If you have never played bingo before, read on and within a few minutes you will be an expert. Bingo is a simple game but very rewarding, and is played by millions of people all over the world. The traditional bingo halls, found in nearly every town in the UK, are now being superseded by the phenomenon of online bingo.

Bingo Basics

All you need to play bingo is a bingo card, with a set of squares in rows and columns, which contains a selection of numbers. Several people will take part in a game, all vying for the cash prize. During the game, numbers are called out randomly and if they are on your card you will need to mark them off – this is often called daubing, as traditionally it is done with a marker pen. The first person to mark off their numbers in a particular pattern such as a ‘line’, calls ‘Bingo’, and wins the prize.

Cards are purchased at the beginning of each game. They can cost from a bargain 10p each up to £1.00. You can buy just one card, or to increase the excitement, several. Often, in 90-ball bingo (explained below), cards are sold in ‘strips’ of six with every number from one to ninety appearing somewhere on the strip. The prize money on offer increases according to the price of the card and the number of people playing. Often, there are special jackpot games where thousands of pounds can be won. You can even become a millionaire playing bingo!

90 Ball Bingo

This is the most popular style of bingo game in the UK. There are ninety balls, numbered from 1 to 90. A card, or ticket as it is sometimes called, contains three rows and nine columns to create twenty-seven squares. In each row, five of the squares contain random numbers.

The game is often played in three stages with three chances to win. The first winner is the person who marks off a ‘line’ – five numbers in the same row. The game is continued, and the second winner is the person who marks off two lines. The tension grows as the game continues again, until someone marks off every number on their card. This is known as a ‘full house’ or ‘coverall’. The final winner will receive the biggest prize.

75 Ball Bingo

This is popular in America and offers more variety than the standard 90-ball game. There are only seventy-five balls, numbered from 1 to 75. The card is square and contains five rows and five columns to create twenty-five squares. Once again, the card is filled with random numbers.

As well as playing for the usual lines and full house, this card is more versatile, and you may play for a pattern such as a cross or the shape of a letter or number. The pattern is announced at the beginning of each game.

Online Bingo

More than 145,000 players around the world play online bingo and the number is growing fast. Playing bingo from the comfort of your own home has never been so popular and there are an unbelievable amount of sites to choose from. Online bingo may be lacking in the face-to-face appeal of bingo halls, but it is surprisingly social - you can play with your friends and chat to members from around the world.

Online bingo sites are usually buzzing with activity. There are lots of games to choose from, some with massive jackpots. When you join, you often receive free bingo money so you can try them out. There is no need to worry about security as most bingo sites use extremely secure software and always pay out either by cheque or directly to your bank account.

Games are fast paced and exciting. Online bingo software is very advanced, creating a lively and authentic atmosphere with real callers (sometimes celebrities) and a welcoming, social feel. If you fancy chatting while you play, you can choose the ‘autodaub’ option so your cards are marked for you and you can sit back and relax.

How to Choose

There are hundreds of bingo sites available each with different features, which will appeal to different people. Don’t worry if you are unsure which online sites to try first – just read our online bingo reviews of the best and you can get playing with confidence.