Bingo has long been a game of choice for the British public, but it is now easier than ever to play our favourite game, thanks to the advent of online bingo. Here are some helpful tips about how it works and how to get started.
Online bingo uses a random number generator to select numbers, so you know it’s completely fair. Playing on the internet is just as simple as in person, perhaps even easier – the ‘auto-daub’ option means that your numbers are automatically crossed off as they’re called, so you don’t have to.
If you’re worried about online bingo not being social enough, then think again. Online bingo is probably more social than regular bingo, because you can chat away as much as you like with other players online even during the game. A friendly atmosphere is guaranteed on most online bingo websites and anyone breaking the rules (the chat etiquette) will be removed from the conversation by the CH (chat host).
There are a few different types of online bingo, but the most common in the UK is 90 ball bingo. The 90 ball bingo card has three lines with five numbers and five blank spaces, with nine columns. You can usually buy cards in six ticket bundles covering all numbers between 1 and 90. There are three winners for each game – one line, two lines and bingo (otherwise known as Full House).
If you’re lucky enough, you can win more than once in each game. To win one line, you are the first player to fill one line on your card; to win two lines, you are the first player to fill two lines on your card; and to win bingo you must be the first to mark all the numbers on your card. When someone calls bingo, the game is over. If more than one person wins at the same time, the prize is split. The prize is made up of the ticket payments from all those playing, so the more people you play against, the more money you could win.
Online bingo is effortless as the computer software will check your cards for you and claim your winnings, so you can just kick back and chat to your online bingo friends. A great place to play 90 ball bingo or ‘British Bingo’ is BingoStreet.
Another type of bingo is 75 ball bingo, which is much more commonly played in the USA and Canada. Instead of numbers between 1 and 90, the numbers only range up to 75. The grid is five by five squares and the middle square is blank. The words letter B-I-N-G-O are across the top of the card and you must match the numbers and letters accordingly, e.g. B1. To win you must match the pattern on the card, which will be signified on the screen. Alternatively if you cover your whole board before someone else calls Bingo, you will win.
The best thing about online bingo is how easy it is and the fact you can do it from your own home, but rest assured that it is also very secure. By sure to use a reputable company that you recognise to make sure your payment details are safe.
