FAQs
Whatever your question, whether it's about banking, chat, your account or anything else, you should find the answers below. If you can't find what you're looking for, please contact us and we'll do what we can to help.
Getting Started
- I want to play now - where do I start?
First of all, you need to fill out our simple registration form to open your account. You can then fund your account using credit and debit cards or any of the suggested alternatives. Once that's done, pick a room and dive in!
- How do I download games?
You don't - tou can play directly online with no need to download a thing. All you need is the latest Macromedia Flash Plug-in, which only takes a minute to install using a 56K modem - and you only need to do it once.
- What are Bingo Bonuses (BBz)?
These are simply extra credits that we give away all the time just for the fun of it! You can win them in Chat Games or any number of ways. For instance, you can currently earn BBz by simply opening a new account and making a first deposit. They also increase your odds of winning.
- How do I get BBz?
The bonuses may be given in various forms such as the registration bonus, weekly and monthly promotions, chat games and more.
- What are the rules regarding Bingo Bonus money?
There are a few things all players should note about BBz:
- Bingo Bonus money cannot be withdrawn.
- Players who wish to withdraw of all or part of their cash balance will forfeit all BBz money. This rule does not apply to the withdrawal of Progressive Jackpot winnings; it is limited to a single withdrawal and does not restrict the withdrawal of legitimate winnings.
- BBz money can only be used to buy tickets once all money in the Cash Account has been exhausted.
- Players can win Cash with BBz.
- BBz contribute to the total jackpot per game and tickets bought using BBz can win the total jackpot just like any other game.
- Winnings derived from any complimentary, promotional bonus money or Free Tickets are not eligible for withdrawal.
- Only depositing Players that have no active duplicate accounts are eligible to win weekly promotions.
- Can I transfer my cash or BBz to another player?
No - this is not possible.
- What is a Casino Bonus?
In addition to your Bingo Bonus Account you have a Casino Bonus Account, which is used to play casino games. When playing, you will be using your Cash Balance and Casino Bonus Balance together - this is your Total Balance and is shown as 'Real Credits' in the bottom left of the game you are playing. You can see an itemised breakdown of your Total Balance by viewing your Balance summary in the Banking menu. Other rules regarding the Casino Balance are:
- You can use your Total Balance to play all of the casino games.
- The Casino Bonus Account has play-through (wagering) requirements.
- As you play and meet the play-through requirements, the bonus is released to your Cash Account in 10 casino credit increments.
- Any bonus credited to your Casino Bonus Account is subject to play-through fifty times.
- How does ‘play-through’ work?
It may be easier to explain this using the following example:
- If you have a Cash Balance of £100 and a Casino Bonus Balance of £20, your Total Balance will be £120.
- The play-through requirement for the £20 bonus will be 20x50=£1000. The Bonus is released in increments of 10 so, for every £300 wagered, £10 will be released from the Casino Bonus Account and added to the Cash Account until the entire bonus balance has been played through.
- When you visit the Bank menu to withdraw, your Cash and Casino Bonus balances will be clearly shown so you can keep track of how much more you need to play-through to release any remaining bonus balance.
- Your withdrawal limit is your Cash Balance.
- What is the difference between the Bingo Bonus and Casino Bonus balances?
BBz money can only be used to play Bingo and Casino Bonus Money to play Casino games. You cannot withdraw either.
Playing Games
- What is 90 Ball Bingo and how do I play it?
To join 90 Ball Bingo , you need to buy tickets to play against other people who have bought tickets for the same game. A portion of the money from the sale of tickets contributes to the jackpot amount so, the more tickets sold, the bigger the jackpot.
Each 90 Ball ticket is made up of 3 rows and 9 columns. In each row there are 5 random numbers between 1 and 90 (15 numbers in total). A set of 6 tickets is called a strip and in every strip, every possible number from 1 to 90 features once.
When the 90 Ball begins, numbers between 1 and 90 are called at random and players mark them off on their tickets. A prize is won by completing either one or two lines before any other player and the jackpot is won by marking off all 15 numbers before any other player.
- What are ‘PJP’ Bingo games?
Each room has progressive jackpot (PJP) along with the regular games. A slice of the money paid for every ticket purchased in the room is added to the pot; the more tickets are sold, the higher the progressive jackpot total. In order to win the pot, players must win within a specified number of calls, displayed in brackets next to the PJP total, for example: £2386.71(43).
The total starts at £500 (or 50% of the winning amount, whichever is higher) in the Friendship, Sunshine and Speed rooms, and £5000 (or 50% of the winning amount, whichever is higher) in the Harmony room. The number of calls starts at 38 in all rooms except the Harmony room, which starts at 36.
If the pot is not won, the total keeps growing and the specified number of calls increases by 1 every 4 days (with the exception of the Harmony Room where the number remains at 36).
- How do I buy Bingo tickets?
