Bingo’s Main Rules: Simplicity at Its Finest
Online Bingo usually follows the traditional gameplay format of its land-based counterpart.
Once you enter an online Bingo game, you will receive at least one ticket (depending on the game’s format).
During a round of Bingo, numbers will be drawn at random.
The task is to mark the drawn numbers on your bingo ticket. The computer will draw the numbers and mark them off automatically if any of them matches the numbers on the ticket.
To win a round, the marked numbers must form a certain pattern on your ticket.
Depending on your choice, you can fill out simple patterns, but there are also a couple of more complex and equally interesting patterns.
Typical Bingo Patterns
There are around six main types of patterns in Bingo that you get the chance to play with.
Lines. Winning with a line is the most widespread pattern that pays out in online bingo, be it vertical, horizontal, or diagonal.
- T’s. When you mark all the numbers on the top row and middle row, you’ve got yourself a winning T in bingo. It is also possible to succeed with T’s in other positions on the card, which are known as crazy T’s.
- U’s. The second most popular letter that will earn you a prize in bingo is the U. To achieve this formation, you will need to mark off the left, right, and bottom of the card by daubing the squares that connect them as well.
- Square. As the name implies, square bingo occurs when all sides of the card are marked off and form the shape of the sheet itself.
- Diamond. The diamond can be achieved in two ways. The little diamond occurs when you mark off the squares surrounding the free space in a diamond shape. The big diamond encompasses the edges of the entire card.
- Blackout. When you manage to mark off every single tile off of a bingo card, you’ve got yourself a blackout bingo. This is simpler to achieve in 30-ball bingo, but it will earn you a substantial payout in more complex variants of the game.
Online Bingo? Land-based Bingo? Here’s What to Think of
When it comes to bingo games and their format, both online and physical have their advantages.
Now, I won’t really say there are disadvantages, mainly because online or physical is a matter of taste and preferences.
So, to help you with your decision, here’s a couple of factors to consider;
Online Bingo | Land-based Bingo |
You can play from anywhere, anytime, and interact with a global community through chat rooms. | Bingo halls have that unique atmosphere and electric vibes where you get to feel the excitement as the voice of the caller announces the lucky numbers. However, you still need to be comfortable with things such as transportation and availability |
Whether you're into 75-ball, 90-ball, or even themed bingo games, online platforms have you covered. You can switch between different rooms and styles with ease. There’s a lot to try in online bingo. | Traditional bingo halls often offer limited game variations and ticket prices. You would perhaps need to travel to find the hall that suits your preferences. |
The auto-daub feature takes away fear of missing a number in the digital world. Numbers are automatically marked off your cards as they're called, ensuring you never miss a potential win. | In the traditional setup, you need to stay attentive and mark off numbers manually. Missing a number could mean missing a win. |
Popular Online Bingo Formats
Bingo is an extremely simple game that has retained its popularity worldwide. Different formats only add to the thrill of winning.
But, to know what you are doing and how to enjoy the game properly, you need to know a few things about different types of bingo games.
There are 4 main variations of online bingo to keep an eye out for if you’re trying to get into the game:
- 30-Ball Bingo
Known as speed bingo in the enthusiast circles, 30-ball bingo utilizes a 3x3 card with numbers ranging from 1 to 30. This makes it the quickest and easiest to play variation. - 75-Ball Bingo
Popular in the United States and Canada, 75-ball bingo is played with a 5x5 grid that contains numbers from 1 to 75, as well as a free space in the middle. - 80-Ball Bingo
The most widespread online casino bingo layout is 80-ball bingo with its 4x4 square grid. The numbers marked on it range from 1 to 80. - 90-Ball Bingo
In Europe and Australia, 90-ball bingo is the most prominent type of bingo enjoyed by casino players. Its card consists of 9 columns across three rows that contain numbers 1 through 90.
About Odds and House Edge in Bingo
When it comes to lottery games, it’s essential to remember that they rely heavily on the element of chance.
