Bingo works on a simple principle: you buy cards that are marked with numbers and then mark those that are called by the game master. Once you have completed a certain pattern, you shout “Bingo!” and win. It is this simplicity that has such a fascination for many people. This also works with online bingo, because the chat functions of the site operators make it possible to exchange information with each other.
Online Bingo
In addition to church-run bingo, bingo on television and in magazines, the game has long since made it onto the Internet. In 1996, the free casino game “Bingo Zone” is said to have laid the foundation for online bingo. Just like the dice game Craps, Bingo is initially a game for several players, but on the net you can also play it alone.
Bingo is virtually predestined for the game on the net and so it is not surprising that many online casino operators have included bingo in their offer or even developed separate online bingo sites that are dedicated exclusively to this game.
A worthwhile undertaking, because according to estimates, in 2010 worldwide (excluding the USA) more than $ 1,000 million dollars alone with online bingo have been turned over.
Just like “normal” bingo, online bingo is played with different cards, whose numbers are generated randomly. These cards are of course not in the player’s hand, but virtually on the screen in front of him.
There are no limits to the possibilities on the Internet, the number and appearance of available cards is very diverse. From simple patterns to thematic cards with sophisticated patterns, there is everything the player’s heart desires.
It is significant that especially women are interested in online bingo, they have long since overtaken men in this form of gambling.
The nice thing about online bingo, apart from the loving design and beautiful design ideas, is above all the functions that are only available in online bingo. For example, players can have the numbers called out automatically marked. Most online bingo sites also have a card sorting function. This means that the best cards, i.e. those closest to a win, are displayed at the top or highlighted.
This automation allows players to enjoy the social aspects of the game without missing out on a win: chatting with members. This not only congratulates the members on their winnings, but also allows them to play games that are integrated into the chat while the actual bingo game is running automatically.
Bingo rules
Before you start to play, you should read a little about the bingo you are going to play. This includes finding out how much the cards cost, what discounts are available, and what the odds are.
Sometimes, besides simply stamping the numbers on the card, there are prizes for different combinations, number of rows or patterns on the card.
These include horizontal and diagonal lines, the fully covered card (Blackout Bingo), but also unusual patterns such as Railroad, Asterisk, Bow Tie, etc.
Once you have gathered all the important information, you can buy your cards. On it is printed a series of numbers that you must always keep an eye on. Now the game master randomly draws balls from a spinning drum with numbers printed on them, just like in the lottery. This number is called out.
If you have this number on your card, you have to mark the field with a colour stamp or a stone. The numbers drawn are not reused in the next draws, so each number only occurs once per round.
Once a player has marked all the numbers on his card or filled in a given pattern, he shouts “Bingo!” loud and clear. The ticket is then immediately checked and the winnings paid out. Only then does the next round begin.
Bingo variants
In bingo, there are four different main variants that are played around the world. Of these, 75-Ball and 90-Ball Bingo are the most played.
75-Ball
In North America, 75-ball bingo is commonly played. A 5×5 card is used with one free field, so there are 24 number fields. The patterns of 75-ball bingo vary greatly. This can range from a single row to complicated patterns.
But the basic principle is always the same: to achieve the desired pattern, the corresponding numbers must be marked. The free field “FREE” can be included.
90-Ball
In large parts of Europe, Australia and South America, 90-ball bingo is played with a 9×3 card. Here each card has three horizontal rows and nine columns. In each of the rows are five numbers, so cells remain empty. So a card contains a total of 15 numbers.
The first column contains the numbers 1 to 9, the second column the numbers 10 to 19, the third column the numbers 20-29 – and so on until the last column with the numbers 80-90. This form of bingo is usually played in three steps: There must be one row, then two rows and then full house. In the first case, one row of a card must be full, i.e. five numbers must be covered. In the second case there must be two rows and in the third case all three rows of a card must be filled in.
30-Ball
The two variants mentioned are usually present in all online bingo rooms. However, there is also 30-ball bingo, which is played with a 3×3 card. You can also recognize the 30-ball variant by the fact that there is no empty field in the middle. This fast bingo is mainly used in “Speed Bingo” games. In “Speed Bingo” games, the numbers are called faster than usual. The winner is the first player to fill in all nine numbers on their card.
80-Ball
Last but not least there is also the 80-ball bingo. It’s kind of a mix of the rules of 75-ball and 90-ball bingo. The 4×4 card used in 80-ball bingo contains 16 numbers. There are many ways to win in this form of bingo. Getting the “row” full, however, is usually always included. In addition, there are often corners, multiple rows, etc.
Bingo strategy and tips for beginners
Even with an 11% house advantage, there are still chances for the player to get a theoretical advantage in bingo over the casino.
The evaluation of the cards bought is crucial: which cards should you buy, when should you buy them and where should you play?
Bingo Odds
Calculating the probabilities of winning at bingo is theoretically very simple. The number of cards you play divided by the absolute number of cards in the game.
So if there are 100 cards in the game, and you have four cards of your own, the chances are 4%. The trick is to know how many cards are in play.
However, these probabilities are not valid for the progressive jackpot. In most progressive games there is no guaranteed winner. Therefore, the probability of winning a Prog Jackpot is more dependent on the difficulty of the patterns. The probabilities are so steep in most games that it sometimes takes weeks or months for someone to win.
Everyone also wants to know: What is the most common number? The answer is simple. No single ball has a higher probability of appearing in a game than another (as long as the machines and balls are produced correctly).
Bingo cards
It is a good idea to buy many cards for one game instead of playing with only one in many games. Of course, you have to spend a lot of money in a single game, but you optimize your chances of being the first with a bingo. If the price or the proceeds are high, you should follow this rule.
Basically you have to say: the player should buy the right kind of card. You can never tell exactly what the “right” card is. It always depends on the location of the game and the session. For most games the big rainbow packs are recommended. In games where you are aiming for a huge jackpot that does not reward the premium cards, the cheapest cards should be the best bet.
Bingo offers
One must always consider the advantages of offers and discounts. There are countless packages that a player can buy that include multiple cards at lower prices. This is much cheaper than buying cards individually in small packages.
For example, one could also neglect the Rainbow packages and instead focus on large quantities of the lowest cards. In many casinos you can get about two more for free if you buy two packages.
Bingo playing field
You should choose a room with few other players. The calculation is simple:
the fewer players (i.e. fewer cards used), the greater the chances of winning.
However, the games in which few players participate are usually the ones with the worse winnings. So you have to weigh up: better chances and worse winnings, or better winnings and worse chances?
In some bingo halls, the winnings depend on the number of players. Of course, you never know how many are actually in the game, but the more often and the longer you play bingo, the sooner you will be able to estimate how many are playing.
Here are some hints on how to get closest to this number:
- How many people are in the game?
- You should listen to what other players are buying while you wait in line. You can take a look at the players’ receipts to see how many packages they have bought.
- You should always write down how much you have spent and how much you win per session, per day and per casino.
- If you are about to win but don’t get it, most bingo machines make a sound. If you hear many of these sounds, the competition is usually high.
Also, play at certain times, such as in the morning on weekdays. At this time the number of participants is very low. So avoid playing at peak times, such as weekends, holidays or even in the evening.
By the way, you should play when the Cash Ball Jackpot is low. The bigger the Cash Ball Jackpot is, the more competition you will have. However, you will get more value if the Cash Ball Jackpot is as low as possible.
Which casinos offer bingo and what current bonuses and events are available, you will find in our Live Casino Test.