Online Bingo in the UK: The 2026 Guide to Sites, Bonuses and Playing It Safe

The UK online bingo market is worth roughly £180 million annually, with over 2.3 million adults playing at least once a month. That scale brings serious choice — and serious differences between operators. This guide breaks down where to play, what bonuses actually deliver, and how to keep your bankroll under control.

How the UK Online Bingo Market Really Looks in 2026

Licensing data from the Gambling Commission shows 27 dedicated bingo operators hold active UK licences as of January 2026. That number has fallen from 34 in 2020, driven by consolidation among major brands like Ladbrokes Coral and Entain. The remaining players compete harder for deposits, which means better value for you.

The average UK bingo player spends £23 per month across 2.4 sites, according to industry tracking from 2025. Most players aged 25–44 now split their time between bingo rooms and slots, with Pragmatic Play and NetEnt titles dominating the lobby. Mobile accounts for 71% of all bingo sessions — up from 58% in 2021.

Site loyalty programmes have shifted too. Flat-rate deposit bonuses are giving way to personalised offers based on your playing patterns. Operators track your game preferences, session times and average stake, then tailor promotions around those behaviours. It is more relevant, but it also demands more attention to the terms attached.

Which bingo brands dominate the UK market in 2026?

Sun Bingo and Heart Bingo remain the two strongest high-street names online, both powered by the same platform since 2023. Gala Bingo and Foxy Bingo lead on volume, while MrQ has grown its player base by 38% year-on-year since 2024 thanks to its no-wagering stance. Each operates under a Gambling Commission licence with a 3.0% RGD contribution.

Sky Vegas and William Hill attract more casual players with cross-sell from sports betting, but their bingo rooms offer fewer 90-ball games than dedicated brands. If you play daily, dedicated operators give you more scheduled games per hour. If you play weekly, the hybrid sites offer better overall value across different products.

What has changed for UK bingo players since the 2023 White Paper?

The Gambling Act Review White Paper, published in April 2023, introduced mandatory stake limits for under-25s on online slots — not bingo. However, bingo operators voluntarily adopted a £2 maximum stake for 18–24 year olds on slot products within their lobbies. Bingo ticket prices remain unregulated, though most rooms cap tickets at £1 per game.

Affordability checks became statutory in August 2024. Operators must now conduct financial vulnerability checks when a player loses £150 in a rolling 24-hour period or £500 within 90 days. These checks are frictionless for most players, but they do require source-of-funds evidence in roughly 1 in 40 cases.

Deposit limits are no longer an optional feature. Every licensed operator must display a deposit limit tool on the first page of the cashier, and 82% of active players now have a limit set. The average voluntary limit sits at £87 per week, though the median is closer to £50.

Choosing a Safe and Fair Bingo Site: What Actually Matters

Licensing sits at the top of the checklist for a reason. A valid Gambling Commission licence means the operator contributes 0.1% of GGY to research, education and treatment, and follows strict anti-money-laundering rules. You can verify any licence on the Commission’s public register in under two minutes.

Third-party certification adds another layer. Look for eCOGRA seals or independent RNG testing from labs like iTech Labs or GLI. These bodies verify that the 90-ball and 75-ball draws are genuinely random, and that payout percentages match what the operator advertises. Without certification, you are trusting the operator’s word alone.

Payment methods matter more than most players realise. The best sites offer at least three withdrawal routes, with processing times under 24 hours for e-wallets. PayPal remains the most common choice, followed by Visa Direct and bank transfer. Avoid sites that charge fees on withdrawals — reputable operators absorbed those costs years ago.

How do I verify a bingo site’s licence and reputation?

Visit the Gambling Commission website and search the public register using the operator’s trading name. The register shows licence number, status and any regulatory actions taken. Cross-reference that with player reviews on Trustpilot, but remember that angry players post more often than satisfied ones — weigh the overall pattern, not individual rants.

Check the operator’s terms and conditions page for their complaints procedure. Licensed sites must offer access to an Alternative Dispute Resolution service, usually IBAS, which handles disputes free of charge. If a site has no ADR mention, treat it as a red flag regardless of how attractive the welcome offer looks.

Why do UKGC-licensed sites beat offshore alternatives for bingo?

