Cheeky Bingo Review

Cheeky Bingo Review

Posted on September 6, 2024 by in Gambling
Cheeky Bingo Review

Cheeky Bingo was once a cornerstone of the UK online bingo scene, captivating players with its playful branding, diverse game selection, and pioneering free bingo games that offered real cash prizes. Launched in 2009, it quickly became a go-to destination for bingo enthusiasts, blending a vibrant community with exciting promotions. However, on November 29, 2023, Cheeky Bingo closed its virtual doors, marking the end of an era. This comprehensive review explores what made Cheeky Bingo special, delving into its history, games, bonuses, and user experience, while addressing its closure and suggesting alternatives for players seeking similar thrills.

History of Cheeky Bingo

Cheeky Bingo debuted in 2009 under the Cashcade Group, a company known for innovative bingo platforms. Its launch was a game-changer, as it was among the first to offer free bingo with real cash prizes, attracting a surge of players. In 2013, a high-profile advertising campaign, including humorous TV ads, boosted its popularity, cementing its status as one of the UK’s top bingo sites. Over the years, ownership shifted to GVC (now Entain), which also manages brands like Foxy Bingo and Gala Bingo. A significant rebrand in November 2021 modernized the site, replacing its cartoon mascot with a pop-art-inspired design and adopting a more mature tone to align with safer gambling guidelines. Despite these efforts, Cheeky Bingo struggled to maintain its edge amid regulatory changes and Entain’s focus on other brands, leading to its closure in 2023.

Games and Features

Cheeky Bingo offered a rich gaming portfolio that catered to both bingo purists and casino game fans. Below is a detailed look at its offerings:

Bingo Games

The site featured 15 bingo rooms, hosting a variety of game types:

  • 90-Ball Bingo: A UK favorite, offering three chances to win per game (one line, two lines, full house).
  • 75-Ball Bingo: Popular for its pattern-based wins, adding variety to gameplay.
  • 80-Ball Bingo: A less common variant, blending speed and strategy.
  • 30-Ball Bingo: Fast-paced, ideal for quick games, often found in the “Flirty 30” room.

Unique rooms like “Cheeky Exclusive” and “Friends Bingo” (inspired by the TV show) added flair. Many rooms featured progressive jackpots funded by ticket sales, with prizes ranging from modest sums to substantial wins. The standout feature was Cheeky Bingo’s free bingo games, which ran daily and offered real cash prizes, a rarity that drew budget-conscious players.

Slot Games

Beyond bingo, Cheeky Bingo boasted over 500 slot games, powered by top providers like NetEnt, Microgaming, and Red Tiger Gaming. Popular titles included:

  • Fluffy Favourites: A whimsical slot with colorful animal themes and bonus rounds.
  • Starburst: Known for its vibrant graphics and frequent payouts.
  • Rainbow Riches: A fan-favorite with Irish folklore themes and multiple bonus features.

These slots offered diverse themes, from classic fruit machines to modern video slots with progressive jackpots, ensuring broad appeal.

Slingo and Casino Games

Cheeky Bingo embraced Slingo, a hybrid of slots and bingo, with titles like Slingo Deal or No Deal and Slingo Fluffy Favourites. The site also featured table games such as Buster Blackjack and European Roulette, alongside live casino options like Lightning Roulette from Evolution Gaming. This variety made Cheeky Bingo a one-stop shop for online gaming.

Unique Features

The free bingo rooms, offering £60,000 in monthly jackpots, were a hallmark of Cheeky Bingo’s appeal. Players could also enjoy pre-buy tickets for major games and participate in chat room quizzes hosted by lively moderators, fostering a strong community vibe.

Bonuses and Promotions

Cheeky Bingo was renowned for its generous bonuses, designed to attract and retain players. Key promotions included:

Welcome Bonus

New players could claim a £40 bingo bonus by depositing and wagering £10, effectively quadrupling their initial funds. This bonus had a 4x wagering requirement and a 14-day expiry, which was competitive but slightly higher than some rivals. The offer was exclusive to UK players and required activation within seven days of registration.

Ongoing Promotions

  • Pre-Buy Games: Daily games at 9 PM offered prizes between £250 and £2,000.
  • Free Bingo: The “Cheeky Freebies” room provided regular free games with cash prizes.
  • Cheeky Points: Players earned points by purchasing bingo cards, winning chat games, or referring friends. These could be redeemed for free cards in 1p to 10p rooms or used in weekly draws for a share of 500,000 points.

Loyalty Scheme

The “Cheeky Rewards” program rewarded regular play with points and exclusive promotions, such as “Would You Rather?” events. While not as robust as some competitors, it added value for loyal players.

User Experience

Cheeky Bingo’s platform was designed for ease of use and accessibility, appealing to both new and seasoned players.

Website Design

The site featured a bright, playful aesthetic with a yellow and purple color scheme, later softened with pastel tones in the 2021 rebrand. Navigation was intuitive, with clear tabs for bingo, slots, and promotions. However, some users reported issues with pop-ups and Flash requirements, which could disrupt the experience on certain browsers.

