Online bingo brings a fresh twist to a classic game. You can play anytime using your phone or tablet.
Whether you’re new or returning, this guide covers everything—how to start, different game types, and how to find a safe, fair site.
Understanding a bingo site
The classic game of bingo has been around for hundreds of years, but the advent of the internet has seen its popularity boom. Given an exciting modern twist, the game is now accessible to adult players all around the world thanks to the convenience of smartphones and tablets.
As technology continues to improve and games become ever more immersive and entertaining, the industry looks set to continue its success for years to come. If you’re new to online bingo and want to see what all the excitement is about, it couldn’t be simpler.
Reputable Site
Before signing up to any online bingo site it’s important to do your research and find a reputable site. The best bingo sites UK are licenced and regulated by the relevant government authorities to ensure they meet the strict guidelines that are in place to keep players safe. Key features include:
Security and Safety
Reputable sites use advanced encryption technologies such as Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), to protect players personal and financial information from hackers. This ensures your important data is kept secure and your game time is more enjoyable.
Fair Play
All games on fully licensed and regulated online sites must meet strict standards of fairness. This means that all games are regularly audited to guarantee they are not rigged, and that all players have a fair chance of winning.
Customer Support
Just as with any serious business, customer service is vital, especially when dealing with online operators. That’s why reputable sites will offer players excellent customer service 24/7 via a variety of methods, such as chat, email, and telephone.
How Does Online Bingo Work
Once you’ve picked your site and signed up; it’s time to start playing! If you’re new to the game, don’t worry, the rules are incredibly simple and there’s lots of information and tips on bingo sites to help you get you started.
The aim of the game
The first person to mark off the numbers on their bingo card and complete a line or a full house will win a prize. The numbers are generated by a Random Number Generator, which acts as the bingo caller, to ensure everything is fair.
Here’s how to get started:
- Pick a Game: Decide which game you would like to play and the number of tickets (sometimes called cards) you’d like to buy. Some bingo games are fixed to one ticket at one stake price, however others give players more choice.
- The Caller: Once the game starts the caller will announce the numbers. You can either mark your own ticket and cross the numbers off yourself, or if you have multiple tickets, it’s a good idea to use the handy auto mark feature. This will do all the work for you and guarantee you won’t miss a number.
- The Winner: The first player to mark all the numbers wins the game. This is known as winning a Full House. Along the way, there may be extra prizes for marking off one or two whole lines of numbers. These prizes vary depending on which game you’re playing.
Different Types of Online Bingo Games
There are lots of bingo games available to play online, with side games also an option. The choices and type of game can differ from site to site, however, most sites offer gamers the chance to play the following games:
- 90 ball bingo
- 80 ball bingo
- 75 ball bingo
- 30 ball bingo
90-ball bingo
The most traditional form of the game of bingo. Games are played on 9×3 grid featuring 15 numbers ranging from 1 to 90.
Usually there are be three prizes up available in 90-ball bingo:
- One Line: Clear all five numbers in a single horizontal line.
- Two Line: Remove all ten numbers across any two horizontal lines.
- Full House: This is when all 15 numbers are marked off your ticket or card.
The first player to clear their numbers wins the prize. However, should more than one person mark off their numbers at the same time, the prize is shared between them.
80-ball bingo
Also known as Coverall Bingo, this format features with a 4×4 grid with numbers ranging from 1 to 80. There is only one prize to be won here, and it goes to the first person to mark off all 16 of their numbers.
75-ball bingo
Also known as Pattern Bingo, this format features a 5×5 grid containing numbers ranging from 1 to 75. The first person to marks off the stated pattern first – this might be a horizontal, vertical or diagonal line – wins the prize.
30-ball bingo
A popular form of speed bingo with only one prize available. It features a 3×3 grid with only 9 numbers. The first person to mark off all nine numbers wins.
Chat Rooms
One of the biggest reasons for the original success of bingo, was its social aspect. The game is a great way to get together with friends or meet new people, and playing online is no different.
Thanks to online chat rooms online bingo is still a highly sociable game with a real sense of community. It’s also a great place for new players to check out to pick up some advice and tips.
