2022-05-11 5860 2 min read
The concept of Bingo is thought to date all the way back to the 16th century. Rich in history and based on an incredibly simple number concept, bingo has slowly but surely developed over the centuries into the game it is today.
It’s estimated the game of bingo first reached popularity in the United States in the late 1920s, before migrating elsewhere throughout the globe. At this time, it was referred to as ‘beano’, as players would mark their number cards by placing beans over the called numbers.
Then, after someone accidentally called out ‘bingo’ as opposed to ‘beano’ by mistake during a winning game, it was thought to sound more appealing and fun - and the official name of bingo was born.
Over the decades, bingo has slowly become more advanced with multiple versions arising. And with the sudden burst in modern technology during recent years, online casino bingo has climbed up the ranks to become a hugely popular game loved by many.
Where and How to Play Bingo Online
Due to the sheer number of online bingo casino options available, it can be difficult knowing which is the best option for precisely what you’re looking for. The first obvious step is to establish whether or not your chosen casino actually offers bingo - as some websites prefer to focus solely on casino classics and slots. So, provided you’ve confirmed your website of choice offers the version(s) of bingo you desire, you’re ready to go!
Safety and security is always paramount when online gaming, with the vast majority of top online casinos boasting certification from official gambling associations. However, there are still plenty of fraudulent websites out there, so it’s essential to analyse member review sites and confirm the authenticity of the site you’re seeking to join.
Types of Online Bingo
Whilst the overall concept of bingo remains pretty much the same across all variations, there are multiple types of online bingo to be aware of when selecting your chosen game.
90 Ball Bingo
Considered the most popular form of online bingo in existence, 90 ball bingo is played by a huge proportion of players worldwide. Featuring 3 rows alongside 9 columns with 5 numbers typically presented in each row, players win if they achieve a full house, a complete line or a full 2 lines from numbers called.
80 Ball Bingo
Featuring 16 numbers in total, 80 ball bingo focuses on a 4x4 grid. In order to win, players must cover the entire card or a complete row. 80 ball bingo is also sometimes referred to as speed bingo.
75 Ball Bingo
Consisting of a 5x5 grid, 75 ball bingo is won when a full house is achieved. However, certain variations of this game can involve players to win if a full line is covered too.
30 Ball Bingo
Whilst considered slightly less popular than the above variations already discussed, 30 ball bingo still has its advantages. Fast-paced and featuring a small 3x3 grid, players win when a covered card is achieved.
Online Bingo Basic Rules
As mentioned, the basic concept of bingo remains relatively consistent across all variations of the game. A ‘caller’ figure is responsible for retrieving numbers from a selection of available balls, and if the number called is present on the card in front of you, you simply mark it off. This is also called ‘dabbing’. With virtually no skill or prior knowledge required, bingo is a universally-pleasing game pretty much anyone can play.
Dependent on the variation you choose, there are often multiple ways to win. A ‘full house’ is achieved when all numbers are covered on your card. A ‘one line’ win is achieved when a complete horizontal line is marked, and a ‘two line’ win occurs with two horizontal lines.
As to be expected, online bingo is often routinely compared to a classic physical game in a bingo hall. There’s no denying the fun atmosphere often present in a bingo call, but speed and vigilance is of the essence! Unless you’re 100% focused, you could potentially miss-off one of your numbers by accident - and maybe sacrifice a win.
When playing online, stress is automatically reduced. The online bingo software will generally mark-off your numbers for you if present when called, meaning you don’t have to manually do it yourself. In addition, online bingo cards are often cheaper than those able to be purchased in a physical hall - presenting better value for money overall.
Online Bingo - FAQs
How much do online bingo cards cost?
This often varies between websites, with some offering better deals than others. In order to establish which online bingo destination best suits your budget, it’s essential to do your research and compare prices before you commit.
Can I play online bingo just for fun?
Yes - the vast majority of legitimate online bingo websites offer their games in ‘demo mode’. This allows you to experience all the fun of the game without actually having to spend money on cards.
However, this also means any wins you achieve won’t result in winning any real money.
Can I play along with other people?
Yes, many websites offer a great community spirit in which you can play games alongside fellow bingo lovers. Often providing a live chat feature in which you can communicate whilst playing, you’ll never feel like you’re on your own when playing online bingo!
Is online bingo legal?
Provided the website you’re playing at is officially certified and licensed by a legitimate gambling association, online bingo will be considered 100% legal.
Is online bingo secure?
In a similar sense to legalities, provided the website you’re using is officially licensed and certified, you’ll never have to worry about your funds or personal details being compromised.
Are online bingo games fair?
As long as the website you’re using is certified and authentic, a random number generator is generally the chosen method of selecting numbers. This ensures a 100% fair selection every time, with no bias involved.
Can I play online bingo on my mobile device?
This generally depends on your website of choice, but many of today’s top bingo sites offer games fully optimized for mobile use. Allowing you to play using your smartphone or tablet no matter where you are, you aren’t confined to a desktop.
