All About Online Bingo Games
If you have never played bingo before, there’s nothing to worry about. Bingo
is one of the simplest forms of gambling, and the rules are very easy to learn.
What can be difficult is choosing which type of bingo to play, as there are
quite a few different ones to choose from. We try to make that decision easier
for you by providing all the information you need to know about each type of
bingo.
Standard Bingo Games
The games listed here can be found at most online bingo sites. 75-ball and
90-ball bingo have been around for centuries and are still played at bingo halls
across the globe. 30-ball and 80-ball bingo are relatively new games that are
almost exclusively found online.
30-Ball Bingo
This is a simplified version of bingo that’s played on a 3-by-3 grid with 30
balls. Each bingo card has 9 random numbers on it, ranging from 1 to 30. Marking
your cards is easy, as each column contains a set of number values.
- 1st column: 1-10
- 2nd column: 11-20
- 3rd column: 21-30
There’s only one way to win this game; you have to fill up your entire card.
This is a very fast-paced game that typically is done in a matter of minutes.
That’s why many people call it speed bingo.
75-Ball Bingo
This version of bingo is popular all over the world, but it originated in the
United States. It is played on a 5-by-5 grid. Each bingo card has 24 numbers on
it, as the center of the card contains a free space. Like with most variations
of bingo, each column contains a set of number values. Each column is also
associated with a specific letter of B-I-N-G-O.
- 1st column (B): 1-15
- 2nd column (I): 16-30
- 3rd column (N): 31-45
- 4th column (G): 46-60
- 5th column (O): 61-75
There are numerous ways to win this type of bingo. Exactly how you can win
will depend on what bingo site you are using. There is usually a list of
predetermined patterns that are accepted to win a prize. Some patterns are as
simple as completing a line or getting all 4 corners, while others are much more
complicated.
80-Ball Bingo
What many people don’t know is that 80-ball bingo was created specifically to
be played online, which is why most online bingo sites offer it. This version of
bingo is played on a 4-by-4 grid with no free spaces. Each column can hold these
specific ranges of numbers.
- 1st column: 1-20
- 2nd column: 21-40
- 3rd column: 41-60
- 4th column: 61-80
There are multiple ways to win 80-ball bingo. The most standard way is to
complete either a horizontal, vertical, or diagonal line. Sites will also have
unique patterns that they will accept for prizes. This is generally a pretty
fast-paced game that keeps you on the edge of your seat. This game only becomes
time consuming if you are playing for a full house or until all the numbers on
your card are marked off.
90-Ball Bingo
This version of bingo, also known as “Housie,” is most popular in the UK and
other parts of Eastern Europe. It is played on a 3-by-9 grid, meaning there are
3 rows and 9 columns. Each row contains 5 numbers and 4 empty spaces. All 9
columns have a set of number values.
- 1st column: 1-9
- 2nd column: 10-19
- 3rd column: 20-29
- 4th column: 30-39
- 5th column: 40-49
- 6th column: 50-59
- 7th column: 60-69
- 8th column: 70-79
- 9th column: 80-90
There are only 3 ways to win this type of bingo. An award is granted to the
first player who marks all their numbers from any one row, the first player who
marks all their numbers from any two rows, and the first player who is able to
cover all the numbers on all three rows. Players are permitted to win more than
one prize per game at most sites.
More Obscure Bingo Games
As online bingo has increased in popularity over the years, we have started
to see new variations of bingo emerge. So, don’t be surprised if you see a type
of bingo on our list that you have never heard of before. These games won’t be
available everywhere, but they are worth checking out if you happen to come
across them.
Death Bingo
Death Bingo may be the only variation of bingo where you actually don’t want
your numbers to be drawn. If you get a bingo, you are eliminated from the game.
The last person standing, or the one person who avoids getting a bingo, goes
home the winner. Another way this game is played is by rewarding the player with
the highest number of free spaces immediately after a bingo is called.
Horse Racing Bingo
If you love horse racing and bingo, then this type of bingo is going to be
perfect for you. It combines the fun of bingo with the excitement of watching
horse racing. This type of bingo can only be played while a horse race is taking
place.
A horse racing bingo card has no numbers on it. Instead, in each space, there
will be a horse-racing scenario written on it. If that horse-racing scenario
occurs, you can mark off your card. You just need to complete a vertical,
horizontal, or diagonal line to win.
Joker Jackpot Bingo
What makes this version of bingo different from the rest is that it is played
with cards instead of balls. It is played on a grid that consists of 3 rows and
3 columns. Any card in a standard 52-card deck can appear on your grid, along
with the 2 jokers. As the cards are flipped over, you can mark them off your
grid.
Winning this variant of bingo is a little tricky. Your marked-off cards
either have to form a J pattern or you have to mark off all your cards in less
than 16 turns. Only try this type of bingo if you are up for the challenge.
Auto-Play
Many online bingo games come with what is called an auto-play option. Playing
bingo no longer has to take up hours of your time. On auto-play, the computer
will cross off the numbers on your card for you. It will continue playing for a
predetermined number of games that you choose before it starts.
Some say that this feature can take away from the anticipation and excitement
of playing bingo, whereas others say it allows them to step away from their
computer and get something accomplished while getting to play bingo at the same
time.
How you view the auto-play option is totally up to you. Remember: you
don’t have to use it!
Best Sites to Play Bingo Games
Now that we have told you about the different options you have when it comes
to online bingo games, you must be wondering what sites you should play them at.
That’s why we have developed a list of recommended bingo sites. How do we decide
which sites to put on our list? Let us show you.
Our first step is to check if a site is properly licensed. We then scroll
through various forums to see if there are any reported cases of players not
receiving their winnings. If there is any reason for us to believe a site cannot
be trusted, we don’t recommend them.
If they are reputable, we then check out the quality of games they have on
offer. We want to make sure the bingo games they have contain high-quality
graphics and sound effects. We also want to make sure the site has a good
selection of games available. We don’t want you to be limited to having to
choose from just one or two types of bingo, especially now that you see how many
other types of bingo are available. Other things we consider when deciding which
sites to recommend are their banking options, their quality of customer service,
and what bonuses and rewards they have on offer.
Our hope is that you can have the best online gaming experience possible. So,
without further ado, here is our list of recommended bingo sites.
- Bet365 Bingo
- Downtown Bingo
- William Hill Bingo
Still hesitant about playing bingo online? Don’t be. Online bingo provides
you the chance to enjoy bingo at your convenience. Instead of having to wait
around for a specific night of the week to play bingo at your local community
center, you can play bingo any time of the day or night. Don’t worry about
losing out on the social aspect of bingo, either, as you can utilize your site’s
chat function to connect with people from all over the world. In our opinion,
playing online can be just as fun as playing in person.
Wrap-Up
There are a variety of different types of online bingo games to choose from.
All of them come with their own, unique set of rules. Knowing the difference
between each type will help you decide which ones will best meet your gaming
needs. Remember: choosing a trustworthy and reputable site is the key to having
a successful gaming experience. Check out our list of recommendations and start
playing!