Not sure if your bingo funds are protected? Here’s what customer fund segregation means – and why it matters every time you make a deposit.
When you play online bingo, you want to know your money’s safe – especially if you’ve deposited real cash or scored a win. That’s where customer fund segregation comes in.
Not every site offers the same level of protection, and it’s something I always look out for when reviewing the best bingo sites.
Meet Your Bingo Safety Expert
I’ve created this guide to explain the different levels of fund protection and how they affect you – whether you're chasing large prizes or enjoying bingo bonuses.
Bingo Sites That Protect Your Funds
If you're looking for bingo sites that combine great promotions with proper player fund protection, here are some trusted, UK-licensed options offering medium or high levels of security.
- Slick, reliable mobile app
- Great mix of jackpots and branded rooms
- Wide choice of bingo rooms and bingo variants
- Excellent welcome bonus
- Top-rated iOS & Android apps
- 24/7 live chat support
- Live chat daily between 9 am and 11 pm
- 1,000+ games
How Protected Is Your Money?
Even if a bingo site is licensed, that doesn’t guarantee your money is safe if the company runs into trouble. Customer fund segregation is how sites separate your money from their business accounts – and the level of protection can vary.
The Three Levels of Fund Protection
Understanding the UK Gambling Commission’s three-tier system helps you choose sites that put your safety first.
Basic Protection
💷 Your money is mixed with the bingo company’s operational funds. If the site goes bust, you may not get your balance back. This level offers no legal protection.
Medium Protection
💼 Funds are held in a separate account, but without a legal trust structure. It’s a step up from basic protection but doesn’t guarantee repayment in insolvency.
High Protection
🔐 Your money is held in a trust account that’s legally separate from the business. It’s independently overseen – offering the strongest protection available to UK bingo players.
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Where to Find Bingo Sites With Fund Protection
You can check a bingo site’s fund protection level in its UKGC licence register.
Scroll to the bottom of the site or search their terms and conditions (which is where I always look first) for phrases like:
"Customer funds are kept in a segregated account"
"We offer high protection for player funds"
"Funds are held in a trust arrangement"
Safe Sites to Play Bingo
If you’re looking for bingo sites that take fund protection seriously, here are a few UKGC-licensed options with medium or high fund protection.
| Bingo Site | Protection |
|---|---|
| bet365 Bingo | High |
| Heart Bingo | High |
| Gala Bingo | High |
| Bingostars | Medium |
| Buzz Bingo | Medium |
| Double Bubble | Medium |
| MrQ Bingo | Medium |
| Peachy Games Bingo | Medium |
| Jackpotjoy Bingo | Medium |
| Mecca Bingo | Medium |
These sites are trusted for their safety, regulation, and clear terms around player fund segregation.
Why Fund Segregation Matters to You
Most players don’t think twice about their balances – until something goes wrong. And although extermely rare, if a bingo company collapses and your money wasn’t legally protected, you could lose it.
Sites with high protection take extra steps to make sure your money is available even if their business fails. This matters whether you play regularly or pop in for a few games each month.
How I Stay Safe When Depositing
Here’s how I keep my money safe when I play:
- I only use UKGC-licensed sites
- I read the site's fund protection info in the T&Cs
- I never leave large balances sitting idle
- I use secure payment methods like PayPal or debit cards
🛡️ A little extra caution can save a lot of worry later.
Responsible Gambling Reminder
Final Thoughts on Fund Segregation
Now that you know what fund segregation is – and how to find bingo sites that take it seriously – you can deposit with confidence.
Always check the protection level, and feel free to ask questions in the comments if you're unsure. I’m here to help you play safely.
This guide was written by Jenny Mason, OLBG’s resident bingo expert, and fact-checked by Sam Darkens to ensure accuracy and player protection guidance you can trust.
FAQ
Bingo Customer Fund Segregation FAQs
What does “customer fund segregation” mean at bingo sites?
Customer fund segregation means your money is kept separate from the site’s business funds, helping protect your balance if the operator faces financial trouble.
Why is customer fund segregation important for players?
It ensures your deposited money isn't at risk if the bingo site goes bust. Without it, your funds could be lost or tied up in insolvency proceedings.
What are the levels of fund protection at UK bingo sites?
There are three levels: basic (no protection), medium (segregated but not guaranteed), and high (held in trust with legal safeguards).
How does high protection differ from medium protection?
High protection means your money is held in a legal trust and overseen independently. Medium protection keeps funds separate but offers no legal guarantee in insolvency.
Does a UK licence guarantee your funds are safe?
No. Licensing ensures regulation, but fund protection depends on how the operator handles your money. Always check the stated level of protection.
Where can you check a bingo site’s fund protection level?
Look in the terms and conditions, at the bottom of the site, or in the UKGC licence register. Search for phrases like “funds held in trust” or “segregated account.”
Are operators required to disclose fund protection levels?
Yes. UKGC licence rules require sites to state how player funds are protected and clarify the risks if the company becomes insolvent.
What if a site offers no protection for player funds?
If a site provides no protection, your money may be lost if it shuts down. New rules require such sites to remind customers regularly of this risk.
What happens to your balance if a site collapses?
If funds aren’t properly protected, they could be treated as part of the company’s assets, meaning you may not get your money back.
How can players keep their bingo deposits safe?
Choose UK-licensed sites with high protection, check T&Cs, avoid leaving large balances, and use secure payment methods like debit cards or PayPal.
