Editor in Chief and Online Bingo and Gambling Industry Expert

Professional Background

Anita Heffernan has over 20 years of experience in playing online bingo and slots, and 14 years in the online gambling industry. Since joining WhichBingo in 2010, she has become a well-respected figure, known for her in-depth and unbiased reviews, news, and opinions. Anita is passionate about online bingo and specialises in providing comprehensive insights into the sector.

The Bingo Veteran – “Bingo Queen”

The Bingo Queen is a fun name earned from colleagues through Anita Heffernan’s exceptional knowledge and commitment to the online bingo world. With over 20 years of experience as both a player and an expert in the industry, Anita has built a reputation as a trusted authority on all things bingo.

Joining WhichBingo in 2010, she has shaped its editorial voice, providing unbiased, in-depth reviews and offering invaluable insights into the bingo sector. Her contributions range from staying on top of regulatory changes to guiding players with tips on safe, responsible gaming. Anita’s leadership in establishing WhichBingo’s partnership with Better Change and promoting Positive Play has had a lasting impact. She’s also been a driving force behind the success of the WhichBingo Awards. Whether she’s sharing her expert advice in articles or speaking at industry events, Anita is known for her thoroughness, passion, and dedication to helping players and operators alike navigate the world of online bingo.

Expertise and Contributions

Anita is recognized for her thorough knowledge of the online bingo industry and her commitment to staying abreast of regulatory changes and compliance issues. She has worked with some of the largest names in the industry and is known for her fair and informed perspectives. As an advocate for responsible gambling, Anita was instrumental in establishing WhichBingo's partnership with Better Change, promoting 'Positive Play' practices.

“It has been my pleasure to work with so many industry professionals over the years including Simon Collins, one of the founders of Gaming Realms and serial entrepreneur in the gambling space, Victoria Reed, founder of Better Change and Savvas Fellas, founder of MrQ.com the last truly standalone gambling site with a unique bingo product.

The launch of the WhichBingo and Better Change Player Panel at the Awards is the culmination of a lot of work on both sides and was a true collaboration that was welcomed by all the industry operators in attendance.

Anita Heffernan speaking at the 2024 WhichBingo Awards

Publications and Participation

Anita has authored numerous articles and guides on online gambling, to try and
ensure that everyone who enjoys to play can do so with all the relevant information they need and to play safely. She is a driving force behind the continuing success of WB’s very own Bingo Awards and is an active contributor to the Awards website and the respected liaison between the site and the brands wanting to take part.

Awards and Recognitions

Under Anita's editorial leadership, WhichBingo has received several prestigious
awards, including:

• GB Award for Best Bingo Website 2016, 2017 and 2018.
• EGR Operator Award for Best Bingo Affiliate 2012, 2015, 2016, 2017 and
  2019.

WhichBingo Awards Ceremony

The WhichBingo Awards, organized by WhichBingo in its present form since 2014, celebrate excellence in the online bingo industry, recognizing key operators for their outstanding contributions. Anita's contribution to this important annual event has helped make it a benchmark of industry standards.

Anita's Top Tips for Bingo Brilliance

1. "Bingo Lingo" Mastery:

Know your "Two Little Ducks" from your "Legs Eleven"! Understanding the bingo calls can make your game more enjoyable and less confusing. Keep up to date on new iterations for the 21st century with us too.

2. Bankroll Balance:

"Don’t bet the farm!" Always set a budget for your bingo site sessions and stick to it. Responsible play is the key to long-term enjoyment. The emergence of side games in the form of slots can take a lot of your money a lot quicker than the steady pace of the bingo games.

3. Early Bird Catches the Worm:

Join games earlier in the day to get the best seats (or cards)! Plus, early participation often means fewer players and higher chances of winning. The evenings between 8pm and 10pm are the peak time for player numbers in the best bingo rooms.

4. Chat and Play:

Engage with the bingo community and CMs in chat rooms. Not only is it fun, but some sites offer chat games with extra prizes usually in the form of bonus funds.

5. Bonuses and Promotions:

"Don’t leave money on the table!" Take advantage of bonuses and promotions, but always read the fine print to understand wagering requirements.

6. Stay Updated:

Follow industry news and updates. Knowing the latest trends and changes can give you an edge in your game strategy.

Personal Interests

In her own words, "The beauty of my job is the fact that playing online bingo and online slots has been my hobby for a long, long time. I was fortunate to find a job within an industry I love, and I am testament to the fact that you can play at gambling sites and not develop a ‘gambling problem.’ My regular play and player perspective help make WhichBingo more relevant for readers."

Outside of work, Anita is an avid reader, often losing herself in a good book. She humorously questions, "Should they limit how many books you can buy in a month?"

A Note from WhichBingo

At WhichBingo, we are incredibly proud to have Anita, affectionately known as the "Bingo Queen," leading our editorial team. Her expertise, passion, and dedication to the online bingo community have been instrumental in making WhichBingo a trusted source for players and industry professionals alike.

Q&A with Anita!

Q: What drew you to the online bingo and gambling industry?

I loved to play even in the early days and saw even then that online gambling got a bad press and I wanted to do something to level the playing field as enjoying bingo and slots online does not have to be perilous or risky.

Q: What changes have you seen in the industry over your career? 

The massive offers that used to be all the rage have all but disappeared, as have no deposit bonuses - because of taxation and regulation changes, but also due to there being so many bonus abusers. Now you really want to join a site because of what is on offer inside and not just for the initial bonus.

Q: What is the thing you love the most about your job and/or about working at WhichBingo?

Being immersed in the online gambling world all the time. It’s a merry-go-round of changes and updates and no two days are the same.

Q: Can you share a memorable moment from your time at WhichBingo?

Being present at the first of the modern day WhichBingo Awards in 2014 in London. It was a huge step for the brand to move from a purely online award to hosting a huge industry event and wondering if anyone would turn up. We needn’t have worried - it was a full house and everyone had loads of fun and it has turned into a highly anticipated annual event.

Q: What advice would you give to someone new to online bingo?

Set a budget and stick to it. It only remains fun while you spend what you can afford.

Q: How do you ensure WhichBingo remains a trusted source of information?

Expert writers contributing to the site, and everything being checked and edited by me. We only advertise UK licensed sites, and our staff are in direct contact with the brands and operators with whom we work.

Q:  What's your favourite game to play, and why?

When it comes to bingo, I love 75-ball, 5-line bingo. More chances to win in every game. As for a slot game, who can fail to love Fluffy Favourites?

Q: And one last fun question! What are your top 3 must-read books that you think everyone should add to their bookshelf?

Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronté when it comes to the classics.

Rebecca by Daphne DuMaurier

And because I can’t pin down the rest, anything by Wilbur Smith for adventure, Marian Keyes for humour and Clare MacKintosh for a thriller.

Social Media

• LinkedIn: Anita Heffernan
• X: anitabingo

Reviews and Articles by Anita