Bingo is one of the UK’s most beloved gambling games, enjoyed by millions of players in bingo halls, clubs, and increasingly online. What began as an Italian lottery game in the 16th century has evolved into a social phenomenon that combines luck, excitement and community in equal measure.
This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about bingo, from the basic rules and terminology to advanced strategies, game variants, and the transition from traditional halls to online platforms. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced player looking to expand your knowledge, this guide provides the insights you need to fully enjoy this engaging game.
The History of Bingo
Understanding bingo’s rich history helps appreciate why it remains so popular today.
Origins
Bingo’s ancestors can be traced to 16th-century Italy, where “Il Gioco del Lotto d’Italia” became a popular lottery game. The game spread to France in the late 1770s, where it was called “Le Lotto” and played primarily by wealthy French aristocrats.
Arrival in Britain
Bingo arrived in Britain in the early 20th century, initially called “Housey-Housey” and played mainly in travelling fairs and carnivals. The game gained massive popularity in the 1960s following the Betting and Gaming Act 1960, which legalised commercial bingo halls. At its peak in the mid-1960s, millions of people played bingo regularly in thousands of halls across the country.
Modern Era
Whilst the number of traditional bingo halls has declined, bingo has successfully transitioned to online platforms, attracting a new generation of players. Today’s bingo combines traditional gameplay with modern technology, chat features, and innovative variants that keep the game fresh and exciting.
Basic Bingo Rules
Despite various formats and variants, all bingo games share fundamental principles.
The Objective
The goal of bingo is simple: be the first player to complete a specified pattern on your bingo card(s) by matching the numbers called. When you complete the pattern, you call out “Bingo!” to alert the caller and other players that you’ve won.
Bingo Cards
Bingo cards (also called tickets or boards) contain a grid of numbers. The specific layout depends on the bingo variant:
90-Ball Bingo (traditional UK format):
- Card contains 9 columns and 3 rows (27 squares total)
- Each row contains 5 numbers and 4 blank spaces
- 15 numbers per card overall
- Numbers range from 1-90
- First column contains numbers 1-9, second column 10-19, third column 20-29, and so on
75-Ball Bingo (American format):
- Card contains 5 columns and 5 rows (25 squares total)
- Usually the centre square is “free” (pre-marked)
- 24 numbers per card (plus the free space)
- Numbers range from 1-75
- Columns are labelled B-I-N-G-O
- Column B contains numbers 1-15, I contains 16-30, N contains 31-45, G contains 46-60, O contains 61-75
How the Game Progresses
- Purchase Cards: Players buy one or more bingo cards for the game
- Numbers Called: The caller (or RNG in online games) randomly selects numbers
- Mark Cards: Players mark any called numbers that appear on their cards
- Complete Pattern: The first player to complete the required pattern wins
- Claim Prize: The winner calls “Bingo!” and, after verification, receives the prize
Calling the Numbers
In traditional bingo halls, the caller draws numbered balls and announces them, often using traditional nicknames (more on this later). In online bingo, a random number generator (RNG) selects numbers automatically, and your cards are usually marked automatically.
Multiple Winners
If two or more players complete the winning pattern on the same call, the prize is split equally between them.
Traditional Bingo Calls and Nicknames
One of bingo’s charms is its colourful language. Traditional bingo callers use nicknames for numbers, adding entertainment to the game.
Classic Bingo Calls
NumberCallOrigin1Kelly's EyeNed Kelly, Australian outlaw2One Little DuckShape resembles a duck3Cup of TeaRhymes with "three"4Knock at the DoorRhymes with "four"5Man AliveRhymes with "five"6Tom Mix / Half a DozenCowboy actor / common phrase7Lucky SevenTraditional lucky number8Garden GateRhymes with "eight"9Doctor's Orders"Number 9" was a laxative pill10[Prime Minister's name]'s DenCurrent PM's residence at 10 Downing St11Legs ElevenShape resembles legs12One DozenCommon phrase13Unlucky for SomeSuperstition14Valentine's DayFebruary 14th15Young and KeenRhymes with "fifteen"16Sweet SixteenComing of age tradition17Dancing QueenABBA song lyrics18Coming of AgeLegal adulthood in UK (historically)19Goodbye TeensLast teen number20One ScoreOld measurement21Key of the Door / Royal SaluteComing of age / 21-gun salute22Two Little DucksShape resembles two ducks23Thee and MeRhymes with "twenty-three"24Two DozenCommon phrase25Duck and DiveRhymes with "twenty-five"26Pick and MixRhymes with "twenty-six"27Gateway to HeavenRhymes with "twenty-seven"28In a State / OverweightRhymes with "twenty-eight"29Rise and ShineRhymes with "twenty-nine"30Dirty GertieRhymes with "thirty"
And so on up to:
NumberCallOrigin66Clickety ClickRhymes with "sixty-six"76Trombones"Seventy-Six Trombones" song77Sunset StripTV series from 1950s80Gandhi's Breakfast"Ate nothing" sounds like "eighty"88Two Fat LadiesShape resembles two figures89Nearly ThereAlmost to 9090Top of the ShopHighest number in 90-ball bingo
Main Bingo Variants
Several bingo variants have developed, each with unique rules and winning patterns.
90-Ball Bingo
The traditional UK format and still the most popular in British bingo halls.
Card Layout: 9 columns × 3 rows with 15 numbers per card
Winning Patterns:
- One Line: First to complete any horizontal line (5 numbers)
- Two Lines: First to complete any two horizontal lines (10 numbers)
- Full House: First to complete all three lines (all 15 numbers)
Games typically have three separate prizes, awarded in sequence. One Line is called and awarded first, then Two Lines, then Full House, with the game continuing until the Full House is won.
Strategy Considerations: With fewer numbers per card and specific line patterns, card selection can influence your chances (detailed in the Strategy section).
75-Ball Bingo
The American format, popular in online bingo due to its faster gameplay and varied patterns.
Card Layout: 5 columns × 5 rows with 24 numbers plus a free centre space
Winning Patterns: Unlike 90-ball’s fixed patterns, 75-ball bingo offers virtually unlimited pattern possibilities:
Common Patterns:
- Single Line: Any horizontal, vertical, or diagonal line
- Four Corners: The four corner squares only
- X Pattern: Both diagonals forming an X
- Blackout/Coverall: All 24 numbers
- Letter Patterns: T, L, X, Y, Z, H, etc.
- Number Patterns: 1, 7, 4, etc.
- Shape Patterns: Diamond, box, arrow, kite, etc.
The pattern is announced before the game begins, adding variety and interest.
Strategy Considerations: The free centre space and varied patterns mean different cards have different advantages depending on the pattern being played.
80-Ball Bingo
A modern variant designed specifically for online play, offering a middle ground between 75-ball and 90-ball.
Card Layout: 4 columns × 4 rows with 16 numbers (no free spaces)
Column Colours: Each column is typically colour-coded:
- Column 1 (numbers 1-20): Red
- Column 2 (numbers 21-40): Yellow
- Column 3 (numbers 41-60): Blue
- Column 4 (numbers 61-80): White or Silver
Winning Patterns:
- Single Line: Any horizontal, vertical, or diagonal line (4 numbers)
- Any Two Lines: Any two complete lines
- Three Lines: Any three complete lines
- Four Corners: All four corner squares
- Full House: All 16 numbers
Some 80-ball games use column colours for winning patterns (e.g., complete red column).
Strategy Considerations: The compact 16-number card makes games faster-paced than 90-ball whilst offering more pattern variety.
30-Ball Bingo (Speed Bingo)
The fastest bingo variant, perfect for quick games.
Card Layout: 3 columns × 3 rows with 9 numbers
Winning Pattern: Always full house (all 9 numbers)
Duration: Games typically last 1-3 minutes
Strategy Considerations: With only 9 numbers per card and 30 total numbers, games are determined quickly, making this ideal for players wanting rapid gameplay.
Bingo Strategy and Odds
Whilst bingo is predominantly a game of chance, understanding probabilities and applying smart approaches can optimise your experience.
The Mathematical Reality
Each number called has an equal probability of being drawn, and you cannot predict or influence which numbers will appear. However, understanding the mathematics helps you make informed decisions.
Tippett’s Theory
L.H.C. Tippett, a British statistician, proposed that:
- In short bingo games (likely to finish quickly), numbers drawn tend to be closer to 1 and the maximum number (90 or 75)
- In longer games, numbers drawn tend to be closer to the median (45 for 90-ball, 38 for 75-ball)
Practical Application:
- For quick games or early-stage prizes (e.g., one line), choose cards with numbers closer to 1 and 90
- For longer games or later prizes (e.g., full house), choose cards with numbers closer to the median
Important Note: This theory is debated among mathematicians and isn’t proven to provide a significant advantage. It’s more of a guideline than a guaranteed strategy.
Granville’s Strategy
Joseph E. Granville, a financial writer, suggested selecting cards with:
- An equal balance of high and low numbers
- Roughly equal distribution of numbers ending in 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 0
- Even split between odd and even numbers
Rationale: Over a complete game, all number ranges and types should appear approximately equally, so balanced cards have better coverage.
Practical Application: When choosing cards (in halls or online games that allow selection), look for balanced distribution rather than cards with clustered numbers.
Number of Cards Strategy
One of the most impactful decisions is how many cards to play.
More Cards = Better Odds: Your probability of winning increases with more cards, as you cover more numbers.
The Trade-off: More cards means:
- Higher cost per game
- Greater difficulty following multiple cards in hall play
- Potential confusion and missed wins
- Higher overall spending
Optimal Approach:
- In traditional halls: Play as many cards as you can comfortably follow
- Online with auto-daub: You can play more cards since they’re marked automatically
- Balance increased chances against increased cost
Example: In a 90-ball game with 100 cards in play:
- Playing 1 card: 1% chance of winning
- Playing 4 cards: 4% chance of winning
- Playing 10 cards: 10% chance of winning
Choosing Less Popular Games
Lower Competition: Games with fewer players mean your cards represent a larger percentage of the total, improving your odds of winning.
Timing Strategy:
- Off-peak hours typically have fewer players
- Less popular bingo sites may have smaller rooms
- Newer or less-advertised games attract fewer participants
Trade-off: Fewer players usually means smaller prize pools, as prizes often correlate with the number of participants.
Progressive Jackpot Strategy
Some bingo games offer progressive jackpots for achieving full house within a specified number of calls.
Understanding the Odds:
- These jackpots are extremely difficult to win
- Require full house in very few calls (often 40-45 for 90-ball)
- Odds are very long but prizes can be substantial
Strategic Approach:
- Don’t base your play solely on jackpot chances
- Treat progressive jackpots as a bonus rather than the goal
- Enjoy the regular game prizes as your realistic expectation
House Edge in Bingo
Bingo’s house edge varies significantly based on:
Prize Structure: How much of ticket sales is returned as prizes
- Traditional halls: Often return 60-70% as prizes
- Online bingo: Typically returns 70-80% as prizes
- Some promotional games return 90%+ to attract players
Calculation: If £1,000 worth of tickets are sold and £700 is awarded as prizes, the house edge is 30%.
Practical Implication: Look for games with better prize-to-sales ratios, often advertised as “guaranteed prizes” or “X% payback”.
Playing Bingo in Traditional Halls
Despite online growth, traditional bingo halls remain popular for their social atmosphere.
What to Expect
Arrival: Arrive early, especially for popular sessions. Regulars often claim favourite seats.
Buying Cards: Purchase cards at the desk before the session. Sessions typically include multiple games.
Session Structure: A typical session includes:
- Main games (usually 90-ball with one line, two lines, and full house)
- Break games (often quicker variants)
- A “national” linked game (full house for large jackpot shared across multiple halls)
The Caller: A designated person calls numbers, usually with entertainment and traditional calls.
Claiming Wins: When you complete a winning pattern, shout “Bingo!” or “House!” immediately. An attendant will verify your card.
Social Aspect: Chat with neighbours, enjoy refreshments, and participate in the community atmosphere.
Bingo Hall Etiquette
Silence During Play: Conversation is generally fine before and after games, but quiet is expected during number calling.
Don’t Shout False Claims: Ensure your card is correct before calling bingo. False claims are embarrassing and disruptive.
Respect Space: Don’t spread personal items over neighbouring seats during busy sessions.
Mobile Phones: Keep phones on silent and avoid using them during play.
Arrive on Time: Late arrivals can disrupt play and are discouraged once games begin.
Bingo Hall Communities
Traditional halls are known for strong community bonds:
- Regular players form friendships
- Birthdays and special occasions are celebrated
- Some halls organise social events beyond bingo
This community aspect is a key reason many players prefer halls to online play.
Playing Bingo Online
Online bingo has revolutionised the game, offering convenience and variety impossible in traditional settings.
