Loading ...
Subscribe
Get Bingo Bonuses Here
More Bad News for Offline Bingo Halls
The land based Bingo industry has been relatively stable for decades but one major factor is contributing to the demise of brick and mortar bingo halls in the UK and the United States. In the UK the recently passed draconian smoking ban has caused many bingo halls to close and remaining bingo operators are reporting as much as a 25% decrease in business. In the United States smoking bans are passed on a state by state basis and in each state that has passed smoking bans bingo halls are reporting a significant decrease in business.
While the smoking ban in the UK is national and affects all parts of the country equally, the US smoking bans are passed by each individual state with differing laws in each state. This makes it difficult for industry experts in the United States to gauge the effects of smoking bans on a nationwide basis. Some states will exempt private organizations and certain businesses while other states will pass total smoking bans.
In the UK the Rank Group, one of the largest operators of bingo halls, reported a 19% drop in revenue in the UK and a 22% drop in Wales and England. To quote a statement issued by Rank, “While the recent trading difficulties affecting our UK retail businesses are worse than we had anticipated, we understand that they are shared by the broader UK bingo club and casino markets and are not unique to Rank.”
In the United States smoking bans have been taking a toll on traditional bingo halls. In Ohio, which recently passed a smoking ban without any exemptions, a significant decline in revenue has been reported and many charitable organizations are eliminating their once popular games. In Ohio even churches are feeling the pinch. In the Youngstown suburb of Campbell St Joseph the Provider has cancelled their decades old game which used to draw 200 players. The revenue from these games kept tuition at the local parish school down. Pennsylvania, where smoking is still legal in bingo halls, has seen an increase in players who are traveling from Ohio to play due to the smoking ban.
The law of unintended consequences has affected charitable organizations across the Unites States. In the US bingo games have been used for decades as a fund raising tool for both churches and organizations ranging from veterans groups to schools. These organizations must now find new ways to generate revenue. While the rationale behind the various smoking bans was well intentioned the effects of these limitations have had negative results for some businesses and private organizations.
Online Bingo is becoming more attractive to players in the UK and the United States for a variety of reasons. Besides the obvious effects of smoking bans the larger jackpots offered by online bingo websites are attracting players in droves. Most online bingo sites are designed in a user friendly manner and those new to computers find them easy to use. Most sites are either owned or operated by publicly traded companies and have a reputation for honestly unequalled in the online gaming industry.
While the internet has certainly affected land based bingo halls to a limited extent, smoking bans have been cited by industry experts as the major factor contributing to the decline of the land based bingo industry. In places like Atlantic City municipal smoking bans have had an adverse effect on revenue and a compromise has been worked out by the city council. All this is good news for the online bingo industry which is expected to see significant growth despite the US gambling ban. Online bingo has proved to be a satisfactory solution for those who used to play at land based bingo halls. Gaming industry experts predict that online bingo will surpass traditional bingo in the very near future.
Free Bingo Just For the Fun of it!
There many reasons that bingo players switch from land based bingo halls to online bingo. Maybe it’s a recently passed smoking ban or maybe they are tired of playing the same games week after week. Players new to computers may want to try playing free bingo before they play for money online.
There are many advantages to online bingo. The wide variety of games and bigger jackpots are the main reasons bingo players switch to online bingo. Bingo on the internet is a lot easier than playing in a traditional bingo hall. Free bingo offers new players the opportunity to acquire the computer skills necessary to play bingo online effectively not to mention the fact that free bingo can provide hours of fun.
Online bingo offers a stunning variety of games and card patterns that are simply impossible for land based counterparts to compete with. Couple that with progressive jackpots and it is easy to see why many players are making the switch to online bingo. Free online bingo also offers the same variety of games but without the large jackpots and prizes.
Many free bingo sites offer chat rooms. Chat rooms are a great way to socialize with other players and players can actually chat during the games which is a big breach of etiquette in land based bingo halls. Since the internet is world wide bingo players have the opportunity to interact with other bingo players from other countries and cultures.
www.4FreeBingo.com is one of these sites. Free bingo online is almost as popular as playing bingo for money. In fact, bingo is one of the most played games on the internet with literally millions of players from around the world. As a matter of fact there are actually free bingo games where players can win money although these games are sometimes hard to find.
Online bingo players should always read the policies of the free bingo sites they visit. Common sense goes a long way here; of course no legitimate site will ask you for personal banking information. And be sure to read the privacy policy before any forms are filled out. Some free bingo sites do sell information and that could result in the player being spammed or inundated with calls from telemarketers.
Free bingo abounds on the internet. Being careful, reading and understanding site policies will ensure an enjoyable online bingo experience. Free bingo online can bring hours of fun for the whole family.
The Lingo of Online Bingo
The internet has developed its own language and online bingo is no exception. Most computer users are familiar with abbreviations like, LOL, or LMAO, or CU. These combinations of letters were developed as a way to save time and the advent of instant messaging colorful combinations of letters representing phrases became the norm. Bingo has its own language and new online bingo players sometimes feel overwhelmed by the many abbreviations used in online bingo chat rooms.
Most online bingo sites maintain chat rooms so the players can socialize, discuss the various games, get tech advice, and discuss just about anything. For new players here is a brief glossary of bingo terms followed by a list of the most common abbreviations found in most chat rooms.
While this is a very basic glossary and by no means complete it should help the new player no matter if the player is in a land based casino or online. Online bingo has a language all its own and it can be confusing to newbies. What follows is a collection of the more common abbreviations used in online bingo chat rooms.
· AFK = A away from keyboard
· AFK2W = Away from keyboard (to wee)
· AKA = Also known as
· ASAP = A as soon as possible
· BBL = Be back later
· BBS = Be back soon
· BF = Boyfriend
· BLNT =Better luck next time
· BRB = Be right back
· BTW = By the way
· CYA = see ya
· CYAL8R = See ya later
· FYI = For your information
· GF = Girlfriend
· GG = Good going or good game
· GL = Good luck
· GLA = Good luck all
· GLE = Good luck everyone
· GM = Good morning
· GN = Good night
· GTSY = Glad to see you
· H&A = Hug and kiss
· HB =Hurry back
· IC = I see
· IYKWIM = If you know what I mean
· IMO = In my opinion
· JK = Just kidding
· JMO = Just my opinion
· KIT = Keep in touch
· KOTC = Kiss on the cheek
· KOTL = Kiss on the lips
· L8R = Later or (LTR)
· LMAO = Laughing my ass off
· LOL = Laughing out loud
· LOFTING = Talking in private chat (the loft)
· LTNS = Long time no see
· LY = Love ya
· NP = No problem
· OIC = Oh, I see
· OMG = Oh my goodness
· OTOH = On the other hand
· PITA = Pain in the @$$
· PM = Private message
· PPL = People
· QT = Cutie
· ROFL = Rolling on floor laughing
· ROFLMAO = Rolling on floor laughing my @$$ off
· SAC = Sorry all close
· SO = Significant other
· SOHF = Sense of humor failure
· SPAM = Stupid Person’s Advertisement
· SRY = Sorry
· SWAK = Sealed with a kiss
· SWL = Screaming with laughter
· SYS = See you soon
· TC = Take care
· TOY = Thinking of you
· TTFN = Ta ta for now
· TTYL = Talk to you later
· TX = Thanks
· TY = Thank you
· TYVM = Thank you very much
· WB = Welcome back
· WTG = Way to go
· WTH = What the hell
· YBS = You’ll be sorry
· YSR = Yeah… sure… right
· YVW = You’re very welcome
· YW = You’re welcome
While this list is by no means complete it contains most of the most common abbreviations used in online bingo chat rooms. New online bingo players can cut and paste this list to use while in chat rooms. It will only be short time until the online language is learned. Don’t be intimidated, get online and play! For more entertaining and informative articles please go to BingoHouse.com
For New Players
Welcome to our feature devoted to the needs of new online bingo players. Our articles, tips and advice are designed with the new player in mind. For those of you new to online bingo we hope this section will answer your questions and aid you while you learn about the world of online bingo.
Suggestions for Online Bingo Newbies
With never ending advances in technology, graphics, and animation, online bingo is getting more exciting than ever before. Online Bingo is probably the most played game on the internet. In the USA and the UK online bingo is easily the most popular internet game generating billions of dollars a year in revenue. Unlike land based bingo you can play online bingo 24/7. If you’re new to the online bingo world you probably have a lot of questions. How to pick out the right online bingo site, the rules and policies of the various online bingo sites, free play options, security of transactions, you get the idea. Selecting an online bingo site can be a daunting task. Hopefully the following information will be helpful to those who are new to the world of online bingo.
