Playing bingo online is not a new phenomenon. In fact, it was bingo sites that were the quickest to adapt when the internet was created. So it has been around for quite some time. However, that doesn't mean that everybody knows how to play it or even how it all works.

Let me first assure you that if you want to play bingo online, it is very straightforward. Firstly decide where you would like to play. You have plenty of great online bingo sites to choose from.

You can opt for the likes of Mecca Bingo which is steeped in British culture, or Tombola Bingo which is one of the largest bingo sites in the UK. There are options with the various bookmakers who all have bingo sections on their sites. Or maybe you've seen an advert on tv for Sun Bingo or Jackpotjoy?.

Wherever you choose to play the process is pretty much the same.

Signing Up To play Bingo Online

When you decide where you would like to play you must first sign-up. This means filling in a form with your personal details such as name, address, phone number etc…

You will also be asked for an email address and a password so that you can log-in to your account to play.

You will also be asked for a ‘screen name'. This is the name that will appear when if you win a game or take part in the chat boxes. This does not have to be your name. You can pick anything.

Your Online Bingo Account

At this stage, most online bingo sites will send you a confirmation email. You will need to click on the link to validate your account. Once that is done you can add funds to your bingo account.

All bingo sites will accept debit cards and some will also accept Paypal transfers. Either way, you will need to add your card details to your account. Don't worry they are very safe.

You will also need to deposit funds into your bingo account. Bingo games take place in real time and you must use real money to buy the tickets.

Welcome Offers

Almost every single online bingo site will have a welcome offer for new customers. They vary depending on where you play but often they will provide a cash match on your first deposit. So check the offer as this is a very handy way of increasing funds in your bingo account at no added expense to yourself.

Just note that you cannot withdraw the welcome offer when it is applied to your account. You can only use it to play bingo.

Playing Bingo

Now you have your account, your screen name and money in your account, it's time to play bingo!

Depending on the bingo site and even the time of day, the prices of tickets vary. You can play for as little as 1p per ticket, up to around 50p. Visit the bingo lobby and look through the schedule to see if any games, in particular, take your fancy.

Every bingo site will be highlighting the next games that are about to start. Click on one of them. decide how many tickets you want to buy and confirm your purchase. That's it. You're in!

There will be an automated countdown clock to the next game. once the game starts, your tickets will be automatically daubbed for you as the numbers are called. As your tickets fill up they will appear in order of the least amount of numbers left to call.

You really don't have to do anything else. If you win, the game stops automatically and your name is highlighted on the screen as the winner. Any winnings you are lucky enough to bag will simply be added to your bingo account. Those you can definitely withdraw!

Playing Bingo With Friends

It is a frequently asked question because, after all, bingo is a social game. To play with friends you have to make sure you are all signed up to the same bingo site. Then you simply arrange a time that you all want to play and pick a game.

You will all be able to chat with each online via the chat facility at the side of the screen. It can only add to the fun of the game especially if one of you win! And you should also check out the promotions. Some sites often have leaderboard challenges for teams or groups of friends.