Wondering how to play bingo? We break down the rules of bingo for you. Eyes down, daubers at the ready!
Modern bingo, the game of chance, was invented decades ago and has been loved for generations. Over three million Brits play at least twice a week. You might think that Bingo is just a pastime for pensioners – but don’t knock it until you’ve tried it! Nowadays, bingo is a fast-paced game that’s a lot of fun, too - and there are many different types of bingo games to enjoy.
How to play bingo: the rules explained
Bingo is all about probability. Each bingo player is given a card made up of a random set of 15 numbers between 1-90. The numbers are arranged on a card or ticket with 27 spaces. 12 spaces are left blank. The aim is to match numbers as follows:
- Four Corners – Each number in the four corners of the ticket.
- Line – a horizontal line of five numbers.
- Two Lines – two horizontal lines of five numbers.
- Full House – covering all the numbers on the ticket.
Each game has a bingo caller whose role it is to select the numbers. The bingo caller calls out numbers (between 1-90) that are randomly selected either by a computer, a random number generator or using a mechanical draw machine. Some bingo callers may still draw numbers from a bag, like they would have when bingo began. However, this is not the method of choice for most professional bingo halls in 2020.
Once a number is selected, the bingo caller “calls” the number, often using a range of traditional bingo calls or modern and funny bingo calls, which regular players get familiar with over time.
Should the player see that number on their card, they “daub” the ticket – or mark off the number – using a bingo “dauber”. A bingo dauber is a large felt tip pen with a circular head. Some bingo halls have now computerised this process. If you’re playing online bingo, there will be an automatic bingo-daubing process.
As soon as you have marked enough numbers to win a prize – rules may vary by hall or game – you shout “Bingo” as loudly as you can, to get the bingo caller’s attention. You must shout bingo before the next number is called or you miss out on your chance to win.
How to play bingo online
Online bingo is easier than real life bingo in many ways and is a great alternative if you're unable to get to the bingo halls. Playing online bingo is simple. Just find a bingo or slot game you like the look of and choose the number of tickets you'd like to buy. A lot of games cost as little as 1p a ticket so a newbie like yourself might like to give them a go first. The bingo numbers are called out, and your ticket will be automatically daubed by your computer, so you never need to worry about missing a number!
Where to play online bingo
Ready to play online but wondering which bingo sites are best? There are so many sites out there to chose from, so we've picked two of our favourites for you to make the choice easier!
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Modern bingo calls - and their funny meanings explainedModern bingo calls are just one of the ways the game of bingo has evolved over the years
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Who invented bingo and how long has it been around?Wondering when the first game of bingo was played, who invented bingo and where it gets its name? Dive into the origins of bingo around the world
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Traditional bingo calls and their meanings: all the number nicknames and sayings 1-90Traditional bingo calls have been around since the early days of bingo playing
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Which bingo site is best?Eyes down – or maybe, up? – for the best online bingo sites
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