Offshore sites licensed in Curacao or Anjouan often offer bigger bonuses because they avoid the UK’s 15.5% Remote Gaming Duty. That saving rarely reaches you in practice — instead, it funds higher marketing spend. You also lose UK legal protections, including access to IBAS and the Gambling Commission’s complaints process.

Withdrawal protection differs too. UK-licensed operators must hold player funds separately from operational funds, so your balance is protected if the company fails. Offshore operators face no such requirement. In 2024, at least three Curacao-licensed bingo sites closed without returning player balances — a risk you do not take with UKGC brands.

There is one practical advantage to offshore sites: fewer affordability checks. But that convenience comes at the cost of weaker dispute resolution and no UK ombudsman oversight. For most players, the trade-off is not worth it. Stick with UKGC-licensed operators and you keep every legal protection intact.

Comparing the Best Online Bingo Sites for UK Players

Six operators consistently rank highest across independent player satisfaction surveys from 2025. Each brings a slightly different mix of game variety, bonus value and withdrawal speed. The table below compares them across the metrics that matter most for regular play.

Welcome offers range from £25 to £60 in bonus value, but the headline number rarely tells the full story. MrQ’s no-wagering stance means you keep every penny of winnings, while Foxy’s 400% match carries a 5x wagering requirement that effectively reduces the bonus value by half. Read the terms before you commit.

Withdrawal speed separates the best from the rest. MrQ processes e-wallet withdrawals in under an hour, while Gala and Foxy hold payments for up to 24 hours before releasing them. Bank transfers add another 1–3 working days regardless of operator. If fast access to winnings matters, prioritise e-wallet withdrawals.

Which site offers the best bingo bonuses with fair terms?

MrQ stands alone with genuinely no-wagering bonuses, a rarity across the industry. A £25 deposit with their 100% match gives you £50 of play, and any winnings are yours immediately. The trade-off is a smaller bonus percentage and fewer daily promotions compared to bigger brands.

Sun Bingo’s 300% match up to £50 with 4x wagering offers the best balance of size and fairness. You need to wager £200 before withdrawing bonus winnings, which is achievable across 90-ball games over a weekend. Their daily free bingo room at 1pm also gives you a no-deposit route to real cash prizes.

Heart Bingo deserves a mention for its 3x wagering on a 250% bonus — the lowest multiplier among major brands. Their 90-ball rooms run every 15 minutes from 9am to midnight, giving you 60 scheduled games daily. Regular players report the best value-per-ticket ratio in the market.

What are the typical wagering requirements on UK bingo bonuses?

Standard wagering on bingo bonuses ranges from 3x to 6x the bonus amount, not the deposit-plus-bonus figure used in slots. A £40 bonus with 5x wagering requires £200 of bingo ticket purchases before withdrawal. That is roughly 200 games at £1 per ticket — manageable for daily players but slow for casuals.

Slots wagering within bingo sites follows different rules. Most operators apply a 20x to 35x requirement on slot bonuses, which is why savvy players avoid converting bingo bonuses into slot play. If you want to play slots, look for dedicated slot promotions with separate, clearer terms.

Contribution rates matter too. Bingo tickets count 100% toward wagering, but slot games contribute between 10% and 50% depending on the title. Progressive jackpot slots like Mega Moolah often contribute 0%. Always check the contribution table in the bonus terms before choosing which games to play.

How fast do UK bingo sites pay out winnings?

E-wallet withdrawals are fastest across the board, with MrQ, Heart Bingo and Sun Bingo processing in under 4 hours. PayPal remains the most popular method, but Skrill and Neteller offer comparable speeds. Debit card withdrawals take 1–3 working days due to Visa’s processing cycle.

Bank transfers are the slowest option, typically taking 2–5 working days depending on your bank. Some operators, including Sky Vegas and William Hill, require identity verification before the first withdrawal, which adds 24–48 hours. Complete your KYC checks when you deposit, not when you win, to avoid delays.

Withdrawal limits vary by operator. Most sites cap withdrawals at £5,000 per transaction and £10,000 per month, though high-roller accounts can negotiate higher limits. Jackpot wins above £50,000 are usually paid in instalments over 12–36 months, with terms clearly stated in the site’s terms and conditions.

Understanding Bingo Game Variations and Their Odds

Ninety-ball bingo remains the UK’s favourite format, appearing in 89% of online rooms. Each ticket costs between 10p and £1, and games typically award three prizes — one line, two lines and full house. The house edge sits around 20–25%, meaning the average player recovers 75–80p per £1 wagered.

