How to Play Bingo
In the last few years, online bingo has become increasingly popular across the world, especially in the United Kingdom. The joy and satisfaction of playing this traditional lottery game involving a set of numbers and winning grand prizes attracts millions of players every year. With the ever expanding reach of the internet, online bingo has become highly accessible now, making it a favourite pastime for most players.
If you are new to this game and wondering how to play bingo, then our detailed guide is the best place for you to get started. From understanding the basic rules to developing advanced strategies to win big, here’s everything you need to know about how to play bingo online.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Play Bingo Online
Although bingo is a stimulating and simple game, there are many variants with different rules which can make it a bit complicated for beginners. While the basic principles of the game are the same in almost all variants, increasing your success rate requires you to understand the nitty-gritty of this lottery game.
So here is a detailed step-by-step guide on how to play bingo UK:
Step 1: Find the Right Online Casino
As online Bingo is a lottery game, the first step requires you to choose a legal and verifiable online casino that allows you to play bingo. To select the right bingo website, find online platforms that are reliable, reputed, user-friendly, easily accessible, and offer different variations of the game, such as 75 ball, 80 ball, and 90 ball bingo. Here at Gambling Zone, we have a list of the best bingo casinos in the UK for you to choose from.
Step 2: Sign Up to Create Your Profile
When you have chosen the right online casino, register with the website and create your account on the online platform. This may require you to confirm your identity by providing necessary personal information and by agreeing to the terms and conditions of the platform.
Step 3: Deposit Funds to Place Bets
Once you have created your account, you will need to deposit money into your account to play bingo online. Generally, most reputed online casinos allow you to deposit funds through different payment methods, such as e-wallets, UPI, and debit cards or credit cards. Once you have completed this step, you will be able to play bingo by placing bets. However, you need to check for any deposit bonus that the website may offer.
Step 4: Select Your Preferred Game
Now that you have deposited funds and received your deposit bonus, you are ready to play the game. However, you will need to sort through the different bingo variations available on the site and choose a game that appeals to you and suits your gaming preferences. It is crucial that you carefully select the right variation as each game will have a unique set of rules and reward schemes.
Step 5: Buy Bingo Cards & Start Playing
After you have selected your preferred online bingo game, you will need to buy your own bingo cards with numbers. When the numbers are announced, all you need to do is daub or mark off the numbers on the card. If you are able to successfully complete the required winning pattern (for instance a full house or a line), make sure to promptly shout out "Bingo!", as this declares that you have won. Now simply confirm your win and claim your prize.
Recommended Sites to Play Online Bingo
Selecting the right online platform is perhaps the most important step to having a satisfying and rewarding experience when playing bingo on the internet. Different websites offer different variations of the game, with unique features, prize structures, and benefits.
Here are some of the best bingo sites for playing bingo online in the UK:
Slingo Casino
Get 50 Free Bingo Tickets
+ 50 Free Spins on Starburst
Mecca Bingo
Get a £40 Bingo Bonus
50 Free Spins
+ a £20 Voucher to spend in Club
Spin Genie
New Player Offer
100% up to £100
+ 65 Spins on Book of Dead
Popular Types of Online Bingo Cards
When you learn how to play bingo online, the first thing you will notice is the different variations of the game on offer. Each type of bingo card has different rules and regulations and offers unique gameplay. That is why it is so important to explore and understand the different bingo variations. It can help you increase your chances of winning and make sure that you get to have a positive experience.
Here are some of the most popular variations of online bingo cards:
90 Ball Bingo
This is perhaps the most renowned and celebrated variation of bingo, particularly in the UK. 90 Ball Bingo is typically played on a 3x9 grid with 15 numbers, and you need to focus on completing a full house, two lines, or even one line pattern.
About 90 Ball Bingo >80 Ball Bingo
This format has a 4x4 grid and your objective is to win by completing whatever pattern you can. You will have higher chances of winning 80 Ball Bingo as the rules are more flexible and adaptable.
About 80 Ball Bingo >75 Ball Bingo
In this bingo variation, you will have to use a 5x5 grid, but the centre square is usually free. 75 Ball Bingo requires you to develop a strategy in order to win, as a particular pattern needs to be completed on your card.
About 75 Ball Bingo >50 Ball Bingo
The 50 Ball Bingo is perhaps the fastest version of online bingo as it uses a 5x2 grid. It is a gripping and quick game. This variation is most suitable for players who want to have an energetic and action-packed gaming experience.
About 50 Ball Bingo >40 Ball Bingo
This version of online bingo is also fast-paced as it has a 4x10 grid, resulting in quicker and more wins. The rules are similar to the 90 Ball Bingo game as the numbers on the card are marked off when they match the numbers announced.
About 40 Ball Bingo >30 Ball Bingo
Also known as speed bingo, this version features a 3x3 grid and you will enjoy it most if you want to have a faster experience and win quickly. In 30 Ball Bingo, the numbers range from 1 to 30 and you can mark them off on your card as they are announced. The goal is to win by attaining the winning combination.
About 30 Ball Bingo >Special Bingo Variations
Apart from the popular types of bingo cards mentioned above, this traditional lottery game includes many other special variations that make it even more intriguing and creative with their own sets of rules and mechanics for winning.
