Tau Gaming, a prominent name in the bingo industry, has recently made headlines with its decision to shut down several of its bingo platforms. On 2nd August, three of its brands – Dinky, Tickety, and Pizazz Bingo – bid their final farewell. Players of these platforms are now being redirected to Bonnie Bingo, another brand under Tau Gaming. But the series of closures doesn’t end there. The company has further announced that by 5th September 2023, Cracker Bingo, Bounce Bingo, and Queen Bee Bingo will also be closing their virtual doors.
Cracker Bingo
Introduced to the market in November 2018, Cracker Bingo came with a festive theme, (hence its name), reminiscent of the holiday season. Even though Cracker Bingo was a part of the Dragonfish Real Money Network, it didn’t venture into exclusive content. Surprisingly, while some bingo portals gave it a favourable rating, player reviews were less than stellar.
Farewell to Queen Bee and Bounce Bingo
Tau Gaming boasts an impressive portfolio, with Queen Bee Bingo being a popular choice among players since it launched back in July 2017. This platform has captured the hearts of many, offering a delightful array of games and exciting promotions. However, regulatory changes imposed by the UKGC resulted in the retirement of its beloved bee mascot. Bounce Bingo entered the bingo scene in August 2019 but failed to impress players with its bland appearance, judging by its sheer lack of social media presence it’s no surprise Bounce Bingo is on the list of closures. In 2017, the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) implemented new guidelines in terms of bonuses, leading Dragonfish to establish a network of websites that excluded wagering conditions. This was a ground-breaking initiative; however, it encountered obstacles along the way. The main challenge was the fact players didn’t show much interest in these conditions as initially anticipated. Moreover, the newly launched Real Money platforms lacked a distinctive appeal, leaving the network out in the cold against its competitors.
What now for Tau?
Various brands within the Real Money Network (RMN), such as Yay, Quality, Bonnie, and Blighty, are likely contemplating their prospects. There are also other operators using the RMN, which has raised concerns about its sustainability. Tau Gaming, for instance, has already transitioned some of its sites from the Real Money framework to the standard Dragonfish model. Nevertheless, given the recent wave of closures, it’s evident that a simple approach of launching new bingo brands without distinct features is not a viable long-term strategy. The competition is fierce, with other platforms offering superior bingo experiences, and as a result, Tau’s brands may face an uphill battle.