Setting Up Bingo Games and Game Types

When was the last time you played a game of Bingo?  What are the different ways to play Bingo?  Is playing Bingo online different than playing at home or in a hall?  What are the online sites where you can play Bingo, and what are the different varieties of Bingo?  Maybe the last time you played the Bingo game was when you were a kid many, many years ago.  Well, things have changed since then.  Read on and find out how, and the Bingo game types are.  Once you know exactly what the game is like today, you will realize the great time you can have playing Bingo today whether you are in the United States, the UK, or Australia.

Setting Up a Bingo Game When Playing At Home or in a Hall

The goal of the Bingo game is, of course, to win.  However, what is required for a win differs when playing in America, the UK or Australia.

American Bingo

In the United States, a Bingo card has 5 rows horizontally and 5 rows vertically as shown above.  The BINGO word is spelled out one letter at a time above each row vertically.  The free space is usually at the center of the card.  In order to win the game, you must cover five squares in a horizontal, vertical or diagonal row.  The games in the United States are 75 ball bingo.  Each of the 75 balls has a letter of the BINGO word and a number.  As each are called, you should cover the square corresponding to that letter and number. 

British or Australian Bingo

The British and Australian Bingo cards have rows of 3 squares by 9 squares as pictured above.  Each square has a number in it.  Both the UK and Australia play 90 ball bingo.  The 90 balls each have a number on it.  As the balls are generated randomly, the number is called out by the caller.  The amount of money or the prizes are determined by the number of horizontal rows you are able to fill.  The cards are sold in flyers or books.  There are 10 bingo cards in each book, and the colors of the cards vary.  

Setting Up the Bingo Game

·       Step 1: Assign the caller. -- If the Bingo game were held in a hall, the caller is usually chosen ahead of time.  The person who selects the balls with the letters and numbers on them.  It is the job of the caller to call out the number and letter combination to the players.

·       Step 2: The cards and chips are handed out. --  Each player is given at least one card, however, games may be played with each player getting several cards.  Having several cards increases your chances to win, but playing with only one card is easier.  Everyone should be given chips. 

Playing Bingo at Home or in a Hall

1.    Caller selects a ball.  The caller selects one ball either from a spinner or bucket, but does not look at it.  In the United States, the letter and number is called out loud.  In the UK and Australia, just the number is called out loud.

2.    Each player places a chip on the corresponding square if their number combination is called out. 

3.    If you get five in a row in the United States or a full row in the UK, shout the word "BINGO" immediately!  Be loud and clear.  It is your responsibility to be sure the caller hears you before the caller calls the next ball.   Once the caller begins the next ball's call, it will be too late for you to call "Bingo". 

4.    The caller will ask you to read your marked winning row in order to clarify your win.  Of course, your win will be void if you made a mistake marking a square.

Playing Bingo Online

·       Select an Online Bingo Site.  Three sites you may select are:

·       123 Bingo Online: At this site, you will receive $50 free by using the code START50. 

·       Bingo Flash: Play here and get $20 free as well as an extra 500% on your first deposit. 

·       Bingo Knights: If you play at this site, you will receive $75 free and 350% on your first deposit.

·       Sign up on the Bingo site of your choice by creating your username and entering it into the Bingo website.  You should also supply the site with your address in order for you to collect your winnings and prizes.  Although most of the online Bingo games are free, some do require you to pay a fee before playing. 

The format of online Bingo includes several items that appear in a pop up: 

·       Your Bingo card or cards with the number that was just called.

·       A list of numbers called previously.

·       A list of the current online players.

·       A chat room that allows you to talk with the other players.  In order to chat with another player, type into the chat box and press "enter" on your laptop. 

·       Online Bingo games can be won with the normal US, UK or Australian patterns or a pattern randomly generated.  The pattern you must follow to win can be found in one of the top corners of the game’s window.  You should note the winning pattern displayed and fill this pattern on your cards to win.  You can now begin your bingo game.  You will play with three cards.  When the website calls out numbers, you should click on the matching numbers on your card.

·       Match the designated pattern, and you’ve won!  Click the “Bingo” button.

Varieties of Bingo Games

Besides the 75 ball American Bingo game and the 90 ball UK and Australian Bingo game, the following are also varieties of the online Bingo games:

80Ball Bingo

This is a brand new and exciting version of Bingo games online.  The bingo cards of this game also known as shutter cards mark off the called numbers with slides to cover the numbered boxes.  The organization of the ticket is comprised of four rows and four columns.  Each column has a different color.  The call board of this game has five rows with 16 digits for a total of 80.  These are divided into four different color groups.

If you haven't tried this Bingo game, you should.  Then you'll understand why so many people find this fast-paced and action-packed bingo game so much fun.  You begin playing by first choosing the cards.  The "ticket selector" button you must click is above the cards.

Mini 30 Ball Bingo Game

This game is also known as Speed Bingo.  That is because it is a game that is so fast paced when compared to other types of Bingo games.

This bingo game is only available online.  It is unique in that it is the only bingo game that has a full house pattern.  It is also simpler to play than the other online bingo games since its system marks the numbers automatically eliminating the need for players to mark the numbers themselves.  Being a fast-paced game, it allows a greater number of winners per hour than the other games.  Having only nine numbers to match, Jackpot progressives are easier to win than with the other games. 

Bankroll Management

The amount you set aside for playing casino games including bingo is your bankroll.  In order to effectively manage your bankroll, you should:

1.    Stretch your bankroll by playing with only a small number of players.

2.    Create a budget and stay within it.

3.    Look for promotional offers and bonuses and take advantage of them.

By managing your bankroll carefully, you will be able to play more sessions and will have a larger chance to win prizes and jackpots.

Conclusion

Of all the games on the internet, bingo is the most affordable and the easiest to play.  You don't need any special skills to play this game.  It is simply a game of chance eliminating the need for complicated strategies.

The purpose of this guide was to educate you about all the facets and types of Bingo when played at home, at a hall or online.  Have you enjoyed reading this guide?  If so, please share this article with others.