The different types of bingo games explained

With so many different types of bingo games, it can be hard to know the rules and where to play. We explain the different types of bingo games

Woman celebrating after winning online bingo
(Image credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Want to play online bingo but don't know where to start? We breakdown the different types of bingo games you're likely to find online.

Bingo has been around for decades, and rose to popularity in bingo halls around the UK in the 1950s. But, even if you're familiar with the game (and all the traditional bingo calls and the modern and funny bingo calls), you'd be forgiven for feeling confused about the different types of bingo games you can play online, which is why we've outlined them below.

Wondering whether or not there's a trick to winning online bingo? Sadly no. Just with bingo played in bingo halls, online bingo really is a game of chance so there is no trick to winning it. Never try and chase a win, that's just not in the spirit of bingo. If you're new to the game  or haven't played in a while, brush up with our advice on how to play bingo, and see our pick of the best bingo sites.

18+ Please Play Responsibly. BeGambleAware.Org

The different types of bingo games

90 Ball Bingo

90 Ball Bingo is the most traditional game of online bingo and the most similar to the games played in bingo halls around the country. Rules vary per game, but the goal is to mark either one line, two lines, or a full house of matched numbers, within 90 ball calls.

Sometimes there is even more money up for grabs –  a progressive jackpot –  if you call "bingo" within 45 balls or less, so it really does pay to keep your eyes on the screen.

75 Ball Bingo

The clue's in the name. This game of online bingo uses 75 Balls, instead of the traditional 90. The goal is to make patterns on your grid which vary per game, but could be a cross, diamond, blackout etc. See below for some examples.

75 ball bingo

(Image credit: Kimberly Walker)

52 Ball Bingo

52 Ball Bingo is mix of the two games above. The main difference here is that the balls are actually playing cards – hence the number 52 as that's the amount of cards in a standard deck. Players are handed five cards which they mark off as they are called.

Slingo

A mash- up of slots and bingo. You have a bingo card of numbers, and you spin the reels to mark them off.  

Each player receives one Slingo card with 25 numbers arranged in five columns (it looks a little like a 75-ball bingo card). A player then hits the spin button to receive five numbers at a time, these appear at the bottom of the card. If your card has one of the numbers, they will then be marked off the card. The aim is to create Slingos to win a prize.

A Slingo is achieved when a player marks off five numbers diagonally, horizontally or vertically. Each Slingo created awards points, the player with the most points wins the game.

During the game, special symbols may show up instead of numbers. 

Rules do vary between the versions, but these basics are about the same in every online Slingo game.

Bingo Roulette

A fun alternative to bingo calls, the caller spins the roulette wheel to generate numbers.

How to play slot games

One of the great things about playing online bingo is… there’s more than just bingo! Most online bingo sites have a range of slot games you can play while you wait for a bingo game to go live, or just because you fancy a spin. 

All slots are slightly different, but the general rule is the same. You select your stake (how much you want to gamble per line, usually 1p, 10p, 20p or a £1), how many lines you want to play and then hit spin. 

Most slot games online feature "wilds" and "scatters" that can trigger bonus rounds. Bonus rounds vary per site and slot game, but usually offer a chance to win free spins, extra games or even a jackpot.  

Some of the nation's favourite online slot games include Rainbow Riches and Starburst, pictured above. 

There are lots of different types of bingo games and slots to play online including Starburst

Where to play Online Bingo & Slots ? 

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Woman's Own Bingo: Add £10, get £25 to play and 50 Free Spins*

Join in the fun at Woman's Own Bingo. With both a simple to navigate games lobby, and a large variety of games - this is a great site for those new to online bingo but want to give it a try.

* New players only. Valid until further notice. Min dep £10. 150% Bingo Bonus [BB] max £50 + 50 Free Spins [FS] on selected game (split over 2 days; valid for 3 days respectively; wins cap: £7.5). FS wins granted in Games Bonus [GB] & valid on selected games only. WR: 4x (dep+BB); 85x GB. GB wins cap: £100 + initial bonus. UK: deposit balance can be withdrawn at any time. 18+. Full T&C apply. 18+ Please Play responsibly. BeGambleAware.Org


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Chat Mag Bingo: Add £10, get £40 to Play*

From one of the UK's fave real-life magazines comes Chat Mag Bingo. Play unique games like Bingo Roulette and Mystery Jackpots from the comfort of home. Over 600 Bingo and Slot games are available.

New players only. Valid until further notice. Min dep £10. 200% Bingo Bonus [BB] max £20 + 100% Game Bonus [GB] max £10. WR: 4x (dep+BB); 50x (dep+GB). WR vary by game. GB valid on selected games only. GB wins cap: £100 + initial bonus. UK: deposit balance can be withdrawn at any time. 18+. Full T&C apply.  18+ Please Play Responsibly. BeGambleAware.Org


Anna Bailey
Editor in Chief

Anna Bailey has been the editor of Goodto since 2018. Before joining the team she was Features Editor at MSN UK, where she oversaw Family Health and Days Out. Previously, she was Digital Lifestyle Editor for the broadcaster UKTV, and Lifestyle Editor for ITV.com. Anna studied Multi-Media Journalism at Bournemouth University and went on to gain her NCTJ and NCE  journalism qualifications. Anna is responsible for driving the direction and editorial strategy of Goodto. A mum and experienced baby product tester, she is passionate about providing safe, trustworthy, and relatable advice for families of all kinds.