Most online bingo sites have a free play option. Both newbies and experienced players will find free play options helpful. Experienced players can get a feel for how the online bingo site works. For those who are new to online bingo this option offers the opportunity to gain experience and learn the basics of online bingo. Occasionally you may run into an online bingo site that allows you to win prizes using the free play option.
Deposit bonuses are an important factor to consider. If you shop around you should be able to find deposit bonuses ranging from 30% to 100%. Put simply, a deposit bonus is the percentage or amount of money the online bingo site gives you for your deposits. Online bingo deposit bonuses are becoming more generous due to increased competition. Of course secure transactions are all important. Most online bingo sites list their credentials, where they are licensed and security policies. Be sure to check these out before joining any online bingo site.
Join the chat room. Online bingo chat rooms are one of the leading factors in choosing a site. Be sure to read the chat room policies. Most online bingo sites have policies that are based on common sense and courtesy. Take the time to introduce yourself and get to know the other players. While online bingo is competitive, the level is not as intense as in poker or blackjack. Friendly competition is the norm for online bingo. Sportsmanship is also the norm with players congratulating each other on their wins. In addition many online bingo sites have chat room games. While most of these are not for money the prizes can range form a toaster to a cruise. Since the internet is international in scope it is likely that you will be playing online bingo with players from around the world. This is one of the main factors that separate online bingo from its land based counterpart. Be civil, use common sense, and there should be no problems.
Most online bingo sites have a stunning variety of games including slots. Slots are all the rage in the USA and the UK. Online slots are essentially an online version of the notorious one armed bandits featured in brick and mortar casinos. Online slots offer more variety than their land based counterparts. Amazing graphics and animation are the norm and the possibilities are limitless. While the main focus of an online bingo site will obviously be bingo slots offer players a diversion. Some online bingo sites have slots with progressive jackpots and the prizes can be quite large. In fact there have been slots winnings of over $50,000 thanks to progressive jackpots.
Online bingo is available everywhere, is inexpensive, easy, social, and has infinite variety. Online bingo is easily one of the most popular games on the internet. Hopefully the information we have provided will be helpful to those who are new to online bingo, and also those who are new to the internet. Online bingo is easily one of the most friendly, uncomplicated games on the internet so why not give it a try
ONLINE BINGO CHATROOMS AND COMMON SENSE
Online Bingo Common Sense
One of the most popular features that online bingo offers is the online chat room. Unlike land based bingo halls where talking is strictly forbidden, online bingo has a community based atmosphere and chat rooms contribute greatly to the immense popularity of online bingo. The online chat room is the place players go to interact with each other, ask for advice, and play the chat room based games that most online bingo sites offer.
For the most part chat rooms are user friendly and no special computer skills are required. New online bingo players are sometimes intimidated the first time they enter a chat room but they quickly find out that most of the other players are friendly and are not judging them on their spelling and grammar skills. No matter how experienced they are, all online bingo players were once newbies and most of them go out of their way to make you feel welcome.
Just as in everyday life, chat rooms have standards and expectations that everyone is expected to adhere to. Most online bingo sites have their respective chat room rules posted and new online bingo players would be well advised take the time to read these rules carefully. Online bingo is about having fun and rudeness, profanity, and incivility can ruin the online bingo experience for other players. Common sense, politeness, and decency will make the online bingo experience more enjoyable for everyone.
A friendly greeting when entering the chat room is always appreciated. Remember that you are not talking to a computer but real people in real time. These are real people with different feelings, moods, and interests just like everyone else. Remember you are talking with people from different countries and English may be a second language so be patient and tolerant.
Just as in the real world there are some behaviors that are not tolerated under any circumstances. Profanity is a behavior that is never tolerated. The use of profanity indicates a limited vocabulary, and lack of respect for other players. While online bingo players are by no means prudes, the use of profanity ruins the friendly atmosphere of the chat room.
The use of racial, ethnic, and sexual slurs is never acceptable. This kind of behavior is considered rude and mean spirited. If you wouldn’t say it in public then don’t say it online. Harassment or spreading rumors about other players is not only infantile, it is also sure to make you unwelcome any well run chat room. This kind of behavior will get you banned from an online bingo chat room very quickly and justifiably so.
