart addition to your library:

• The format has global familiarity, which means you do not need to teach punters how to engage, as they already know the basics.
• There is a version for every playstyle, from fast-paced mobile variants to long-play community rounds.
• Bingo games are incredibly cost-effective for operating and maintaining high engagement rates.
• The format works across verticals, from real-money gambling to charity and entertainment-based settings.
• Top-tier providers now offer bingo titles, complete with bonus mechanics, jackpots, and marketing tools.
• Localisation is easy, so that the leverage of established and emerging markets becomes incredibly effortless.
• Bingo fosters community and loyalty, something slots and tabletops often struggle to achieve.

If you want to diversify your platform with the content that actually performs, get in touch with Smart Money to buy top-class software from leading industry producers. Order high-quality turnkey solutions or inquire about other development strategies like White Label or franchising.

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