Rules
The basic online bingo rules are the same for each different strand of the game, whether you prefer to play 75-ball, 80-ball or 90-ball bingo. The caller reads out randomly-generated numbers, which are marked off by the auto-daub function if they appear on the player’s ticket. The first player to fill in the numbers in a pre-agreed pattern wins a prize.
However, there are also a number of differences between the games.
90-Ball Bingo
Tickets for 90-ball bingo, the game most often played in the UK, consist of a grid three squares high and nine across. There are five numbers inserted on each row, with the other squares left blank. Numbers between one and nine appear in the first column, ten to 19 are found in the second column, 20 to 29 in the third column, and so on.
Prizes are awarded for being the first to mark off one line, two lines and all three lines, which is known as a Full House. Find out more details at the 90-ball bingo page.
80-Ball Bingo
The grid for 80-ball bingo is four squares by four squares with the columns marked in red, yellow, blue and silver from left to right. In the first column appear four numbers between one and 20, with the second column featuring four digits between 21 and 40, and so on.
There is usually a prize for achieving a full house as well as awards for creating certain patterns, which may include a diagonal line, a giant X, all four corners or any number of other combinations.
The 80-ball bingo page has more information on this brand of bingo.
75-Ball Bingo
The 75-ball bingo game is very popular in the US, but is also offered by many online bingo sites in the UK. It is played on a grid of five columns and five rows, with each column having a letter above it, which spells out BINGO. Column one, or column B, contains numbers between one and 15, Column I plays host to those between 16 and 30 and so on. The centre square is deemed ‘free space’ and is automatically marked off by all players.
To win prizes, players must mark off their numbers in set patterns, which could include arrows, squares, letters or even ‘blackout’ or ‘coverall’ bingo, which is the same as a full house. There is more information at the 75-ball bingo page.
How to Play Online Bingo
You’ll need to deposit funds into your online account once you have settled on the perfect bingo site for you. Once that’s done, you can buy tickets for the game of your choosing. The bingo lobby will show all of the games starting in the near future, with a countdown timer and the prizes on offer usually displayed next to the game in question.
Unlike at land-based bingo halls, you can buy a large number of tickets if you like, as you won’t need to keep track of the balls called - the auto-dauber will do that for you as the random generator throws out the numbers. If you would prefer, you can turn the auto-dauber off and mark the numbers manually. There will usually be an upper limit on the number of tickets you can buy for any one game, so be sure to check the terms and conditions of the game you are playing and the site on which you are playing it before you purchase bingo tickets.
The software calls the win for you too, so there is no embarrassment at having to scream across a crowded club to claim your prize. Your winnings will be placed into your player account and you can either withdraw them or use them to fund further ticket purchases.
If you are playing 70-ball or 80-ball bingo, you should make sure you pay attention to the pattern required to win a prize as you will be able to keep track of how close you are as the game goes on and the excitement builds.