Mobile Compatibility

Cheeky Bingo offered a dedicated iOS app and a mobile-optimized website compatible with Safari, Chrome, and Firefox. Android users relied on the mobile site, as no Google Play app was available. The mobile experience mirrored the desktop version, allowing players to access games, promotions, and banking on the go.

Customer Support

Support was available 24/7 via:

  • Email: info@support.cheekybingo.com
  • Phone: 0800 279 4568 (toll-free)
  • Live Chat: Accessible after navigating the FAQ section

The FAQ covered payments, bonuses, and responsible gambling, but some players found the process to reach live support cumbersome. Chat hosts in bingo rooms were praised for their friendliness and quick rewards.

Payment Methods

Cheeky Bingo supported a wide range of payment options, ensuring flexibility for players. Below is a summary:

Payment Method Deposit Time Withdrawal Time Minimum Deposit
Visa/Mastercard Instant 2-6 days £5
PayPal Instant Instant £5
Skrill Instant Instant £5
Neteller Instant Instant £5
Paysafecard Instant N/A £5
Bank Transfer Instant 2-6 days £5

Withdrawals required a two-day review period, with e-wallets offering faster payouts than cards or bank transfers. Players could set deposit limits to promote responsible gambling, and the site’s banking system was praised for reliability.

Security and Licensing

Cheeky Bingo operated under a UK Gambling Commission license (Account Number: 39175), ensuring legal and safe operations in the UK. It was also regulated by the Government of Gibraltar for international players. Games were audited by ECOGRA, an independent lab, guaranteeing fair play and unbiased results. The site promoted responsible gambling through tools like deposit limits, gaming time restrictions, and links to GamCare, reinforcing its commitment to player safety.

User Reviews and Feedback

Player feedback on Cheeky Bingo was mixed, reflecting its strengths and shortcomings. On Trustpilot, the site scored 1.4/5 based on 112 reviews, indicating significant dissatisfaction in its later years. Positive reviews, mostly from 2014-2015, praised:

  • Generous bonuses and free games.
  • Friendly chat hosts and community atmosphere.
  • Reliable withdrawals, with some players reporting £250 payouts without issues.

However, recent reviews highlighted issues:

  • High wagering requirements, making bonuses hard to cash out.
  • Verification delays, with some players asked for excessive documentation, raising scam concerns.
  • Poor customer support responsiveness, particularly in resolving withdrawal disputes.

These complaints likely contributed to the site’s declining reputation before its closure.

Closure of Cheeky Bingo

Cheeky Bingo officially closed on November 29, 2023, as announced on Loquax Bingo. The closure was attributed to:

  • UKGC Regulations: Stricter rules increased operational costs and complexity.
  • Entain’s Strategy: The parent company shifted focus to flagship brands like Foxy Bingo and Gala Bingo, reducing promotion for Cheeky Bingo.
  • Platform Transition: Moving from Dragonfish to Entain’s platform diminished Cheeky’s unique identity.

Players with Foxy Bingo accounts had their Cheeky Bingo balances transferred automatically. Those without needed to sign up at Foxy Bingo to access funds. Self-excluded players were not transferred, and withdrawals were available for three months post-closure. The lack of prior announcement frustrated some players, highlighting Entain’s focus on other brands.

Alternatives to Cheeky Bingo

With Cheeky Bingo closed, players can explore these Entain-operated sister sites for similar experiences:

Foxy Bingo

  • Overview: A leading UK bingo site with a strong community and diverse games.
  • Games: Offers 90-ball, 75-ball, and themed bingo like Friends Bingo, plus slots like Starburst.
  • Bonus: Spend £10 to get a £40 bonus + 40 free spins (Foxy Bingo).
  • Why Choose: High player liquidity and frequent promotions mirror Cheeky Bingo’s appeal.

Gala Bingo

  • Overview: Known for its extensive bingo rooms and robust slot selection.
  • Games: Includes Deal or No Deal Bingo and slots like Rainbow Riches.
  • Bonus: Deposit £10 for £30 bingo bonus + 100 free spins (Gala Bingo).
  • Why Choose: Large jackpots and a polished mobile app suit Cheeky Bingo fans.

Other Options

  • Bingostars: Offers 50 free bingo tickets + 20 free spins with a £10 deposit, with no wagering requirements.
  • Lucky Pants Bingo: Features a vibrant community and chat games, similar to Cheeky Bingo’s social aspect (Lucky Pants Bingo).

Players should verify the legitimacy of any site claiming to be a relaunched Cheeky Bingo, as sources like cheeky-bingo.co.uk lack credible backing and may not be trustworthy.

Conclusion

Cheeky Bingo was a trailblazer in the UK online bingo industry, leaving a legacy of innovation with its free bingo games and vibrant community. Its diverse game library, generous bonuses, and user-friendly platform made it a beloved choice for over a decade. However, regulatory pressures and strategic shifts by Entain led to its closure in November 2023. While its absence is felt, players can find similar excitement at sister sites like Foxy Bingo and Gala Bingo, which carry forward the spirit of Cheeky Bingo. This review serves as a tribute to a site that brought joy to thousands, reminding us of the ever-evolving nature of online gaming.

 

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