How to Play Bingo: Complete Guide
Bingo is a fun game of chance that anyone can play. The game is played on a scorecard that's made up of 25 squares. If you get 5 squares in a row, you win!
Bingo can be played with different variations and rules, depending on the type of game being played.
Learn how to play different bingo game variations in our guide.
Step by Step: How to Play Bingo
The popularity of online bingo has exploded, with over 85% of the players preferring to play bingo online. Here's everything you need to know about how to play bingo from start to finish.
Choosing the game
There are several variations of bingo. In the bingo lobby, you'll see the different bingo variations on offer, how much the tickets for each game cost, when the next game round begins, and the prizes you can win.
LeoVegas offers 90 Ball, 80 Ball, 75 Ball and 30 Ball bingo variations. There are more details on this later to help you choose the type of game that suits your gaming style best!
Buying the ticket
Once you've chosen your game, it's time to purchase your tickets. How many tickets you purchase depends on what kind of game you're playing. The more tickets you purchase, the more your chances of winning increase.
Playing the game
Once the game begins, the casino's bingo software does all the work for you – it automatically marks off all your tickets as the numbers are called out. If you match five numbers or more in a row, you win, and the software notifies you. Your winnings will be credited to your account immediately, and you can start buying tickets for the next round.
Withdrawing the winnings
If you're lucky enough to win – congratulations! How much money you've won varies depending on how many numbers matched and which type of game was played. You can cash out your winnings right away from the withdrawals section or wait until later. It's up to you!
Bingo Rules
Bingo rules are simple and easy to learn! Here's how you can get started playing bingo:
- Players each receive a card with a 5x5 grid of numbers, usually ranging from 1-75 in American bingo and 1-90 in Australian and British bingo.
- In person, the caller draws numbered balls at random, then announces the numbers. Online, this happens automatically and they appear on-screen.
- If the number on the ball called out appears on your card, mark it off – or let the software do it for you.
- The goal of the game is to be the first to fill in a row horizontally, vertically or diagonally with the numbers that are drawn. The 'lines' to be filled may vary depending on the variation of bingo you are playing.
- When you complete a line or 'bingo', you must shout "Bingo!" and show your card to the caller at a bingo hall. Online, shouting is optional!
- The caller will then check your card to verify that you have bingo – or the software does it automatically.
- If the numbers on your card match up, you win!
Bingo Calls
Bingo calls are used to clarify all 90 numbers, making it easier to recognize the numbers if you're far away from the bingo caller – especially in a crowded bingo hall.
Bingo calls are rhyming nicknames for each number from 1 to 90, some of which date all their numbers back many decades.
See our article about bingo calls in NZ to learn more.
Bingo Cards
Bingo cards typically have a grid of numbers ranging from 1 to 75 or 1 to 90, depending on the type of bingo game being played.
The numbers are arranged in columns according to their tens place, with the B column containing numbers 1-15, the I column containing numbers 16-30, and the N column containing numbers 31-45 (with the exception of the center space which is usually marked as a free space), the G column containing numbers 46-60, and the O column containing numbers 61-75 or the second column from 61-90.
Bingo Balls
Bingo balls are an essential component of the game of bingo. Bingo balls are typically made of plastic or wood and are numbered from 1 to 75 or 1 to 90, depending on the type of bingo game being played.
The balls are usually coloured in five different colours, with each colour representing a range of numbers.
For example, in a 75-ball bingo game, the B column contains numbers 1-15, the I column contains numbers 16-30, and the N column contains numbers 31-45 (with the exception of the center space which is usually marked as free space), the G column contains numbers 46-60, and the O column contains numbers 61-75.
How to Buy Online Bingo Tickets
Buying online bingo tickets at LeoVegas is easy, quick and very user-friendly. Simply hit the orange ‘BUY TICKETS’ button in-game to get started. The cost per ticket, the game’s prize pot along with a timer (counting down the days, hours or minutes until the sale of tickets closes down) are among the information you will see upon clicking the ‘BUY TICKETS’ button.
There are various ways to select the amount of tickets you want to buy. First of all, you can opt for a predetermined amount, for example 30 tickets. Secondly, you can type in the amount manually or use the ‘-’ and ‘+’ buttons to get to the amount you want. There’s also a slider you can use to make your selection faster. Each game comes with a maximum number of tickets which one can buy per round, which normally ranges from 100 tickets to 120 tickets.
Once you’re happy with your selection, click ‘BUY TICKETS’ again and at this stage a confirmation message will pop up. The tickets you buy will then be displayed with a green tick next to them. In addition, once you make a purchase, a ticket number will be generated for each of the tickets bought.
Once the game starts, the Call Board pops up on your screen displaying all the numbers that are being called out. If you want the full experience, keep your sounds on but for a more quiet game, it’s also possible to turn off the sound from the ‘Settings’ icon.
