The Basics of How to Play Bingo
Most people know the basic bingo rules and how to play the game, but just in case you've been living in a remote cabin in the woods for your whole life, here are the basics.
Everyone gets a card with a random selection of numbers within a predefined range. Numbers - also referred to as balls - get pulled out of a hat or selected electronically, and you need to check your card to see if you have a match. The aim of the game is to be the first person to mark off the numbers on your card.
Different types of bingo games award other prizes for various achievements. For example, if you check off numbers in a particular shape, complete a line or fill the whole card, you could be in for a cash payout.
Completing the whole card before anyone else is the holy grail and typically carries the biggest potential prizes. It is even easier when you know how to play bingo online, as near enough everything can be done for you!
Bingo isn't a one-size-fits-all game; there are many different options to customise play. The number of balls in play heavily influences the type of game, with both speed bingo and longer games available.
The most common types of bingo that can be found now include
- 30 ball
- 36 ball
- 50 ball
- 75 ball
- 80 ball
- 90 ball
The fewer the balls, the quicker the game - that's why 30 and 36 balls are often known as speed bingo. With smaller cards, fewer numbers to check off, and a range of just 1-30, there is usually only one main prize with speed bingo. This means you'll need a full house if you want to win.
50 ball bingo is a good balance between longer games and speed bingo. It's relatively new to the market but has already proven to be a big hit with players. There are 50 balls in play - as you could have guessed from the name - and a prize is normally handed out for matching a single line as well as a full house.
75 and 80 ball bingo take longer to play with 24 and 16 numbers to check off, respectively. There are many prizes available, including extras for any player that manages to mark off a specific unique shape. In 75 ball bingo, the centre square is blank, so it counts towards a win. How nice to get a helping hand from the start! 75 ball bingo has been around for some time, but 80 ball bingo is a newer variant.
If you like the traditional bingo game, 90 ball bingo is what you want. It's a game full of suspense and excitement with 90 balls in play and a 9x3 card. Prizes are usually given for completing one and two lines, as well as a full house. 90 ball bingo is also typically the game where you'll frequently have the chance to find big money prizes and jackpots.
Once you’ve decided what type of bingo you want to play, it’s just a matter of visiting the bingo room you want to join.
To join in with a game, you'll need to buy a card; you can either play with a single or play multiple cards in the same game. The upper limit on cards that you can play in a single game is usually set at around 96.
You can see the price of each card before you buy, so you'll know exactly how much you're spending to play.
Unlike slots, bingo is a game that's played live with other players, so you'll need to wait for the next game to start. But don't worry, Foxy won't keep you hanging around as bingo games are being played all of the time! There is also a limit on the number of players in each game - it's only fair; otherwise, your chances of winning would drop. Make sure you buy your cards for the game you want to play, or you could miss your slot if it's a popular room!
You can either opt to mark off your numbers using your cursor when the game begins, or the game will do it automatically. Some people only feel as if they're really playing if they mark off their own numbers, while others find keeping up with the flow too much like hard work! Whatever you prefer, there's a relaxing way to play bingo - and even if you do mark off your own numbers, Foxy will keep a check in the background so you'll never miss a prize anyway.
