When we talk about gambling nowadays, we usually think of various games like video poker, roulette, slots, bingo, and more. People may have previously associated gambling with things like archery tournaments, knight duels, and horse races.
However, you might be surprised to learn that many games we play today have been around for centuries and haven’t changed much since then.
Let’s use bingo as an example. The game has been around since the 1500s and was initially called “beano.” Despite the name change, the game’s concept hasn’t changed much since then. In the game, players would receive cards with numbers on them, and some of those numbers would be marked. A person would be in charge of the game and have a sack filled with numbers. They would randomly pull numbers out one by one.
Although today’s bingo games may involve more technology than just a sack filled with numbers, the basic rules and principles of the game have remained almost identical for centuries.
Even with the introduction of online gambling, the game has remained largely unchanged, and it has become more popular than ever before.
The Introduction of Online Bingo
Back in the day, before the internet and online gambling, people who wanted to gamble would have to go to places like casinos or other gambling spots physically. In the case of bingo, there were usually specific venues where bingo nights were held.
People would go there, buy tickets with bingo numbers, and play the game right then and there.
Bingo halls still exist today, but their popularity has decreased as more convenient ways of playing the game have emerged. According to some estimates, about 85% of bingo players now choose to play online rather than at a physical venue.
While playing online is a bit different, there are some important things that new bingo players should know before they start their first game.
There are many websites where you can play bingo and other casino games online. Each website has different games with different themes; some even offer prizes. It can be overwhelming to figure out which one to choose, especially if you’re new to online gambling and have never played bingo before.
How to Play Bingo: A Beginner’s Guide
Bingo is a very popular game that can be enjoyed by people of all ages around the world, and one of the reasons for this is that it is very simple to play. You can learn all the rules in just a few minutes, and by the end of this guide, you’ll have a good understanding of the game.
When you play bingo, you get a card with numbers on it. Someone will announce numbers; you just need to find and mark the matching ones on your card. The first person to mark all their numbers is the winner. That’s pretty much all there is to the game’s main idea.
Different types of bingo games may have variations or additional rules. So, it’s a good idea to learn more about the specific version you’ll be playing and how it’s different from the basic game.
For example, Different versions of bingo may have varying numbers of balls or numbers that can be drawn. For instance, 75-ball and 90-ball games indicate the number of possible numbers that can be called out.
This might be confusing when playing online, but these names are because the numbers used to be printed on small balls that would be drawn and announced by the game leader. Although online bingo doesn’t use physical balls, the terminology from the traditional game has carried over.
The way to win the game can also vary depending on which version you’re playing and additional factors. For instance, some games require you to cross off numbers in a single line to win, while others need you to cover all the numbers on your card and get a full house.
In some games, you can win special rewards by crossing off the numbers in a particular pattern, usually involving money. Although this wouldn’t make you the winner of the game, you can still win prizes.
There are many opportunities to win prizes while playing bingo, which is another reason the game is so well-liked.
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Rules of Playing Bingo
The rules of online bingo are generally similar to those of the traditional bingo game played in person, at least to a certain extent. First, you need to buy tickets. Usually, online tickets are less expensive than those sold in bingo halls, but this isn’t always true.
The bingo game begins when the first number is called out. If you have that number on your card, cross it out and wait for the next one. If you don’t have it, wait for the next number to be called. If you’re playing bingo online, the system usually marks the numbers for you, so you don’t need to do much.
The bingo game continues until someone wins by crossing off all their numbers, although some versions allow you to win a prize by completing a single line. In bingo, there is usually more than one prize available, and they are announced so that players know what they are playing for.
If you’re playing bingo in person at a bingo hall, the game might move quickly, so paying attention is important. If you complete your card, be sure to call out “bingo” right away to claim your prize.
If you don’t call out in time and the next number is called, you’ll miss your chance to win. This is why it’s a good idea to study your card carefully and remember which numbers you have, so you can mark them quickly and call out if you get a bingo.
Playing with multiple cards can be a bit challenging, especially when you have to check all of them between the drawing of two numbers. It might take some practice to get the hang of it.
When playing bingo online, the system will usually mark the numbers for you, making it easier to keep track of your progress.
In addition, some online platforms have features that can be helpful, such as automatically presenting the ticket with the highest chance of winning first and providing alerts when one of your cards is getting close to winning.
Different Variations of Bingo Games
We’ve talked about how there are different versions of bingo, and the main factor that sets them apart is the number of numbers used in the game.
However, other variations have emerged due to other differences in the rules.
90-ball bingo
If you opt for the 90-ball version of bingo, your ticket will have 15 numbers arranged in a 9×3 grid, and numbers between 1 and 90 will be called during the game.
In this version, you have three chances to win: by completing one horizontal line (also called a 1-line win), by completing two horizontal lines (2-line win), or by covering all the numbers on your ticket (full house win), which rewards you with the jackpot or grand prize.
75-ball bingo
75-ball bingo is another popular version where players mark off the numbers as they are called. The ticket in this game has a 5×5 grid with each column labelled by a letter to spell the word BINGO.
There is a blank space in the center of the grid, which is considered already marked. In addition to winning lines, players can also win by completing specific patterns.
These patterns are determined at the beginning of the game, and players must mark off the numbers to create a specific pattern.
80-ball bingo
The third type of bingo is called 80-ball bingo, the newest version of the game. In this version, you get a ticket with a 4×4 grid; each column is a different color.
To win, you can cross lines, create patterns, or mark all the numbers on your card.
Special bingo games
Some online bingo platforms have unique versions of the game that use symbols like emojis, balloons, or four-leaf clovers instead of traditional numbers.
Even though the rules remain the same, this adds a fresh and modern twist to the game.
Slingo
Slingo is a unique game that combines bingo and slots and is only available to play online. In this version, you’ll receive a ticket with a 5×5 grid and a row of slot reels at the bottom.
It’s a fun twist on the traditional game and has gained a lot of popularity worldwide, so you might want to try it out too.
Comparing Bingo Halls and Online Bingo: Which is Better?
To sum up, when deciding whether to play bingo online or in a bingo hall, both options have advantages and similarities. Playing online has the benefit of the system automatically marking off the numbers for you, which can be helpful if you’re playing multiple tickets.
Another benefit of playing bingo online is the convenience and availability it offers. You can easily purchase tickets from the comfort of your home and let the game run while you relax with a cup of tea or coffee.
The fun and excitement are still present, and you can still win rewards. The platforms and games are also easy to navigate and understand, making it accessible for anyone to play at any time.
Playing bingo online has the advantage of eliminating the challenge of keeping up with bingo calls. The most important thing is to sign up for a reliable and trustworthy bingo platform or online casino that offers bingo games, create an account, verify it, deposit funds, choose a bingo room, and buy tickets. It’s that simple.
For someone new to the game and playing in a bingo hall for the first time, it might be a little challenging to keep up with the calls and manage multiple tickets at once. So, starting with just one or two tickets is better until you become more comfortable with the game.
However, online bingo allows you to buy as many tickets as you want, and the system will track them. There are no restrictions on how many tickets you can purchase, except for those you set for yourself.
Where to Play Bingo Online
Here are some guides we’ve put together to help you find places to play bingo online in different countries:
