Get to grips with the basics of play Bingo online, from the simple rules of play to the social etiquette of chat rooms, with WhichBingoHall.co.uk - your trusted guide to play Bingo games online.

The Basics of Bingo

Learning to play Bingo games online is easy because the game itself is simple and very straight forward.  The object of the game is to buy cards or tickets, on which are printed numbers between 1 and 75 or 90, depending on the style of Bingo you want to play. Random numbers are generated, most commonly by the selection of balls from a hopper, for each game and a “caller” will announce the number selected.  If the number matches one on your card, you mark it off.  If after a sequence of these numbers is called, the marked squares make a designated pattern, you win!  If you are playing 90-ball Bingo, these patterns can be a Single Line Across, Two Lines Across and/or a Full House, meaning all numbers on a single card are marked off. Every game you play will present a chance to win a prize, designated at the beginning of the game.  The game ends when the last prize for that session has been claimed.

What's the difference between 75 and 90 ball Bingo?

The biggest difference between the two games is the number of balls that are possible. 75-ball Bingo is most common in North America and uses a 5 x 5 card to distribute the numbers. The basic game starts with the Bingo board or “card”, laid out in a 5x5 grid. Each card is coordinated by the letter “B”, “I”, “N”, “G”, and “O” across the top. Numbers 1-75 are distributed on the card in a specific pattern, with the center tile is called a “free space” which is automatically marked off with a counter, coaster, or what the host provides for you. The numbers in the “B” column range from 1 to 15. The “I” column has numbers between 16 and 30. The “N” column has numbers between 31 and 45. The “G” column ranges from 46 to 60 and the “O” column has numbers between 61 and 75.

Often, you will be given (or asked to purchase if in a gambling situation) a “book” of cards, usually with three Bingo cards. You can play each game with as many cards as you want, but keep in mind that as the numbers are announced, it will be your responsibility to keep track of all of your cards and mark them off correctly.

90-ball Bingo is most common in the UK and Australia. At the beginning of a game, you purchase cards or boards with numbers printed on a 3x9 grid (3 rows and 9 columns). The cards have numbers scattered numbers with random numbers or spaces in each column. Each column has a range of ten numbers, all summing up to 90. The 1st column has between 1-10 numbers, the second column has between 11-20 numbers, and so on until 90. Each row will have 5 numbers and 4 spaces in a random combination.

The object is to get a single horizontal row filled with 5 numbers that match the numbers pulled from the hopper and announced by the caller. If completed correctly, the player will yell “Bingo” and validated by a supervisor. If correct, the player will win the game and receive a cash award or a prize of some kind.

How do I play Bingo Games Online?

Playing Bingo online is exactly the same as playing it in a Bingo hall. Each online Bingo site will have instructions on how to use their software and how to handle paying for the games. You will be required to register for the site on which you would like to play in order to create an account. These accounts go through a secure, password-protected area so you can deposit your money and collect your winning with safety and security.

Common Online Bingo games features

There are several features you will find on most online Bingo sites:

Auto Daubing

When you play Bingo in a live Bingo hall, you are given a dauber so you can mark your cards as the numbers are called. Online, the software can give you the option of using an ‘Auto Daub’, where the software will automatically mark off matching numbers. This feature can be very helpful if you are playing with a large number of cards. This is an optional feature, so if you want to daub your cards manually, you can do so.

Unlike a live Bingo game, if you do not daub a number that has been called, it will not affect the outcome of the game if your ticket happens to be a winner.

Best Card Sorting

‘ Best Card Sorting ’ automatically arranges your tickets on the screen in order of which cards have the most matched numbers. This way, you can keep track of which cards are the closest to winning.

Progressive Jackpots

Similar to progressive jackpots at slot machines, a progressive jackpot is a favorite on online bingo sites. They offer the potential for big payouts with low initial investments. Progressive jackpots add a small portion of all the money played through its daily Bingo games and puts it into a single pool. The amount gets bigger as the games progress and you can see the total of the pool in a designated area on the site. These jackpots can grow quickly when the site is busy. Then on a designated session, you can play for a chance to win the money in the pool.

Chat

Bingo is a social game, so when playing online, Chat is a crucial component. Virtual ‘chat rooms’ allow you to communicate with other online friends and players, as well as have direct contact with a representative of the online Bingo hall itself (often refereed to as CMs or ‘Chat Managers’). Chat is easy to use and the site will have instructions on how to use their chat features. Some online Bingo companies also offer Chat Games as a way for regular players to win bonuses during their online sessions. You will want to use proper chat etiquette when using the chat features.

Most online Bingo sites will have a moderator in the chat rooms to ensure customers can enjoy a pleasant experience. Here are some general guidelines to follow when using the chat rooms.

• Players should not use indecent, threatening or foul language
• Players should not slander, abuse or threaten others
• Players should not use nicknames that could reasonably cause offence
• Players should not use sexual or racial slurs
• Players should not impersonate other players
• Players should respect a CMs authority