Bingo is a fun game of chance that anyone can play. The game is played on a scorecard that’s made up of 25 squares — if you get 5 squares in a row, you win!
Each Bingo card consists of 24 random numbers and is made up of 5 rows, and 5 columns. When each game starts, random numbers are called, and players are required to fill/daub in their cards with the correct corresponding numbers. Once a card has been filled with a winning pattern (a line, 4 corners, etc), Bingo’s are called until the round is complete.
GUIDE FOR BEGINNERS:
Although tambola is the most popular bingo-type game in India, online bingo games are often more based on the North American version of bingo. Fortunately, almost all variants of bingo share the exact same gameplay. The main differences between them are the number of balls used and the format of the bingo card.
Regardless of variant, all bingo games share the same common features and gameplay. A basic step-by-step guide to a game of bingo would look like this:
Step 1: Buy your bingo cards
In modern online bingo, you can purchase multiple bingo cards at once. Rather than
crossing off the numbers yourself, this will be done automatically. So you can easily
play multiple cards at once!
Step 2: The Caller chooses numbers
The (digital) bingo caller will then start to randomly choose numbers. In most versions of online bingo, this will be done by a random number generator, an algorithm that ensures a fair game. In live dealer bingo, this will be done by a real, live dealer who announces the numbers on a screen.
Step 3: Cross numbers off your card
The next step requires patience! You need to carefully listen to the numbers as they are announced and watch as they are crossed off of your card. The game interface will help to show you potential winning patterns as you approach them.
Step 4: Winner!
The player, or players, who achieve a winning pattern can declare bingo! If they do indeed have a winning pattern, they will win the prize. It’s really that simple to learn how to play bingo online!
BINGO VARIANTS:
Although the basic premise of online bingo remains the same most of the time, there are different games that have subtle variations in the rules. It’s important that players are able to distinguish between various game styles, and have a firm grasp of the rules of any game where they are betting.
The main types of game are:
- 90 ball bingo (British)
- 75 ball bingo (American)
British Bingo (90 Ball)
Bingo has been something of a British national pastime since the 1960’s. Most cities are home to several huge bingo halls where hundreds of players can play at once.
British bingo features 90 balls and the card is arranged in a 3×9 grid.
Unlike in American bingo, each horizontal row on a British card features five numbers and four free spaces. Each column has at least one number.
Traditionally, British bingo cards were sold in strips of six. This ensured that all 90 numbers were on the strip and you were guaranteed to mark off a number with every call.
British 90 ball bingo is the main variant found throughout the Commonwealth. It’s particularly popular in Australia and New Zealand where the game is called ‘Housie’.
In order to win in British 90 ball bingo, you will need to achieve one of the following patterns:
- Line: Cover all numbers on one horizontal line.
- Two Line: Cover all numbers on two horizontal lines.
- Full House: Cover all numbers on your card. This normally comes with a jackpot!
American Bingo (75 Ball)
Incredibly popular online, 75 ball game originated in the United States in the 1920’s.
This variant of bingo features only 75 balls and the card is arranged on a 5×5 grid.
The card has 24 numbers while the centre space is a ‘free’ space, which is considered to already have been covered.
In order to win the American 75 ball game, you will need to achieve one of the following patterns:
- Coverall: Cover all 24 numbers on the card.
- Horizontal: Cover all 5 numbers in a horizontal line.
- Vertical: Cover all 5 numbers in a vertical line.
- Diagonal: Cover all 5 numbers in a diagonal line.
Tambola (90 Ball)
Tambola is a 90 ball game which is incredibly popular in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
Generally speaking, it follows the same gameplay as British bingo. Tambola features 90 balls and the bingo card is arranged in a 3×9 grid.
In order to win in Tambola, you will need to achieve one of the following patterns:
- First 5: Cover all numbers on one horizontal line.
- Full House: Cover all numbers on your card. This normally comes with a jackpot!
TIPS AND STRATEGY
Set a Budget:
Perhaps the most important thing players need to remember is to set a BUDGET and stick to it. Not only is this rule number one of GOOD STRATEGY but it also helps players to only risk what they can afford to lose.
Keeping within a budget helps to keep online bingo fun to play, and ultimately, that’s what it’s about.
Read the Rules:
It seems like obvious advice but it can be all too tempting to just start playing without having taken the time to get to know the rules. Each game and company will have their own set of rules, in terms of gameplay, cashiers, cashing out and more.
Players need to be familiar with all the rules before they place any bets. Again, it’s all part of a comprehensive plan.
Know when to Take a Break
As is pointed out above, online bingo is supposed to be enjoyable but it is possible to get drawn into the game for long stretches. This is when bad decisions are made and players can lose money.
Players are advised to:
- Take regular breaks away from the game
- Clear their mind with another activity
- Reconsider and evaluate their strategy
- Remember not to over commit
- It’s important to play online with a clear head and focus.
- Play at Different Times of day
There are naturally some times of day when more players will be online. The after-work period or early evening is naturally a busy period, as people are unwinding and relaxing. Other busy periods include lunch hours and weekends. When more players are online, the odds of winning go up. Players should try to vary their gameplay, going online at different times of day. There might not be one time of day that gives players the best odds, but variation allows them to spread their chances.
Choose Bigger Jackpots:
Playing games with bigger jackpots increases a player’s chances of winning big. Big jackpot games and progressive jackpots are more popular, with more players, but with substantial prizes available. This is where the big money is won.
Bingo Maths: Tippett and Granville
Online bingo may be a game of chance, but as with all probability, knowing the theory can help to improve your odds. There are two major and significant theories, developed independently by J.E Granville, an analyst in the financial world, and L.H.C Tippett.
Granville’s system encourages players to choose a card that is evenly spread and symmetrical. This means:
- A balance of even and odd balls
- A balance of high and low balls
- The same quantity of numbers ending in 1,2,3,4 and so on
This is because in a probability game there will eventually be an even distribution of odd and even, high and low and ending digit numbers. Tippett’s system is based around the 75 ball game. He says that you should have the greatest share of your numbers possible around the median, being 38 in this game. The more the game goes on, the more chances the numbers drawn will be closer to this median. Both systems have their advocates but neither has been proven to be 100% successful.