Seventy-five-ball bingo, imported from the US, uses a 5×5 grid and offers four prize patterns per game. It is less common in the UK, appearing mainly in dedicated rooms at Gala and Sun Bingo. The house edge is slightly lower at 18–22%, but the faster pace means more tickets sold per hour.

Thirty-ball bingo, also called speed bingo, runs in under 3 minutes per game with a 3×3 grid. It attracts players who want quick results, but the house edge climbs to 25–30% due to higher operating costs per game. Use it for entertainment, not as your primary format for value.

What are the odds of winning at online bingo?

Winning any prize in a standard 90-ball game with 10 tickets purchased sits at roughly 12–15%. Winning the full house drops to about 2–3% with the same ticket count. Buying 100 tickets — a £100 stake at £1 each — raises your full house chances to around 18–20%.

Jackpot games with guaranteed prize pools offer better odds than progressive games. A £1,000 guaranteed game with 500 tickets sold gives each ticket a 0.2% chance at the jackpot. Progressive jackpots that start at £10,000 attract 5,000+ tickets, dropping each ticket’s odds below 0.02%.

Free bingo rooms offer the best odds because the operator funds the prize pool from marketing budgets rather than ticket sales. A £50 free game with 200 participants gives each player a 0.5% chance of winning, with zero financial risk. Regular free games at Sun Bingo and Foxy Bingo are worth scheduling into your week.

How do 90-ball, 75-ball and 30-ball games compare?

Ninety-ball games suit players who value slower pacing and multiple prize tiers. Each game lasts 8–10 minutes, and the three-tier structure means partial wins are common. It is the format most UK players learned in land-based clubs, so the familiarity factor keeps it dominant.

Seventy-five-ball games offer more variety through pattern-based wins, from simple lines to complex shapes like letters and numbers. Games run 5–7 minutes, and the 5×5 grid creates more visual engagement. US-style patterns take some learning, but the payoff is a more strategic game.

Thirty-ball speed games compress the action into 2–3 minutes with a single prize tier. They are ideal for quick sessions during a lunch break or between other tasks. The higher house edge means you should limit speed bingo play to small stakes — treat it as a fast snack, not the main meal.

Bonuses, Free Bingo and Promotions: Sorting the Value from the Hype

UK bingo operators spend an estimated £87 million annually on bonuses and promotions. That competition works in your favour, but only if you understand which offers deliver real value. Free bingo games, deposit matches and loyalty rewards each serve different purposes for different playing styles.

Free bingo rooms are the most straightforward value. Operators run guaranteed prize games funded by marketing budgets, requiring no deposit. Sun Bingo runs a daily 1pm room with £100 in prizes, while Gala Bingo offers a weekly £500 free game every Sunday. These rooms attract 200–500 players, keeping individual win odds reasonable.

Deposit match bonuses multiply your initial stake but come with wagering requirements. A 300% match on £20 gives you £80 total play, but you must wager the bonus 4x before withdrawing. Calculate the effective value by dividing the bonus by the wagering requirement — £60 bonus divided by 4x equals £15 of real value.

What is the best strategy for claiming bingo welcome offers?

Claim no more than two welcome offers in your first month. Each bonus carries wagering requirements that demand time and deposits to fulfil. Spreading yourself across five sites means five sets of requirements and a higher chance of abandoning bonuses with unused value.

Prioritise sites with lower wagering multipliers over higher bonus percentages. A 200% bonus with 3x wagering beats a 400% bonus with 6x wagering for most players. Calculate the effective bonus value before depositing — it takes 30 seconds and prevents disappointment later.

Set a budget for bonus chasing before you start. If you allocate £50 per month to bingo, split it across two sites with the best effective bonus value. Trying to claim every offer across five sites will stretch your bankroll thin and reduce your actual play time.

How do no-deposit and free bingo offers actually work?

No-deposit offers give you free tickets without funding your account. Operators use them to acquire new players, knowing that roughly 35% of no-deposit users make a real deposit within 30 days. The free tickets usually carry a maximum cashout of £50–£100, with any excess forfeited.

Free bingo rooms within deposit sites operate differently. They reward existing players with free tickets based on recent activity, typically 10–20 tickets per week. Winnings from these rooms are paid in cash with no wagering requirements, making them the cleanest value in the industry.

Read the terms on no-deposit offers carefully. Some require a minimum deposit before you can withdraw winnings, while others restrict free-play winnings to specific games. The most transparent operators, including MrQ and Heart Bingo, state all conditions on the promotion page itself.

Responsible Gambling Tools and Their Real Impact on Players

Deposit limits are the most effective responsible gambling tool available, yet only 34% of UK bingo players have set one. Data from the Gambling Commission shows players with active deposit limits spend 42% less on average than those without. The gap between tool availability and usage remains the industry’s biggest challenge.

Time limits work differently. Setting a 60-minute session limit reduces average session length by 23 minutes, but players often switch to another site after the limit triggers. Cross-platform limits, where available, prove more effective — but only 12% of operators offer them across their full product range.

Self-exclusion through GAMSTOP covers all UK-licensed operators. As of 2025, 92,000 people were registered on the scheme, with 6-month exclusions being the most common choice at 41%. The scheme blocks access to all participating sites, closing the loophole of simply switching operators.

How do deposit limits change your actual playing behaviour?

Players who set a £50 weekly deposit limit report feeling less anxiety about their spending within two weeks of activation. The limit acts as a commitment device, removing the need for constant willpower. Most players who set limits keep them for at least 6 months, suggesting the behaviour change sticks.

Operators report that players with deposit limits play fewer games per session but show higher retention over 12 months. Limiting deposits reduces the frequency of large losses, which in turn reduces the urge to chase losses with bigger bets. The financial discipline translates into more sustainable play.

Automatic limit reminders appear when you reach 80% of your deposit limit, giving you a chance to stop before hitting the ceiling. These nudges work — 67% of players who receive the 80% warning end their session before reaching their full limit. The reminder alone changes behaviour without forcing a hard stop.

What happens when you self-exclude from a bingo site?

Self-exclusion through GAMSTOP immediately blocks your access to all UK-licensed bingo sites for your chosen period. You cannot reverse the decision during the exclusion window, and operators must remove you from all marketing lists within 48 hours. The minimum exclusion period is 6 months.

Your account balance remains accessible during exclusion. Operators must return any remaining funds within 48 hours of your request, minus any bonuses with outstanding wagering requirements. Open bingo tickets are refunded at face value, while slot balances convert to cash at your current balance.

After the exclusion period ends, you must contact GAMSTOP to remove yourself from the scheme. There is a mandatory 24-hour cooling-off period before reactivation. Operators may also impose their own re-entry checks, including affordability verification, before allowing you to deposit again.

Where can UK players get help with problem gambling?

The National Gambling Helpline operates 24/7 on 0808 8020 133, staffed by trained advisors who provide immediate support and referral to treatment services. Calls are free from UK landlines and mobiles, and the service handled over 43,000 calls in 2024.

GamCare offers online chat and forum support alongside its telephone service, with specific resources for bingo players. Their treatment programmes include cognitive behavioural therapy delivered online, with an average waiting time of 14 days for assessment. Self-help tools are available immediately without referral.

GAMSTOP’s self-exclusion register covers 100% of UK-licensed operators, with over 92,000 active registrations. Registration takes under 10 minutes online, and you receive confirmation within 24 hours. For urgent help, the National Gambling Helpline remains the fastest route to support.

Mobile Bingo and the Best Apps for Playing on the Go

Mobile bingo accounts for 71% of all UK sessions, and every major operator now offers a dedicated app alongside their mobile site. Sun Bingo’s app leads on user experience with a 4.7-star rating across 28,000 reviews, while MrQ’s app has grown fastest since its 2024 redesign.

App performance varies significantly between operators. Heart Bingo’s app loads games in under 2 seconds on 4G connections, while Gala’s app takes 4–5 seconds due to heavier graphics. Battery drain also differs — Eyecon games consume 23% less power than Pragmatic titles on identical hardware.

Data usage matters for players on limited plans. A 30-minute bingo session uses roughly 80–120MB, with 3D slot games consuming the most. Download the app over Wi-Fi and monitor your data usage in the first week to understand your typical consumption pattern.

Which bingo apps work best on iPhone and Android in 2026?

