Playing bingo online is very easy.

Here's our five step guide to getting you started.

1. Choose a bingo site

The first step is to choose the bingo website that you are going to play at.

On the right is a list of our online bingo partners, all of whom come recommended by us. All allow you to "try before you buy" by allowing you to play for free initially.

So choose one or two from the list and follow the links through to their websites.

2. Register to play

Once on your chosen online bingo website you will need to register in order to play.

Some online bingo sites require players to download free software before they can play. Others offer Java or Flash games so that you can play online without having to download any software.

In either case you will be playing against other online bingo players in real time.

Random number generators that produce absolute random results ensure that each player has an equal chance of winning.

And from then on in it is just like playing bingo in a bingo hall!

3. Take advantage of any free games offered to new players

With up to £10 of free games on offer at online bingo sites, it definitely pays to check out a few sites before deciding on which one or two you like the best.

4. Deposit money into your account using your credit or debit card so that you can buy more tickets

To buy tickets you simply deposit money into your account using either a debit or credit card. Again, we only recommend bingo websites that are safe and secure.

Look out for bingo sites that will match your initial deposit - doubling the money in your account and doubling your chances of winning!

5. Withdraw any winnings from your account - you will be paid out by cheque or bank transfer

Any winnings are also paid into your account and can be used for buying bingto tickets or can be withdrawn. You can choose whether your winnings are paid by cheque or transferred directly to your bank account.

So there you have it.

Once you have a few games under your belt, you will be well into the swing of things and will become part of the online bingo community, making new friends, having fun and - fingers crossed - winning big money.

Remember. You have to be in it to win it!