Every game needs rules to ensure fairness, and bingo is no exception. The simplicity of bingo’s rules is one of its biggest appeals, but it’s important to understand the differences between the various versions of the game. This quick guide will help you grasp the basics and get started with confidence.
Common Bingo Rules
The key distinction between bingo variants lies in the number of balls in play. This affects how the game is structured and the slight variations in rules for each version:
Rules of 90-Ball Bingo
In 90-ball bingo, each player receives a 3×9 card with five numbers per row and four blank spaces. The columns are organized in sets of 10 numbers (e.g., column 1 holds numbers 1-9, column 2 holds 10-19, and so on). Players can win in three ways:
- Completing one line
- Completing two lines
- Achieving a full house
Rules of 80-Ball Bingo
In 80-ball bingo, the game is played on a 4×4 grid with numbers ranging from 1 to 80. There are four main ways to win:
- Any Line Wins: Complete any line (horizontal, vertical, diagonal, all four corners, or four middle squares).
- Any Line, House: Complete a line and then a full house.
- Any Line, Column, House: Complete a line, two vertical columns, three vertical columns, and then a full house.
- Full House or Pattern: Complete either a full house or a specific pre-set pattern.
Rules of 75-Ball Bingo
Played on a 5×5 grid with the letters B-I-N-G-O across the top, 75-ball bingo assigns numbers as follows:
- B: Numbers 1-15
- I: Numbers 16-30
- N: Numbers 31-45 (with a blank space in the center)
- G: Numbers 46-60
- O: Numbers 61-75
Players aim to complete pre-set patterns. There are over 300 possible patterns to explore in 75-ball bingo.
Other Bingo Variants
Online bingo has introduced exciting variations, including the fast-paced Cash Cubes. This 36-ball game features only 12 numbers placed around four “cash cubes,” making for a quicker and more dynamic experience.
Bingo Etiquette
Bingo is as much a social game as it is a numbers game, especially online. Players engage with each other in chat rooms, and good etiquette is expected. Always be kind to other players, avoid false calls, and celebrate your peers’ successes. Above all, remember to have fun!
Bingo Rules: Online vs. Offline
The rules for online and offline bingo are virtually identical. However, online bingo offers additional features such as automatic number marking. Players need only decide which game to play and how many cards to buy.
Bingo Promotions and Terms
Bingo promotions come with specific terms and conditions. For example, to unlock a deposit bonus, you’ll need to deposit a minimum amount. Similarly, a “Buy One, Get One Free” (BOGOF) deal requires purchasing one card to receive another for free. Make sure to check both the pre-reward and post-reward conditions before participating.
Legal Age for Bingo
The legal age for playing bingo varies by region. In the UK and Ireland, players must be 18 or older to participate in both live and online bingo.
Bingo FAQs
- Do I need to register to play online bingo? Yes, in most places you need to register and be at least 18 years old to play for real money.
- What is regular bingo? Regular bingo refers to traditional formats like 90-ball bingo, while innovative versions like Cash Cubes are considered non-regular.
- Can players break the rules in bingo? Online, no. Bingo software prevents players from breaking the rules.
- How do you win the bingo jackpot? To win the jackpot, you typically need to make a full house. In progressive jackpots, a full house must be achieved within a certain number of calls.
By understanding these basic rules, you’ll be ready to enjoy bingo in any format, whether online or in a traditional bingo hall.