Bingo is one of the simplest games of chance out there and comes in many shapes and sizes. So, no matter what you like, you’re sure to find a version out there for you. But what are the most important options?
In this article, we’ll explain the main types of bingo games.
- 90 ball bingo
This is the classic equal chance game using 90 balls that was first introduced to the UK in the 1960s. The corresponding bingo cards feature a 3×9 grid, with 5 numbers and 4 blank spaces in each of the 3 rows, for a total of 15 numbers on each card. Players manually cross off the numbers on their cards as they’re called out. There are three ways to win: complete a horizontal row, complete two horizontal rows or complete all three rows for a full house.
- 80 ball bingo
This is a popular form of bingo played with 80 numbers, allegedly invented as a more fun way to play online bingo. It is faster-paced compared to 90-ball bingo and offers more ways to win too. In this version, the cards have 4×4 grids with no blank spaces, for a total of 16 numbers. The 80 numbers are divided into 4 groups of 20: 1-20, 21-40, 41-60 and 61-80.
Each group gets its own colour: red, yellow, blue and silver, respectively. Both the number and the colour are called as the ball is drawn, helping players identify the numbers on their ticket more quickly and therefore speeding up the game considerably.
There are also more ways to win in 80-ball bingo. You can either mark off a horizontal, vertical or diagonal line of 4 numbers across the ticket, mark off the numbers in each of the four corners of the ticket, or mark off a specific pattern of squares on the ticket. And as with every type of bingo, you can mark off all 16 numbers on the ticket for a full house.
- 75 ball bingo
Even though it is better known in the UK, many different forms of bingo have broken into the USA. None more so than 75 ball bingo, also known as pattern bingo. There are 75 numbers, and the card is a 5×5 grid with a total of 25 squares. 24 of these squares contain numbers and the centre square is automatically marked off before the game begins. This gives you an advantage in completing the different pre-determined patterns you need to win the game.
- 30 ball bingo
Sometimes called speed bingo or rapid bingo, 30-ball bingo is an exciting way to play. The cards feature 3×3 grids for a total of 9 numbers from 1-30. The rules for winning the single, big prize are simple: the first person to get a full house. It’s a race against the clock, ideal for players who prefer multiple chances to win over a quick-fire series of games.
While there are many different variations of bingo with different cards, numbers and ways to win, the game always stays the same. It’s simple, exciting and social. So, why not head online or to your local bingo hall and play a game?
