If you haven’t had the pleasure of playing a few games of bingo before, or you are a player who started in a physical bingo hall, then you might feel a little overwhelmed when it comes to online bingo.
In this article we will look at some of the history of bingo, before looking at how to choose the right place to play. We’ll touch on the different games available and give a brief run down of how the games are played. Finally, we will give you some tips to help you make the most of every game.
History of Bingo
We know bingo as a game of probability, where the aim is the first person to match all the numbers on their card with the random numbers called by a caller.
With roots in Europe, specifically the Italian Lottery, bingo has existed since at least 1530. The game travelled throughout Europe and even over to America with the settlers, and it was there in the early 1920’s that toy salesman Edwin S Lowe discovered the game and began producing a boxed version for people to play at parties and gatherings.
While in the UK bingo had remained popular, the biggest boost for the game was the Betting and Gaming Act (1960), which legalised big prizes – and encouraged companies to create bingo halls where people could gather to play, with the aim of winning the top cash prize with a shout of ‘BINGO’.
Of course, when the internet came along, it wasn’t long before online casinos and bingo sites began to spring up – and now players can win the big cash prizes without even leaving the house.
Find the Right Place to Play
Before you get stuck in to a game of bingo, it is important that you think about where you want to play. If you do a quick search for online bingo, you are going to be met with thousands of results – all sites that claim to have the best games, the biggest jackpots, and the best community. They can’t all be right, so it is important to consider what is important to you from a gaming site. Some things to consider include:
- Is the site licenced and regulated? UK bingo and casino sites must be licenced and regulated. This provides you as a player with some protection.
- How can I play? Most online bingo sites and casinos are available through your browser – just log in from there – but the best sites also offer a seamless mobile app which means you can also play on the go.
- How do I fund my account? To win the big prizes in online bingo, you need to buy tickets, which means you need to have funds in your account. Some sites will allow multiple ways to do it, including eWallets.
- What is the customer service like? Problems can arise when you are playing, or you might have an issue with your account. It is important that you can get help when you need it.
- Are there other types of games? Some players like to add bingo to their selection of available games, alongside casino favourites like poker and blackjack.
How to Play Online Bingo
To play online bingo, you need to buy a ticket. This is a card that has numbers on it, and as the caller presents the number, you mark it off. You can usually win a prize in the game in one of three ways: a complete horizontal line, two complete horizontal lines, and by marking off all the numbers (full house). The numbers are drawn randomly, and you need to be the first to mark them off.
Tips for The Most Fun
- Choose the right game. There are many different themes in bingo, as well as different numbers of balls in the game. Traditionally, UK bingo games are played with 90 balls, but you might prefer the American version that uses 75, for example.
- Know the rules. While bingo rules are broadly similar across games, there are sometimes bonuses, progressive jackpots, or other additions.
- Buy multiple tickets. The more tickets you have, the better chance you have at a win – it is basic probability. Most games involve an autoplay feature, so the numbers will be marked for you as you play.
- Choose the right time to play. The less people in the game with you, the more chance you have of winning. Choose off-peak times like weekdays.
- Watch your bankroll. It can be easy to get carried away when you are playing, especially if you are buying multiple tickets – just make sure that you are only playing with money that you can afford to lose.
With all this in mind, you are ready to go and play your first game of online bingo.