The use of capital letters is considered shouting or yelling online and is considered rude. It is acceptable to use caps to emphasize a word but a whole sentence in capital letters is considered rude. New users occasionally hit the caps lock key accidentally and if this is the case a quick apology is in order.
Online bingo players should always respect the chat room moderator or leader. When entering a chat room a greeting to the moderator is always appreciated. Chat room leaders have a job to do and rules to enforce and their decisions are final and are to be respected. Online bingo chat room moderators spend hours upon hours online to make sure everyone has fun and the discussion stays civil. A chat room moderator’s job is far from easy, they must answer questions, monitor the conversation, run the chat based games, and enforce the rules and standards, so showing courtesy to the chat room moderator is always in order.
Complaining and whining are not welcome in the offline world and are equally inappropriate online. Bingo is a game and not everyone can win. Only children and the immature complain about not winning. If you do win it is considered equally in appropriate to gloat. Promoting other competing online bingo websites is also unacceptable.
Respect is probably the most important characteristic that contributes to an enjoyable experience while in an online bingo chat room. Just follow the rules, use common sense, and above all be polite and your online bingo experience will be a good one for you and the other players.
Online Bingo Playing Tips
Bingo has become one of the most popular activities online. The online bingo industry has grown significantly in recent years. This growth has benefited players in many ways. Sites competing for player dollars are offering better sign up and deposit bonuses, more games, and better promotions than they had in the past. Also online bingo offers incredible jackpots in comparison to its land based counterpart. All in all, online bingo offers more value for your betting dollar. Here are some suggestions for those new to online bingo.
Play for free first. Online bingo allows you to try before you buy. This is especially important for new players. Sites that have a play for free option allows you to try the various games and will aid you in finding a site you’re comfortable with. Is the site easy to use? What is their privacy policy? Does their software work well on your PC? By playing for free you can find the answers to these and other questions.
What are the jackpots? There are really some amazing games with huge jackpots out there. Most land based bingo halls cannot afford the jackpots that online bingo is capable of providing. It is much cheaper to operate a website than it is to maintain a brick and mortar bingo hall with all the expenses that go with it. Jackpots of $20,000 or more are not uncommon. Do your homework, visit several sites and you are sure to find one with large jackpots and good promotional games.
Check out the chat room. The internet is worldwide and this means that you will be playing with players from around the world. Chat rooms are a great way to make new friends and socialize. Land based bingo halls only offer the chance to interact with other players from a limited geographical area but the internet covers the whole world. Best of all some sites offer special chat room games that often have fantastic prizes such as a cruise, or dream vacation.
Everyone has a chance to win at online bingo. Every game has a winner unlike land based bingo halls. You have the same chance as any of the other players since bingo is essentially a pure game of chance and the odds are always the same.
Check out the sign up, deposit, and re deposit bonuses. For example BingoHouse.com offers a 250% sign up bonus and a 300% re deposit bonus which is exceptionally generous by industry standards. Sites are begging you to play with their money. Take it! The average deposit bonus is 100%. Be sure to read the terms and conditions as some offers can be deceptive.
Most online bingo sites are very user friendly. The online bingo industry is one of the few online industries to realize that not all of us are tech savvy. After all a site that is not easy to use will lose money and players will go elsewhere. Just do your homework, use common sense and soon you too can be shouting BINGO!
Bonuses at BingoHouse
www.BingoHouse.com has several promotional and bonus programs that are among the most generous in the world of online bingo. New players automatically receive a credit for $30 just for playing. BingoHouse also offers a 250% sign up bonus which more than doubles the amount of the initial deposit.
BingoHouse has a very generous “Bonus Bucks” program and players can accumulate these in many ways. Bonus bucks are earned when a player opens a new account and makes a deposit, referring friends to BingoHouse, playing special chat room games, or winning one of many contests.
BingoHouse recently introduced a unique“Speedy Bucks” program. Players earn Speedy Bucks when depositing to their game accounts during special promotional periods. Speedy bucks must be used before the Top of the Evening game to purchase cards. Each time a player uses Speedy Bucks to purchase cards a percentage goes towards the Top of the Evening game jackpot. All unused Speedy Bucks are automatically pooled to make the jackpot in the Top of the Evening game larger than usual. Since Speedy Bucks are automatically gone at midnight players are encouraged to buy as many cards as possible.
