Bingo rules: Easy to learn, very exciting & different variants

Mistakenly, bingo is often referred to as the game of seniors and the elderly. The opposite is the case! This varied game of chance offers fast-paced fun at any age, whether online or offline. On verified and reputable bingo sites, people from the age of 18 can try their luck.

The rules are significantly simpler than those of many other games of chance. Once internalised, they can be applied to any other game. Tactics and strategies are not needed, as bingo is purely based on luck.

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The invention of bingo: how the game came to be

Before we dive deep into the bingo rules, let’s take a little trip down memory lane. Under the name of bingo, the game has been known since 1929, but actually the game is much older. It is believed that the game originated in Italy in the 16th century. As early as 1530, there were references to a lottery that was similar in many parts to the bingo game. But now let’s go back to modern times and the rules for bingo, which are really easy to learn.

The rules: How to play bingo?

Each bingo player receives one or more bingo cards, which they place in front of them. When playing online, the cards are displayed on the screen. The random number generator decides which numbers are drawn. At live events, the numbers are drawn manually in the form of balls while online, a technical system is responsible for this.

As soon as a number is revealed, the player can mark it on his bingo card. If he does not find a number on the card in a round, nothing happens. The game now goes on and on, numbers are drawn and marked on the card. When one of the predetermined winning combinations has been achieved, the player shouts “bingo"” or clicks on a specific symbol on his screen when playing online.

Sometimes, as a variation, the game continues after the first bingo is scored. More complex winning combinations are required. Instead of just one complete row, it is possible to play up to the complete finish of the bingo card.

What are the winning combinations in bingo?

The rules of the respective bingo game must indicate which winning combinations are possible. As a rule, a vertical, horizontal or diagonal row is a valid combination. In some variants, the game is played with Cover All. This means that a win is only triggered with a fully marked bingo card.

There is also the option for the game leader or the online provider to set their own winning combinations. These can be patterns where all four corners need to be marked or a square around the playing field must have been scored.

The different bingo variants: Bingo with 75 numbers

The best-known variation of the bingo game is bingo with 75 balls. The system got its start in the USA, which is why it is called US bingo. A bingo card for the 75-ball system consists of 25 individual boxes that have been divided into five different lines:

• Column one: numbers 1 to 15
• Column two: numbers 16 to 30
• Column three: numbers 31 to 45
• Column four: numbers 46 to 60
• Column five: numbers 61 to 75

The letters B-I-N-G-O are also written on the top of the bingo card. Numbers in the first column, from top to bottom, are assigned the letter B, numbers in the third column are assigned the letter N.

Depending on the provider, the bingo card may contain a joker field in the middle. This is considered to be already ticked and can be used for all combinations.

Bingo with 90 numbers: The British variant

In Great Britain, the game of bingo is also particularly appreciated, there are numerous clubs all over the country. However, the game variant is different, it is played with 90 balls. The game principle is similar to the American bingo style because numbers are drawn and crossed off on the bingo slip. The winner shouts “bingo” loudly so that his winnings can be claimed.

The bingo slip is structured differently, containing a total of nine columns and three rows. There are ten numbers in each column:

• Column one: numbers 1 to 10
• Column two: numbers 11 to 20
• Column three: numbers 21 to 30
• Column four: numbers 31 to 40
• Column five: numbers 41 to 50
• Column six: numbers 51 to 60
• Column seven: numbers 61 to 70
• Column eight: numbers 71 to 80
• Column nine: numbers 81 to 90

The game is not played with a single card, but with a bingo strip. Six number fields are printed on this strip, each of which receives the numbers 1 to 90 once. Whether a combination results then depends purely on luck.

The winning combinations in British Bingo

Depending on the gaming provider, different winning combinations can be set, but the most common are the following patterns.

Bingo with four corners

On a number field, the left and right numbers closest to each corner were marked.

Bingo with one line

All existing numbers in a complete row have been marked.

Bingo with two lines

Like the one-line variant, but two complete lines must be covered with numbers.

Bingo with Full House

All cards on a bingo slip were marked.

Speed and fun: Bingo requires an alert mind

Bingo is not only an exciting game, but also a fun one. Regardless of whether it is played online or offline, an alert mind is important. When the game leader reads out the numbers, it has to be quick. If the number was missed in the online game, for example, it usually cannot be marked afterwards. In the offline game, this is still possible.

With each round of numbers, the nervousness increases because the chance of winning a bingo has grown with other players. Especially when only one number is missing for a bingo, the heartbeat goes up. Will the number fall?

It is a bit embarrassing when the bingo is called without the right number being drawn. But for the most part, the game master and fellow players overlook this. In the heat of the moment, two numbers can be confused with each other.