Different Types of Bingo
There are many different types of bingo. The main differences are how many numbers are on each ticket and how many can be called. Here are some of the most common variations of bingo that are offered on LeoVegas:
90 Ball Bingo
90 ball bingo is a classic game played with 90 balls numbered 1 to 90. It is traditionally played in bingo halls but can now be enjoyed online. A 90 Ball Bingo card consists of 27 numbers in a 9x3 grid. To win the biggest prize, you must be the first player to mark off your numbers and complete a row in a round.
The game is divided into three rounds: 1 line, 2 lines and full house. In a 1-line win, you'll have to mark off an entire horizontal line called numbers on your ticket. A 2-line win will require you to mark off two horizontal lines on the one ticket. A full house requires you to mark off all the numbers on your ticket and rewards you with the grand jackpot prize.
80 Ball Bingo
80 ball bingo is a relatively new bingo variant. It is played with 80 balls numbered 1 to 80. Players are given a 4x4 card with 16 numbers and each column has a different colour. You win by completing a line or specific patterns that will be announced before the game starts.
75 Ball Bingo
75 ball bingo is a classic bingo game that is played on a 5x5 grid with 24 randomly generated numbers. Each of the five columns has a heading letter that spells out the word bingo. You can win through a blackout, line or pattern win.
Line wins are created when you mark off an entire horizontal, vertical or diagonal row or line. Blackout wins are when you mark off all 24 numbers on your card, and it will land you some tasty wins. Pattern wins are when you mark off patterns or shapes, like a cross, chevron, square or diamond, that were determined before the game started.
Online Bingo Games
Online bingo is an exciting casino game that spells fun, socials, and big wins. Just log in to your LeoVegas account, proceed to its 'Games Lobby', and pick a bingo room.
From here, you'll need to buy your virtual tickets by clicking on them or clicking the 'Quick Pick' for a random set of tickets.
Choosing which online bingo variant and the number of tickets to play is a critical decision you need to consider.
History of Bingo
Bingo can trace its origins back to the 16th century when it was played in Italy as 'Lo Giuoco del Lotto D'Italia'. It then spread throughout Europe and the rest of the world, where different versions of the game emerged, each with variations in rules and prizes.
In 1929, a travelling salesman named Edwin S. Lowe introduced a version of the game to America, where it became an increasingly popular game was given the name 'bingo'. In the 1950s, bingo had become a popular pastime in many parts of the world, with around 10,000 bingo halls operating in North America alone. Bingo drew its popularity from its simple rules and the social interactions it initiated.
Since then, technological advances have enabled people to play bingo online, with numerous variants now available. Players can join bingo rooms from all around the world to play for real money. The automatic marking of numbers by the software in online casinos has made bingo simpler. Despite being around for centuries, bingo is still enjoyed by millions of people and shows no sign of fading soon!
Bingo Tips & Tricks
Here are some suggestions that may help you get the most out of playing bingo online!
Know Which Variant of Bingo to Play
Before you start playing, make sure you understand the different variations of bingo and the basic rules of playing bingo. Choose the variant of bingo you are most comfortable playing.
Don't Play Too Many Cards
While playing more than one scorecard of cards can increase your chances of winning, it can also be confusing, especially in bingo halls where you have to mark everything manually. Stick to a few cards at a time until you get used to the game, and then gradually increase the number of cards as you become more comfortable with the rules.
Use Bonuses and Promotions
Many bingo websites offer bonuses and promotions for new and existing players. Be sure to take advantage of any freebies available, as using bonus funds, for example, might allow you to get more from your time playing.
Following these tips won't guarantee a win, but should at least make playing bingo online a fun game more seamless and so more enjoyable!
Bingo FAQ
How do you win at bingo?
To win when playing bingo, you need to mark off a line, the entire ticket or a predetermined pattern that will be drawn, randomly selected and announced before the game begins. Depending on the bingo variant, the line can be horizontal, vertical or diagonal.
How do you play bingo at home?
You can play bingo at home by logging into your LeoVegas account on a PC, mobile or tablet and navigating to 'Bingo" in the menu bar on the website's top left corner.
What is a line in bingo?
A line gives your first chance to win when playing bingo when you mark off an entire line first column of numbers on your ticket. Depending on the variant you are playing, a line can be horizontal, vertical or diagonal.
Can I play online bingo for free?
Yes, you can play the free demo mode of online bingo at LeoVegas. Playing free online bingo is ideal for new players to test their bingo skills before they can start playing for real money.
Can I play online bingo with friends?
Yes, some bingo lobbies allow you to play online with friends. Enjoy features such as a live chat through which you and other players can communicate with each other during the game.
Can I play online bingo on mobile?
Yes. Like most other casino games, you can play online bingo at LeoVegas on your Android or iOS smartphone or tablet. The game is optimised to ensure a smooth gameplay experience across multiple devices.
Can I win a jackpot in bingo games?
To get cash winnings from the jackpot prize when playing bingo, you'll need to mark off your entire ticket in what is referred to as a full house, coverall or blackout win, depending on the variant.