There are some tips, tricks, and strategies to increase your winning chances.
But keep in mind that you should always play responsibly, especially when you are going for real money bingo casinos.
In online bingo, the odds are influenced by the number of cards you are currently playing. Usually, the more cards you are playing, the higher your chances to win.
However, since Bingo relies on chance, it's essential to remember that every card has an equal probability of winning, regardless of the number of cards a player holds.
Unlike casino games such as slots or blackjack, Bingo is not structured to have a traditional "house edge" in the same sense.
The operator (the bingo hall or online platform) generates revenue from ticket sales, and the prizes are paid out from a portion of those sales.
The house doesn't directly profit from players' wins or losses; their income comes from the overall ticket sales minus the prizes awarded.
Essential Tips and Tricks for Playing Real Money Bingo
Online bingo for real money can be quite a show, as the game is fast, simple, affordable and fun. To better understand the game’s inner workings and increase your winning odds, I would recommend treating online bingo with a sprinkle of cautiousness, responsibility, and cleverness.
First, Set Up Your Playground
And by that, I mean you should create the perfect bingo plan through some simple tricks:
Play when fewer players are online
Unlike progressive slots where the jackpot increases the more players spin the reels on a game, this does not influence the payout one bit in bingo. Therefore, it is a wise approach to enter a game session when fewer punters are competing for a prize. This will maximize your chances of winning.
Invest in multiple cards
Statistically speaking, the more cards you have on hand, the higher your chances of winning actually are. However, you need to keep in mind that this requires more alertness on your part, as you will have to keep track of multiple number sequences at once.
Learn About Bingo Strategies
Different strategies and systems allow you to better understand bingo drawing patterns, as well as how to adapt for the pattern of the card you are receiving. It is useful to do some research on these before jumping into any real money online bingo game.
Recommendation
Check out our complete bingo guide to get the full picture of what makes bingo so entertaining and how to quickly get good at it.
Here are two examples of strategies you can keep in mind when playing at bingo casinos:
The Granville Strategy
A popular bingo strategy, the Granville approach preaches that draws usually have an equal or at least a balanced amount of high and low numbers on a card, as well as an equal or balanced amount of even and odd numbers.
In addition to this, results generally have the same amount of numbers ending in 1 through 9.
The Tippett Strategy
British statistician Leonard Henry Caleb Tippett created a strategy that aims to improve a player’s odds at bingo.
It revolves around the notion that a short 75-ball bingo game will result in draws that are closer to 1 and 75, while longer games tend to stick around a medium of 38 as far as the numbers on the selected balls are concerned.
Play at trusted casinos only
This should go without saying, but it’s always recommended to invest your money into online gambling websites with a reputable track record of respecting their customers.
Which brings us to the next section about choosing the right UK bingo casino for you.
How to Choose a Good and Reliable UK Bingo Casino
Playing bingo online for money is a wonderful experience, as long as you know how and where to do it.
Besides being responsible enough not to go over your head and gamble impulsively, there are also a few steps you can take to ensure your stay is pleasant and fruitful.
This implies conducting a bit of research and finding the right casino for your needs. Remember that there is no such thing as the best bingo casinos. It’s all about convenience and fairness.
Don’t worry, though; it’s quite simple, but you need to pay attention!
First, Proper Licences and Audits
British players have found an amazing ally in the UK Gambling Commission. This is the regulatory body that exists to protect you, the player, and ensure fair and transparent gaming in the United Kingdom.
Therefore, it is important to select only UKGC-approved online casinos.
The reason is simple: these have been verified and approved by the regulatory body. Similarly, proper audits ensure the casino games are not rigged or tampered with in any way.
Always search for these seals of approvals and you will be on the safe side!
Engage With Gambling Communities and Reviews for Honest Feedback
Nothing speaks louder than the words of a fellow gamer.
