We have all heard the song lyrics “what a difference a day makes” – so imagine what a year can do in the world of online bingo! There has been much to talk about from the launch of new networks, brand new bingo sites, mergers and site makeovers.
Acquisitions and Mergers
There has been lots of hot news in 2015 about acquisitions and mergers. First of all the Canadian based operator Intertain Group acquired Parlay Games Source Code bingo software for around $2.8 million Canadian dollars. This meant they could use their HTML5 mobile products along with all of their casino games, side games and mini games.
Surprising news was that the 2 gaming giants that are Paddy Power and Betfair decided to merge – making them a force to be reckoned with. Paddy Power would own the majority of the company with 52% and the HQ will be in Dublin. It’s still in progress but it set to be completed in 2016.
Brand New Networks
Ben Starr, the founder of 15 Network is the man behind another network Wheel of Slots. This is a network that focuses their welcome package more on slot treats than bingo bonus. All brands on this network offer players the chance to win up to 500 free spins on their first deposit. Sites on this network so far are Bingo Diaries, Free Spirit Bingo, Wallis Bingo, Bingo Fling and Lucky Cow Bingo and there are more on the way.
New Bingo Sites
Ignite Bingo is one of the most renowned networks in the industry and have been introducing brands nearly every quarter. The last one of the year was Season Bingo, but before that they launched Giant Bingo, Monkey Bingo, Rio Bingo, Frozen Bingo amongst others. Crocodile Bingo is the latest brand to join their network, launching in January 2016.
There has been a surge of new brands on Cozy Games too. We have seen the introduction of Quackpot Bingo, Swanky Bingo and others and 15 Network has seen the introduction to the likes of Charming Bingo.
If you do love bingo on the go you may like the Dr Dab app that is actually an app based on skill. It’s all about how fast you dab, and there are games running every 30 seconds. There is a unique currency that will help you unlock levels and new games.
The Dragonfish network added yet another member, but Circus Bingo is a notable exception as it offers a number of promotions exclusive to their patrons.
Changes to Payment Methods
Because of the surge of mobile bingo, there has been the introduction of paying by mobile phone. This means that players with contract phones can just get their deposits added to their phone bill, and if you are a pay as you go phone owner, it will just be taken off your credit.
Then there was the top news that Paysafecard bought over Ukash at the very end of the year. It meant that players who had Ukash vouchers had to make sure that they used them up before a certain deadline or else they would loose their funds. It doesn’t make too much difference in the payment method themselves as they were fairly similar.
Big Makeovers
Several sites had some big makeovers this year including some big names! Mecca Bingo is looking sleeker than ever, Wink Bingo has decided to jazz itself up as well as introduced a brand new online magazine – and even the super inviting Foxy Bingo revamped themselves giving it a fresh new look.
Now do you know what we mean when we say “what a difference a year makes”? So much has happened in 2015 – that we can’t wait to see what 2016 brings.