BingoHouse has monthly, holiday, and seasonal promotions. These are always clearly listed and may be accessed through the promotions tab on the home page. One of the more popular promotions on BingoHouse is the Jeeve’s Jackpot where players can win up to $10,000. Promotional games change monthly with jackpots ranging from $1,000 to $, 10,000. Promotional game prizes range from plasma televisions to all expense paid cruises.
BingoHouse easily has some of the best online bingo promotions available to players. BingoHouse has been an established leader in the online bingo industry and has an impeccable reputation. Transactions are secure, the site is user friendly, and is one of the best entertainment values on the internet.
State of the Union Bingo
The game of bingo can be adapted for almost any purpose. Bingo is used in education to teach such basic skills as math, English, and foreign languages to name just a few. Music educators have found bingo to be a very effective tool to teach young children basic symbols and notes. There have been many strange variations such as ‘Bob Dylan’ bingo, Buzz word (or bullshit) bingo, and there is even a bingo game that was loaded on a spacecraft. Bingo has also been used for decades as a fundraising to State of the Union bingo. There are a few variations of this game based on political perspective and point of view. The game uses the traditional bingo card grid but substitutes political buzzwords for numbers. One version offered by the Philadelphia based National Constitution Center is designed to teach students about the annual State of the Union address and its meaning. As part of their homework assignment students are given a bingo card with such words and phrases as, bi partisan, Iraq, Oil, earmarks, climate change, and other current topics that are likely to be mentioned during the address. When any of these are mentioned the student marks the card until bingo is reached. This version of the game is politically neutral and is designed to instill an interest in the workings of government.
The Democratic Party offers another version which is surprisingly neutral. The cards contain words and phrases such as, democracy, safe haven, troops, threat, fear, and so on. The chips used in this version have a very unflattering image of President Bush. One website offers a version of state of the union bingo with over 100 card variations. This link will show an example of the cards used, http://www.ableplus.com/buzzwords/Bush_Bingo_Card_1.Html.
Many Americans are woefully ignorant about their government, its branches, and how it works. Many readers will remember when Jay Leno would go out in the street and ask average Americans very simple questions about their government. One show featured a section where Mr. Leno asked what the three branches of government are. Almost 3 out of 5 could not answer the question correctly. These are things that are supposedly taught in elementary school.
The State of the Union address is an important annual event. It is essentially a report from the executive branch on the nation’s performance for the previous year. With so many American citizens apathetic about the workings of their own government we should applaud any attempt to educate our young people about government and engage them in the political process.
Bingo Lingo, Etiquette For Clueless Online Bingo Players
What do “DIY,” “CMIIW” and “EAK” mean? Well to an online bingo player it’s obvious that they mean “Do It Yourself,” “Correct Me If I’m Wrong” and “Eating At Keyboard.” Online bingo has been stirring up the nation with its addictive games and special promotions, now feel free to meet some new people with your very own chat component and a special language to go with it.
First it was AOL instant messenger who coined the infamous chat language for all who used the program using acronyms like “LOL” and “BRB,” meaning “Laugh Out Loud” and “Be Right Back.” Bingo has taken this acronym language to the next level with the help if its’ players clever terms put into three to five letter acronyms.
With every chat-based game or chat program there is of course a specific chat etiquette one must follow to meet a new friend or two. The game of bingo is no different, and even has its own list of bingo etiquette terms and conditions. According to Play Internet Bingo, some obvious etiquette to follow would be not using offensive words and treating everyone in the bingo chat room with respect. Kindergarten etiquette anyone? Surprisingly, many people still can’t follow that rule. There are other terms that players may not know of such as not impersonating other players in the bingo chat and welcoming the “newbies” or new players into the chat when prompted. All etiquette descriptions promote the making of new friends in online bingo chat rooms.
There are many different ways to say things in bingo language. If you’re leaving for a minute or two one could say the usual “BRB” for “Be Right Back” or the new online bingo acronym “AFK” or “Away From Keyboard.” Saying “hello” and “goodbye” are different as well. For “hello” use “GD” or “Good Day.” “See you later” can be put using “TTFN,” meaning “Ta Ta For Now.” One might say the beauty of this online bingo chat language is the simplicity and a lazy person’s ease at making conversation.
Using bingo chat language is a quick way to say things without typing them out. But proceed with caution, putting a letter or two in the wrong spot could make your online bingo buddy say “GR,” or “Good Riddance” with a click of the mouse.