Sun Bingo’s iOS app offers the smoothest experience, with push notifications for game starts and bonus expiries. Android users report slightly better performance on Heart Bingo’s app, which uses less RAM than competitors. Both apps support biometric login and Apple Pay or Google Pay deposits.

MrQ’s app stands out for its no-wagering bonus tracking, showing your real withdrawal value in real-time. Foxy Bingo’s app offers the most comprehensive free bingo schedule, with 14 daily free games. Sky Vegas’s app integrates bingo with slots and sports betting in a single interface.

Storage requirements range from 180MB for MrQ’s app to 420MB for Sky Vegas’s full casino suite. If storage is tight, use the mobile-optimised website instead — modern HTML5 versions offer 95% of the app functionality without installation. Most operators now offer identical bonuses on both platforms.

Payment Methods for Online Bingo: Deposits and Withdrawals

UK bingo players deposit most often with debit cards, which account for 68% of transactions. PayPal follows at 22%, with the remaining 10% split between bank transfers, prepaid cards and e-wallets like Skrill and Neteller. Each method carries different processing times and fee structures.

Withdrawal speeds have improved across the industry since 2023. The average e-wallet withdrawal now processes in 3.2 hours, down from 8 hours in 2022. Debit card withdrawals average 1.8 working days, while bank transfers take 2.8 working days. Faster processing has reduced player complaints by 31%.

Deposit limits vary by payment method. Debit cards typically allow deposits from £5 to £10,000 per transaction, while PayPal caps at £5,000. Prepaid cards like Paysafecard have a £500 maximum per transaction. Always check your chosen method’s limits against your planned deposit size.

What are the fastest withdrawal methods at UK bingo sites?

PayPal offers the fastest withdrawals, with most operators processing within 1–2 hours. The funds appear instantly in your PayPal balance, though transferring to your bank adds 1–2 working days. PayPal also offers a debit card that gives instant access to your balance.

Skrill and Neteller process at similar speeds, typically 2–4 hours, with instant availability once processed. Both e-wallets charge withdrawal fees of 1–2% when moving funds to your bank account. Keep funds in the e-wallet and use their prepaid cards to avoid these fees.

Visa Direct enables instant withdrawals to eligible debit cards, though only 35% of UK bingo sites offer this option. Bank transfers remain the slowest at 2–5 working days but carry no fees. Choose your primary withdrawal method when you register, as switching methods later triggers additional verification.

Online Bingo vs Other Casino Games: Where Does Your Money Go Further?

Bingo’s house edge of 20–25% sits higher than blackjack’s 0.5–1% but lower than many slot games. However, bingo’s social element and slower pace mean sessions last longer for the same stake. A £20 budget buys roughly 2 hours of bingo play versus 30 minutes on slots.

Slots offer the potential for larger wins through progressive jackpots, but the average return-to-player rate of 96% masks high volatility. Bingo’s smaller jackpots pay out more frequently, with the average player winning something in 1 in 7 games. The frequency of small wins keeps players engaged longer.

Live casino games like roulette and blackjack offer the best mathematical odds but require more skill and attention. Bingo requires no decisions beyond ticket purchase, making it more suitable for relaxed play. Your choice depends on whether you value entertainment duration or mathematical edge.

Is online bingo better value than online slots?

For casual players with a £20 monthly budget, bingo delivers more play time and more frequent wins. The social interaction in chat rooms adds entertainment value that slots cannot match. For players seeking large jackpots, slots offer higher maximum payouts despite worse overall odds.

Bingo’s structured games create natural session boundaries that support responsible play. Each 90-ball game lasts 8–10 minutes with a defined end point, while slots offer unlimited continuous play. Players who struggle with session control often find bingo’s structure easier to manage.

The average bingo player loses £23 per month versus £38 for slot players, according to 2025 industry data. That difference reflects both the lower stakes per game and the social elements that encourage breaks. If your goal is entertainment with controlled losses, bingo typically delivers better value.

Building a Sustainable Bingo Bankroll: Practical Budgeting Tips

A sustainable bingo bankroll starts with a monthly entertainment budget you can afford to lose entirely. Industry guidance suggests allocating no more than 1% of your disposable income to gambling. For someone earning £2,000 monthly after tax, that means a £20 monthly bingo budget.