Getting Started Online
Choose a Licensed Site: Ensure the site holds a UK Gambling Commission licence, displayed on the homepage.
Registration: Provide personal details and verify your identity (standard for all UK-licensed operators).
Deposit Funds: Use secure payment methods to add money to your account.
Navigate Bingo Rooms: Sites offer multiple rooms with different:
- Ticket prices (from pennies to pounds)
- Prize amounts
- Game variants (90-ball, 75-ball, 80-ball, etc.)
- Speeds and schedules
Online Bingo Features
Auto-Daub: Numbers are marked automatically on your cards. You never miss a number and can play many cards simultaneously.
Chat Rooms: Real-time chat with other players and chat moderators (CMs), recreating the social aspect of hall play.
Chat Games: Mini-games run alongside bingo in chat rooms, offering additional prizes for completing tasks or answering questions.
Pre-Buy: Purchase cards for games starting later, even when you’re offline.
Free Bingo: Many sites offer free bingo rooms with real prizes, allowing you to play without risk.
Bonuses and Promotions
Online bingo sites offer various bonuses:
Welcome Bonuses: New player offers typically matching your first deposit (e.g., “Deposit £10, get £50 to play”).
Reload Bonuses: Bonuses on subsequent deposits.
Loyalty Schemes: Points earned for playing that unlock rewards.
Free Tickets: Complimentary cards for selected games.
Prize Draws: Entry into special competitions.
Important: Always read wagering requirements. Bonus money usually requires you to wager a multiple of the bonus before withdrawing (e.g., 4x wagering means you must wager £200 to withdraw from a £50 bonus).
Choosing an Online Bingo Site
UK Gambling Commission Licensed: Non-negotiable for safety and fairness.
Game Variety: Multiple variants and room options.
Community: Active chat rooms with friendly players and moderators.
Fair Bonus Terms: Reasonable wagering requirements and clear terms.
Payment Options: Convenient deposit and withdrawal methods.
Mobile Compatibility: Quality mobile apps or responsive websites.
Customer Support: Responsive, helpful support available via multiple channels.
Responsible Gambling Tools: Deposit limits, self-exclusion options, and reality checks.
Online vs. Hall Play: Comparison
AspectTraditional HallOnline BingoConvenienceRequires travel; fixed schedulePlay anytime, anywhereSocial InteractionFace-to-face communityChat rooms and online friendshipsNumber of CardsLimited by ability to followMany cards with auto-daubGame VarietyStandard variantsWide variety of games and variantsPaceFixed pace set by callerChoose from slow to speed bingoAtmosphereTraditional, energeticComfortable, privateCostsOften better prize ratiosLower ticket prices availableBonusesOccasional promotionsRegular bonuses and offers
Bingo Variations and Side Games
Modern bingo, especially online, offers numerous variants and additional features.
Pattern Bingo (75-Ball)
Games where specific patterns must be completed, with patterns announced before play:
Simple Patterns: Lines, corners, X shapes Complex Patterns: Letters, numbers, objects (heart, star, umbrella)Seasonal Patterns: Themed for holidays (Christmas tree, Easter egg)
Slingo
A hybrid combining bingo and slots:
- 5×5 grid with numbers
- Spin a reel that displays 5 numbers
- Mark matching numbers on your grid
- Complete lines or patterns to advance through prize tiers
Bingo Slots
Slot games with bingo elements:
- Slot reels display bingo numbers
- Matching patterns or lines triggers bonuses
- Combines slot excitement with bingo gameplay
Deal or No Deal Bingo
Branded bingo incorporating the TV show’s elements:
- Standard bingo gameplay
- Bonus rounds featuring the “Deal or No Deal” box game
- Progressive jackpots
Free Bingo
Many online sites offer scheduled free games:
- No cost to enter
- Real prizes (usually smaller than paid games)
- Excellent for new players to learn
- May require minimum deposit or loyalty points to access
Common Bingo Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced players make errors that reduce enjoyment or chances of winning.
Buying Too Many Cards
Playing more cards than you can comfortably follow in traditional halls leads to:
- Missed numbers
- Missed wins
- Stress rather than enjoyment
Solution: Start with a manageable number and increase gradually as you become comfortable.
Not Understanding Wagering Requirements
Online bonus offers sound attractive but come with conditions:
Common Issue: Players accept bonuses without reading terms, then discover they must wager large amounts before withdrawing.