Here are some of the special bingo variations that you should know about:
Flash Fives (52-5 Bingo)
52-5 bingo or Flash Fives is a comparatively new variation of the classic version. It is played using playing cards instead of numbered bingo balls. Your aim is to finish a line of five numbers and the first person to get 5 playing cards on their ticket becomes the winner.
U-Pick'Em Bingo
This variation of bingo allows you to make the game more customised by letting you choose your lucky numbers. Instead of luck, U-Pick'Em Bingo is based more on strategic planning. Most players typically tend to pick their lucky numbers every time they play this variation.
Blackout Bingo
This is perhaps the most challenging bingo game as you need to cover every spot on your card to win, instead of simply completing a finished line. Blackout Bingo is one of the most popular online bingo variants.
Progressive Bingo
In this variation, the gameplay includes a jackpot which grows in value with each new player joining in. If no one wins the number of balls called out, the prize amount of the jackpot is usually carried over to the next game.
Bingo Bonanza
This bingo variation includes multiple surprising elements from different bingo variations, making the gameplay very engaging for the players, like you. In Bingo Bonanza, the last card of the player marks a corresponding space on their card.
Death Bingo
Death Bingo is a fun and enjoyable game where the bingo cards include euphemisms related to death. In this version, you should avoid certain numbers and strategise carefully in order to win. Compared with others, this game can be pretty suspenseful.
Quickie Bingo
In this fast-paced variation, faster rounds are played with fewer numbers and demand your undivided attention. The lightning-fast pace of the game is ideal for players with the quickest reaction times and is perfect for making parties fun.
Shotgun Bingo
Shotgun Bingo is another fast-paced version where numbers are called out in rapid succession. This game tests your speed, alertness, and concentration as you need to mark your bingo cards quickly. This rapid-fire variation is very enjoyable and is perfect for ice-breaking sessions.
The Bingo Game Patterns
The different configurations, shapes, and patterns—such as straight lines, intricate forms, or crosses—that one needs to complete to win the game are known as bingo game patterns. Of course, knowing and understanding the different bingo patterns is the #1 prerequisite for winning the game and, more importantly, the prize.
Also, keep in mind that different bingo variations are likely to have different patterns and requirements.
The Bingo Calls
The numbers that are drawn and called out during the game are referred to as bingo calls. Typically, in a traditional bingo game played in a hall, such numbers are announced by a designated caller. This is why it is known as a bingo call.
Every number often has a different call, related to cultural references or humorous phrases.
Online Bingo Rules
While it is true that playing online bingo is most definitely an amusing experience for most players, it can get pretty stressful for many, especially if you are just getting started.
That is why learning how to play bingo and being aware of the rules is so important if you want to have a stress-free experience. With that in mind, here is a quick look at some of the basic and most important online bingo rules:
The Cards
Every bingo player is handed a particular set of cards that features a series of numbers. The players need to mark their cards every time a number is announced.
The Numbers
The numbers that are called out during the gameplay are randomly drawn either by a designated caller or by an automated device. You must be alert and fully attentive when the numbers are announced so that you can mark your bingo cards promptly and accurately.
Daubing
The process of marking the called out numbers off on the bingo card is known as daubing. When playing bingo, you need to make sure that you properly daub the called out numbers so that you don’t miss out on any important numbers. This is pretty much the only thing you need to do in bingo to win.
Calling Bingo
Once you completely mark off a winning pattern, the game rules require you to shout out "Bingo!" to announce that you have won the prize. This being the most fun part for many, keep in mind that a winner needs to promptly claim their win, otherwise they may miss out on the prize if they delay!
Online Bingo vs. Traditional Bingo
While both the traditional and online variants are similar, in online bingo, you do not need to be physically present to play the game. Instead of going to a bingo hall, you can simply log in to an online casino site and start playing in a virtual room from their laptop or even their smartphone.
Moreover, there are several advantages to playing bingo online, such as instant accessibility, convenience, multiple variations, deposit bonuses, etc. You can enjoy the game any time they want and from anywhere, including their bedroom.
And it is precisely due to these benefits that more and more people are flocking to online bingo platforms instead of getting their friends and family together for a round of traditional bingo—which can be a cumbersome task to pull off.
Tips for Playing Bingo
We have put together the best tips and tricks for playing bingo like a pro! Follow these and with a little luck, you will be on your way to winning rounds much more successfully.
Pick the Right Cards
Wisely choose the best combination of cards to make sure that you have the highest chance of winning. As a rule of thumb, make sure to pick more cards as it will greatly increase your likelihood of winning.
Avoid Peak Hours
If you are a beginner, then it is advisable that you start playing online bingo in off-peak hours as there will be fewer players, which means less competition for the winning prize.
Be Alert, Attentive, and Focused
While bingo is a fun and enjoyable game that can be played by anyone, many forget that you need to stay focused and pay attention to the numbers being announced. The casual nature of the game throws many off. Never forget—if you want to win, be prepared to daub promptly when the numbers are called out, and make sure that you do not miss out on any number.
Use Bonuses to Your Advantage
As most online casinos offer various types of bonuses and offers, it is best to compare these offers and see which ones apply to the bingo games on offer. Then, using these bonus funds that have friendly terms and wagering limits, you can boost your bankroll. As a new player, this can help you cut your losses, play and learn for longer, or recoup some of the losses you make without having to top up more cash.