One would think that bingo has been around forever, but in fact, it was only introduced to the United States in 1929. At the time, the game of bingo was known as “beano,” because players marked their cards with beans.
The game of bingo was first played at a county fair in Jacksonville, Georgia. It was a struggling traveling toy salesman from New York named Edwin Lowe who made the game famous. Lowe was early for a sales appointment in December, 1929, and decided to stop in on the county fair. It was late at night and only one tent remained open at the fair. That tent was the “beano” tent.
The pitchman in the crowded tent pulled small wooden disks from an old cigar box and then called the number out loud to those seated around him in a horseshoe fashion. The players eagerly checked their cards and placed a bean on the appropriate numbers. This sequence continued until one of the players completed a horizontal, vertical, or diagonal line on the card with beans. When a player shouted “Beano,” the card was checked and the winner received a kewpie doll.
“The pitchman wanted to close up, but every time he said, ‘This is the last game,’ nobody moved. When he finally closed at 3 AM, he had to chase them out,” said Lowe. “I couldn’t get a seat (to play). But while I was waiting around, I noticed that the players were practically addicted to the game.”
Based on the excitement shown by players at the fair, Lowe knew that there was something special to this new numbers game. Being in the toy business, he also realized that Americans wanted something to entertain them—an inexpensive activity to be played during the Depression era.
Lowe began hosting weekly games at his apartment in New York City. He designed the first game using dried beans, cardboard, and a rubber number stamp. He invited friends over to the play the game and saw the same excitement that he experienced in the south. During one game at his apartment, one woman excitedly got tongue-tied when she won and instead of shouting “beano,” she shouted “bingo!”
“All I could think of was that I was going to come out with this game and it was going to be called Bingo,” said Lowe. The initial Bingo game retailed for $1.00 and had twelve different cards in it. There also was a larger edition of the game that sold for $2.00 that had 24 cards in it.
Unfortunately for Lowe, he was not able to trademark the name Bingo since it was already determined to be in the public domain. Hence, he immediately had a swarm of competitors.
Soon after, a Catholic priest in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania saw the opportunity to use bingo as a fundraising tool for his church. At the time, churches were struggling for donations as the economy was at an all-time low. The priest bought several of the $2.00 versions of the game, but with the large crowds playing in the church, he found that there were several winners per game that had to share the winnings. The priest approached Lowe about the possibility of offering more numerical combinations for the cards.
Lowe, together with Carl Leffler, a mathematician from Columbia University, worked to expand the new game of bingo. Leffler helped increase the number of cards available to players by creating more bingo card number combinations. By 1930, there were over 6000 different bingo card combinations and the game was beginning to catch on in a big way.
By 1934, over 10,000 locations in the United States were sponsoring weekly bingo games. Lowe’s once struggling company had over 1000 employees. His company was said to be using more newsprint than the New York Times!
Bingo has become an American staple, just like baseball and apple pie. And, it’s all thanks to a once struggling toy salesman from New York who, by chance, walked in on a beano game in Georgia.
Funding Options for US Online Bingo Players
Since the passage of the unpopular Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 (UIGEA) many US online bingo players have been confused as to the legality of online bingo and the funding methods left available to them.
Several of the major players in this business such as Neteller have been prosecuted for activities that are perfectly legal in their own countries resulting in heavy fines and settlements with the US government. To avoid similar prosecutions several companies have swiftly pulled out of the US market suffering substantial monetary losses.
These companies include, Neteller, Citadel, My Citadel, InstaDebit, FirePay, Central Coin, and Pre Paid ATM.
Already several startup payment processors have started to appear but they lack the longevity and credibility of the older established firms. Put quite simply these new companies do not have a history to substantiate their claims of services provided. One of the unintended consequences of UIGEA is the appearance of payment processors who may or may not be honest and above board.
We have done some research and found several reliable payment processors that are still available to US online bingo players.
Of course one of the simplest methods to fund deposits and withdrawals from online bingo sites is an offshore bank account. This is not a popular method due to the amount of paperwork involved and balance requirements. What follows is a list of companies that still have the courage to serve US players.