Tickets can be bought from either the main interface or the 'Advanced Buy' menu at the top of the interface, which provides the following options:
- Buy Games: Buy tickets in advance.
- Purchase History: View a history of what you you've played and see what you've won
- Accounts Summary: View a history of your BBz credits
- Can I buy tickets in advance?
You may buy tickets up to 24 hours in advance, using the 'Advanced Buy' option.
- How many tickets can I buy?
The maximum number of tickets varies and players can buy between 1 and the maximum. The more tickets you buy the higher your chances of winning. There are only 6 tickets visible at a time on your screen but you can scroll across to view the rest. The software automatically keeps track of all your tickets, informing you of any wins. Your best ticket is always indicated on screen.
- How much do tickets cost?
Depending on the type of game and the time of day, prices can vary from 1p to 50p.
- Can I keep the same tickets for the next game?
No - this is not possible because new and unique tickets are generated each time to ensure that everyone has a fair chance of winning.
- How do I keep track of all my tickets?
All of your tickets are displayed in the window with your best tickets shown prominently on screen.
- How do I call "BINGO"?
Don't worry; the game will automatically call it for you when it detects a winning pattern.
- How long does a game last?
90 Ball Bingo can last up to 6 minutes and are played 10 times per hour. The average normally lasts between 2 and 4 minutes.
- What happens if my connection is lost?
Should you experience a loss of connection through Internet problems or for another reason, you can still go back into DottyBingo.com and pick up where you left off. If it has not yet started, you will still see the same tickets available for purchase. If it is in progress and you have not purchased tickets for it, the game will play out. If you are disconnected while a game is in progress, you will be able to view the results of the after its completion.
- How many people will I be playing with?
You can check under 'Current Game' on the main interface to see how many players are in the room with you.
- Where can I chat?
Open any game and simply type a message into the chat window to join the fun! You can make new friends from around the world or keep in touch with old friends from around the corner. And our Chat Hosts are standing by to help you out whenever you need them.
- Can I join a game in progress?
Yes - you can, providing no more than 10 balls have been called..
- If I join a game in progress do I have less of a chance of winning?
When you join your tickets are automatically daubed with all the numbers that have been called thus far. So, the odds of winning are not diminished if you enter a game that has already started.
- How long can I play before I am disconnected?
That depends on your Internet connection. You can stay in for as long as you like but you will be automatically logged out of the room if you remain inactive for 1 hour. And remember, you don't even have to be at your computer if you bought tickets in advance.
- When I log in, can I remain anonymous?
Your Chat Name is the only identification that the other players will see. Dotty Bingo encourages players to be creative in choosing a unique Chat Name. But be aware that a Chat Name can only be selected once - it is not possible to change your Chat Name after you have registered it.
- I forgot my Password and/or Chat Name - how do I find out what it is?
When logging in, click on the 'forgotten password' link, provide us with a few details and your password will automatically be sent to the email address you provided when you registered.
- Are there any age restrictions?
Players must be at least 18 years old to be eligible to play.
- What happens if I win but I'm not credited with the points?
If this happens, please email support@dottybingo.com with the following information: your Chat Name, Date of Win, Time of Win, and the Game ID number. We'll get back to you as soon as possible to resolve the problem.
- Why do games sometimes have the same winners?
We have no control over who wins or how many times they win. Just like in real life, luck often runs in streaks. And who knows? Next time it may be your turn!
- What is Autodaub?
We know how much you guys love to chat, that's why we designed our games to run in 'Autodaub' mode. This means that you never need to mark off the numbers that have been called and you will never miss a "Bingo" again!
- Can I buy tickets in advance, even if I will be offline when the game is played?
Yes - Using the 'Advanced Buy' option, you can schedule in advance, even if you can't be online at that time. This is particularly great for those that you don't want to miss!
Chat & Promo Games
- Are there a minimum number of players needed to play chat games?
At least two players are needed to play Chat Games - it wouldn't be much fun otherwise!
- Do I have to buy a minimum number of tickets to qualify for chat bonuses?
To be eligible to play you must buy at least 4 tickets per game and only depositing players without duplicate accounts are entitled to play. Without this rule, a player would be able to sign up and earn BBz without buying a single ticket. They could then use the BBz to buy tickets and potentially win jackpots. Chat Bonuses are a reward for loyal customers who have deposited their own money.
- How much are bonuses?
Bonus values vary. Chat games, such as Trivia, could be worth 1 BBz each, while some promotion games are worth up to 5 BBz .
- How long does it take for BBz to be credited to my account?
Daily promo games are credited immediately after a win. Chat game bonuses are credited at the end of each Chat Host's 4-hour shift. So, the longest you should ever have to wait for your BBz is 4 hours.
- Where can I see my account history?
