You may have noticed when playing bingo that there are two main ways which you can play from your computer at many of the online bingo halls available.  The first is Macromedia Flash technology which allows you to play bingo online directly from your web browser and the other way is to download a programme to your computer which lets you play bingo online in a window of its own without the use of a web browser.  A lot of US online bingo halls will offer you both but if you do have to make a choice, which is better?  Well that depends on your internet connection, your computer and your circumstances.  We have highlighted some of the benefits of each giving you the option to decide which way is the best way for you to play online bingo.

Why play bingo online using Flash?

The advantage of flash technology is that you can play pretty much instantly, just register for an account and away you go.  There is a possibility that you will need to install the latest version of Flash to your computer before you can play bingo online but over 95% of computers sold these days come with it preinstalled.  If you haven’t got Flash don’t worry, as all of the US online bingo halls using Flash that we have reviewed have a link to a Flash download page so you won’t spend hours trying to find one.  Playing bingo online using Flash via your web browser also allows for much faster game play, this is because the games are hosted by the online bingo website’s server unlike downloadable games which have to interact with a remote server and vice versa.  If you use different computers then flash may be the way for you to play online bingo as you will have to download software for each different machine you use otherwise.

Why play online bingo using a download?

The main advantage to downloading online bingo software is the graphics.  Now don’t get me wrong, you get some lovely smooth, well animated online bingo halls that use Flash but the download software used by online bingo halls like Bingo Gala and Saturn Bingo is out of this world.  The graphics are stunning and the programme is much easier to use than a web browser because it’s purpose built for playing bingo online.
Another big plus to playing online bingo with downloadable software is that once installed it plays well with a slower internet connection unlike Flash where you can miss important events such as buy ins.

We have found that as far as actually playing online bingo games is concerned both Flash and download are suitable ways to play offering subtle differences and the differences can be seen like fine tuning or making minor adjustments to your online bingo experience.  Both Flash and download online bingo halls offer chat, side games and different online bingo rooms to play in so the little differences are really about personal preference.  So don’t delay, check out the US online bingo sites that we have featured and reviewed, and in minutes you can be playing online bingo the way YOU want to.