Click2Pay- If you already have an account the will process your deposits and withdrawals but they are not accepting new accounts from the US. http://www.click2pay.com/
ePassporte-They are accepting US players and accounts can be funded with, a valid bank account, credit or debit cards. https://www.epassporte.com/
eWalletExpress- They are accepting US players. Accounts may be funded by, basic checking, Xpressfunds, 900pay, bank wire and money order. https://www.ewalletxpress.com/navaho/app
900pay-Currently accepting US players this service is one of the more unusual funding methods. This service allows deposits to online bingo sites and the transaction appears on the client’s phone bill. Just click the link and follow the instructions. http://www.ecashdirect.net/ecash/900pay.html
UseMyBank-This unique service allows players to use their banks existing online bill payment service. All that is needed is a valid e mail address and telephone number. http://www.usemybank.com/
Immediate Deposit-This service allows the player to use their Visa or Master Card to purchase a calling card which can then be used for casino credits. This method is good for deposits only. Another method must be used for withdrawals. https://secured.immediatedeposit.com/Prod/Faq.jsp?ID=1
Western Union-One of the oldest methods. There is some confusion with the status of gambling transactions. Check for current information. http://www.westernunion.com/index_consumer.asp?country=US
MyWebATM-This is a brand new company providing funding for online bingo and accounts are accessible at most ATM’s. Since this is a new service many bingo sites and casinos do not offer this funding option yet. http://www.mywebatmcard.com/
Wire Transfer-One of the oldest and least known deposit methods. The only drawback is the length of time it takes, typically 2 to 5 days.
Add-Funds-A new service that allows US players to fund their online bingo accounts with their credit cards. It is essentially another service where clients buy phone time to be exchanged for credits at the site they choose to play at. http://www.add-funds.com/
FedEX-Players may fund accounts via FedEX. This involves sending cashiers checks or bank drafts to the site operators.
PIN Debit- This new service allows players to link their PIN Debit to their personal bank accounts both checking and savings. Winnings can be transferred to bank accounts using this service. www.PINDebit.com
Some of the companies providing these services are new and their reliability has not been established. Players need to do careful research when looking for an account funding solution.
Unfortunately US players are finding it increasingly hard to fund accounts directly using their credit cards. Most CC companies and banks have a code that denotes a gambling transaction and given the current atmosphere in the US that transaction is likely to be declined leaving the player in limbo. For the time being third party services seem to be the best solution. Keep right on playing and good luck!
Bingo for Curious Kids
Just the other day while searching for bingo related topics to write about I happened upon a site that is so unique that I had to tell all those inveterate bingo players about it. www.uncommoncourtesy.com is a site selling bingo games geared to a wide variety of purposes. The site proudly boasts 200 different kinds of bingo games all with different themes.
I honestly thought I had read and written about all the different variations on the traditional bingo game until I happened upon this site. It is well known that bingo is used for educational purposes in Europe (especially Germany) but the volume of different themed bingo games offered by uncommoncourtesy.com is staggering.
In the past I have written about some of the stranger forms of bingo such as Bob Dylan bingo, Buzzword (or bullshit) bingo, and bingo in space, to name a few. It would appear that the game of bingo can, and has been, adapted for just about any purpose. Some of the more obvious variations are seasonal and holiday based themes.
One intriguing group of bingo games deal with themes related to teaching diversity. Some of the games that fall in this category are, Black History Bingo, Hispanic Heritage Bingo, American Women Success Stories Bingo, and Diversity Moments Bingo. The stated purpose behind these games as stated on the site is “Promote the idea that learning more about and respecting the differences in others are the cornerstones for acceptance and tolerance.” A worthy goal indeed!
Other games offered have religious themes from teaching the Bible to games to teach Catholic education. There are games to teach both the old and new Testaments, Bible verses and Books, and there is “L’ Chaim Bingo” to teach the tenets of Judaism.
There are Math Bingo, Accounting Bingo, Money (coin counting) Bingo and others to teach basic life skills to the young. The science and nature games could easily put any child ahead of their class in these subjects. There are games to teach just about any basic life skill. I never that bingo could be adapted to teach so many subjects until I looked at this website. All the games are well designed with great graphics and a thorough explanation of each game.
Not only do these games make learning fun but they can also instill a lifelong love of bingo. Most importantly they make learning fun which translates into higher grades and more proficiency in the subjects covered by these fantastic games. Online Bingo players with children would be well advised to check out the wide selection of fun and educational bingo games.