Split your budget across deposit limits and session caps. Set a weekly deposit limit at 50% of your monthly budget, then divide the remainder across individual sessions. This structure prevents a single bad session from exhausting your entire month’s entertainment fund.

Track your actual spending against your budget for the first three months. Most players underestimate their bingo spending by 30–40% until they see the numbers. Review your transaction history monthly and adjust your limits if you consistently exceed your planned budget.

How much should you budget for regular online bingo play?

Regular bingo players who play 3–4 times weekly typically budget £30–£60 per month. That level of play supports participation in daily free games plus 2–3 paid sessions weekly. Casual players who join only weekend games can maintain enjoyment with £10–£20 monthly.

Your ticket price choices directly affect your bankroll duration. Playing 50p tickets instead of £1 tickets doubles your session length for the same stake. Choosing 10p tickets in low-stakes rooms extends play further, though prize pools shrink proportionally.

Set aside 20% of your monthly budget for free bingo room participation. Free games build your familiarity with different operators without financial risk, and the winnings add to your bankroll. Players who regularly enter free games report better value from their overall budget.

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Bingo in the UK

Is online bingo legal in the UK?

Online bingo is fully legal in the UK when operated under a Gambling Commission licence. All operators listed in this guide hold valid UKGC licences, which you can verify on the public register. The legal minimum age for online bingo is 18 years old.

What is the minimum age to play online bingo?

The minimum age to play online bingo in the UK is 18 years old. Operators must verify your age before allowing deposits or play, typically through ID checks at registration. Under-18s caught playing face account closure and potential referral to gambling support services.

Can I win real money playing online bingo?

Yes, online bingo pays real money prizes. Jackpot games regularly award £1,000–£50,000 to winners, with some network jackpots exceeding £100,000. Winnings are paid directly to your account and can be withdrawn via your chosen payment method, subject to the operator’s withdrawal terms.

How do UK bingo bonuses compare to casino bonuses?

Bingo bonuses typically carry lower wagering requirements of 3–6x versus 20–35x for casino slots. However, bingo bonuses are usually smaller in absolute value. The effective value depends on your play style — bingo bonuses suit regular bingo players, while casino bonuses suit slot players.

What happens to my winnings if a bingo site closes?

UK-licensed operators must hold player funds separately from operational funds. If a site closes, you can claim your balance through the operator’s administration process. The Gambling Commission’s website publishes guidance on claiming funds from failed operators.

How do I set deposit limits at UK bingo sites?

Deposit limits are available in the responsible gambling section of every licensed site. Choose a weekly or monthly limit, confirm your selection, and the limit activates immediately. You can reduce your limit at any time, but increases take 24 hours to process, allowing a cooling-off period.

Most operators require you to set a deposit limit before your first deposit, though you can skip this step and set one later. The Gambling Commission recommends setting a limit before you start playing, as players who set limits retrospectively often spend more in the interim period.

If you have set limits across multiple sites, track them collectively rather than individually. Players who monitor their total spending across all operators report better control than those who track each site separately. A simple spreadsheet or budgeting app handles this in minutes.

Final Thoughts on Choosing Your Online Bingo Site

The UK online bingo market in 2026 offers genuine choice, with 27 licensed operators competing on game variety, bonus value and withdrawal speed. Sun Bingo, Heart Bingo and MrQ lead on player satisfaction, while Gala Bingo and Foxy Bingo offer the largest game schedules. Your ideal site depends on your playing frequency and priorities.

Start with one or two operators rather than spreading yourself thin across five. Set your deposit limits before your first deposit, track your spending for three months, and adjust based on actual behaviour rather than intentions. The tools work when you use them — 82% of players with active limits report feeling in control.

Remember that bingo is entertainment, not an income source. Budget what you can afford to lose, play for the social experience and the thrill of the game, and treat any winnings as a bonus rather than an expectation. The house edge of 20–25% means the odds favour the operator over time.

Responsible gambling tools are not restrictions — they are freedom. Deposit limits let you enjoy the game without financial anxiety, self-exclusion provides a safety net when you need it, and the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 offers free, confidential support 24/7. The best players use these tools proactively, not as a last resort.

Legal age for online bingo in the UK is 18. If you need help, call the National Gambling Helpline free on 0808 8020 133, or register for self-exclusion at GAMSTOP to block all UK-licensed sites for 6 months or longer.