Take some time to read through unbiased, player-written reviews, because they will give you an unfettered look at what’s okay and what’s not okay about a bingo casino.
Engage in discussions, connect with other players, and also inspect the ratings. Obviously, if a casino has a lousy two-star rating, it’s not a good choice for any of us.
Never skip terms and conditions
T&Cs are the backbone of virtually everything. Yes, you could skip them when running your WinRar trial, but please don’t skip them when it comes to casinos.
T&Cs contain essential information about a casino, how it operates, and what are its specific requirements and conditions. Every British player should be aware of these and study them carefully.
Should You Play Bingo Online For Real Money?
Honestly, I like relaxing games that don’t really have me do too much but have a minimum attention span and sense of responsibility.
Online bingo is one of those games that let you kick back and relax with a wide range of themes and formats. Alongside cool features like the auto-doub and a general low-bet type of game, playing a ticket or two never hurt anybody.
Interestingly enough, just like Keno, Bingo often comes with amazing prizes and competitions, so it’s a nice opportunity to make a little bit of money every now and then.
The core idea is to do it in moderation and never chew more than you can bite.
If you’re getting bored or stuck in a loop, that’s fine, just redirect your attention toward something else and come back later. There’s more to life than just clicking and betting.
How to Start Playing Real Money Bingo in the UK
So, you’ve made up your mind, found a licenced and reliable platform that accepts players from the UK and are ready to start marking off numbers.
Here’s how to kick off a round of bingo in 3 simple steps:
Step 1 - Create Your Account and Fund It
Set up your player account and add funds to it.
I recommend you spare the operator the sensitive data, as nobody can guarantee a platform is 100%. Just fill out the fields only with what’s required.
Step 2 - Get to Your Bingo Game and Start Playing
Assuming the casino features a wide range of bingo games, feel free to choose a theme and format that suits you.
Get the number of cards you want to play - at least one - and get ready for drawing.
Step 3 - Mark the Numbers or Sit Back and Let the Computer Do It
If you don’t want to multitask too much or if you fear missing out numbers, most online bingo games feature and auto-daub option, which automatically marks the drawn numbers on your ticket.
Note that some games also let you change the speed, so the round can go faster.
Tip: Make use of bonuses, if available
Reputable bingo casinos offer a diverse selection of bonuses and welcome packages. Such bonuses give you a great start and can keep the engine running for longer.
The trick here is to find an offer that suits your preferences and read the fine print. I cannot stress this enough. Don’t skip terms and conditions associated with any type of bonuses.
Payment Options for UK Bingo Casinos
When it comes to banking options, players in the UK have a diverse range of methods to choose from, including the most popular ones like:
- Debit or credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard, or Discover
- E-wallets like PayPal
- Prepaid cards like Paysafecard or Neteller
- Bank transfers
The important thing is safety and reliability
Besides finding a casino that accepts your favorite payment method, you should also make sure your data is protected and you benefit from fast payment processing. The faster, the better and more reliable.
How Did Bingo Come to Be?
The origins of bingo at its most basic form can be traced back to an Italian lottery game that emerged in the 1530s called “Il Giuoco del Lotto d'Italia”.
Features such as cards, tokens, and the iconic calling out of numbers were added in the 18th century in France, one of the world’s most popular gambling hubs at the time.
The French version of the game was known as “Le Lotto”, and it contained 27 squares in a three-row and nine-column layout.
Each tile had a number from 1 to 90 imprinted on it, which created the design of bingo as we’ve come to know it today. In the 1920s, bingo was further popularized in the United States of America and gained the name it bears to this day.
Mark Your Lucky Patterns and Enjoy Playing Bingo
Now that you know the key ideas about finding the properly-licenced bingo casinos, I hope that you will have fun playing this timeless classic and have fun with its colorful cast of themes and cards.
Just remember to keep things in moderation and play bingo online for real money for the sake of the game rather than focusing exclusively on making cash.
Remember that only YOU can make gambling fun and harmless!