Solution: Always read bonus terms. Calculate whether the wagering requirement is achievable and worth it.
Ignoring Responsible Gambling Tools
Failing to set limits can lead to spending more than intended:
Solution: Set deposit limits, time limits, and loss limits before you start playing. Use them on all sites where you play.
Chasing Losses
After losing, some players buy more cards hoping to win back losses:
Problem: This typically leads to bigger losses and potentially problem gambling.
Solution: Accept losses as the cost of entertainment. Never try to “win back” lost money.
Playing on Unlicensed Sites
Unlicensed sites may offer enticing bonuses but lack:
- Fair play guarantees
- Secure payment processing
- Dispute resolution mechanisms
- UK regulatory protection
Solution: Only play on sites licensed by the UK Gambling Commission. Check the licence number on the site and verify it on the Commission’s website if unsure.
Ignoring Chat Etiquette
In online bingo chat rooms:
Common Mistakes:
- Using offensive language
- Spamming
- Asking other players for money or personal information
- Complaining excessively about losses
Solution: Follow chat room rules, be friendly, and report problematic behaviour to moderators.
Not Reading Game Rules
Different games have different rules, patterns, and prize structures:
Problem: Players enter games without understanding the winning pattern or prize amounts.
Solution: Read the game information before buying cards. Understand what you’re playing for.
Bingo Odds and Probability
Understanding the mathematics helps set realistic expectations.
Basic Probability
In any bingo game, the probability of winning depends on:
Total Cards in Play: More cards in the game = lower individual chance of winning
Number of Your Cards: Your percentage of total cards = your approximate win probability
Example: In a game with 200 cards in play:
- Playing 1 card = 0.5% chance of winning
- Playing 10 cards = 5% chance of winning
- Playing 20 cards = 10% chance of winning
Expected Return
Over many games, your expected return depends on the prize structure:
Example:
- You buy a £1 card for a game
- £100 worth of cards are sold (100 cards total)
- £70 is returned as prizes
- Your expected return = £0.70 (70% of your stake)
This means over time, you can expect to lose 30% of what you wager, though individual sessions will vary greatly.
Variance and Short-Term Results
Bingo has high variance:
- You might win nothing for many games, then win a large prize
- Short-term results don’t reflect long-term expectations
- Winning streaks and losing streaks are normal statistical variation
Implication: Don’t judge a site or game by a single session. Luck heavily influences short-term outcomes.
Responsible Bingo Play
Bingo’s social nature and relatively low stakes can make it feel harmless, but problem gambling can still develop.
Warning Signs
Watch for:
- Spending more than you can afford
- Chasing losses
- Neglecting responsibilities to play bingo
- Lying about bingo spending
- Using bingo to escape problems or difficult feelings
- Increasing time spent playing
- Feeling unable to stop
Staying Safe
Set a Budget: Decide how much you can afford to lose before playing and stick to it.
Set Time Limits: Don’t let bingo dominate your free time. Balance it with other activities.
Never Borrow to Play: Never borrow money or use credit to fund bingo.
Take Regular Breaks: Step away from bingo regularly to maintain perspective.
Don’t Chase Losses: Accept losses and never try to win back lost money.
Use Responsible Gambling Tools: Set deposit limits, reality checks, and time-outs on all sites.
If Concerned: If bingo is causing problems, contact GamCare or the National Gambling Helpline for free, confidential support.
Conclusion
Bingo is a wonderfully entertaining game that combines luck, excitement and social interaction. Whether you prefer the traditional atmosphere of a bingo hall or the convenience of online play, understanding the rules, variants and strategies allows you to maximise your enjoyment.
Remember that bingo is a game of chance where the house always has an edge. The key to enjoying bingo is to:
- Treat it as entertainment, not a way to make money
- Only risk what you can afford to lose
- Set clear limits on spending and time
- Appreciate the social aspects as much as the gambling
- Stay informed about the games you’re playing
- Use responsible gambling tools consistently
For most players, bingo provides harmless fun and the chance to connect with others who share their interest. By playing responsibly and keeping bingo in proper perspective, you can enjoy this beloved game safely for years to come.
Good luck, and enjoy the game!
For support with gambling concerns:
National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (24/7)
GamCare: www.gamcare.org.uk
Remember: if gambling stops being fun, it’s time to stop gambling.