If you click on 'Advanced Buy' then select 'Purchase History', you can see your complete ticket buying (and winning) history. Under 'Account History' you will see all the BBz that have been credited to your account. Plus, you may request a transaction report from us by emailing support@dottybingo.com.
Winnings & Payments
- How do I make a deposit?
As a Dotty member you can access the Banking menu by clicking on the Banking button to open the Cashier window. Choose 'Deposit' from the main menu and you will be offered several options for depositing money into your account. Pick the one that you prefer and follow the instructions. All cash deposits are 100% secure and encrypted by a P128-bit SSL (Secure Socket Layer) Digital Encryption.
- What are the minimum amounts I can deposit and/or withdraw?
The minimum amount you can deposit is £10; there is no maximum deposit amount. The minimum withdrawal is £20. Note: Bingo Bonus Money (BBz) may not be withdrawn.
- When will the funds show in my account?
In most cases, funds will appear in your account within 5 to 10 minutes. If it takes longer than 30 minutes, please email us at support@dottybingo.com, typing 'DEPOSIT' in the subject line. Tell us your name, account details, time zone, the time you made the deposit and the amount. We will aim to reply within 24 hours.
- Why do my deposits keep getting rejected?
If you encounter problems when trying to make a deposit via Visa, Maestro or Mastercard, please contact our support team who will be happy to assist you. Alternatively, please try one of these other deposit options:
- Is it safe to use a credit card online?
Your security and peace of mind is of the utmost importance to us. To ensure that no one gains access to your financial or personal details, passwords will be requested before any transaction and our P128-bit SSL (Secure Socket Layer) Digital Encryption ensures that everything is secure. In addition, we use state-of-the-art firewall technology to protect your credit card information.
- How will my withdrawal be paid to me?
If possible, your withdrawals will be paid into the same account via the same deposit option you originally used. Thereafter, you will be paid via your preferred method of payment, which you are prompted to select when making a withdrawal.
- Can I make a withdrawal without making a deposit?
No - this is not possible.
- How long before I receive my withdrawal?
This will vary depending on the withdrawal option selected. For example: cheques sent via regular mail may take up to 21 days whereas cheques delivered by international courier will take 3-6 business days and refunds to NETeller accounts are immediate.
- Will my withdrawal be refunded back to my credit/debit card?
Providing Visa Original Credit Transfer Programme (OCT) qualifying criteria are met, and you have made a previous Visa deposit, your withdrawal will be refunded to the card details on record. Otherwise, withdrawals will be sent by cheque.
- Can I reverse a withdrawal?
You can reverse a withdrawal (or portion thereof) within 48 hours of your original withdrawal request. Simply select the 'Reverse Withdrawal' option in the Banking menu. Note: your withdrawal will only be sent to our processing department once the 'reverse withdrawal' period has elapsed.
- Are my winnings taxable?
dotty bingo is under no obligation to report winnings to any authority. It is your sole responsibility to abide by any federal, state, local or foreign tax laws that may apply to your receipt of prize money.
- How are the prizes calculated?
The cash prize is calculated as a percentage of the total pound value of the tickets sold for the current game. All other prizes, such as the Progressive Jackpot, are calculated as a percentage of the total pound value of total ticket sales.
- Is there always a winner?
Yes - every there is always has a winner.
- What happens if there is more than one winner?
In the event of more than one player having a winning ticket, the pool will be shared equally among all the lucky winners. Note that only one ticket per player is accepted as the winning ticket.
- How do I get paid when I win?
Click on the 'Banking' button and select the 'Withdrawal' option. A form will allow you to specify the amount and payment method. You can expect a response from our accounts department within 24 hours.
- How much can I win?
Jackpots vary depending on the time of day and the type of game being played.
- How do I check my account balance?
Go to the Home page and log in. Your balance will be displayed at the top of this screen.
- I have a query about my account - what do I do?
Email our support staff and let them know your name, account details, time, time zone, and describe the problem in as much detail as you can. We will aim to resolve any problems within 24 hours.
Technical Questions
- I'm having technical trouble - who can I contact?
If you are having technical difficulties, please email us. The subject line should identify the nature of your issue. Describe your problem in as much detail as you can, the time it occurred, the game you were playing etc. Include a screenshot if possible. Remember to include your name, chat name and email address and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.
- How can I contact you?
Please do not hesitate to email support for any queries. Or talk to us directly through Live Help.
- What is Live Help?
Our wonderful team is always ready and willing to assist. Live Help gives you the ability to talk directly to one of our support staff without having to wait for a reply to an email.
- If my connection fails, do I lose my tickets?
Our software tracks every ticket purchased for. So, even if you're disconnected, your tickets will still be played and your winnings will still be credited to your account.
- What are the minimum computer requirements to play?
If your PC is less than 5 years old then you shouldn't experience any technical issues. You do, however, need Macromedia Flash Player and Internet Explorer 4.0 or above.
- How do I install Macromedia Flash Player?