Bingo is one of the easiest games to learn. You get a card with numbers, a caller draws numbers one at a time, and you mark off any that match. The first player to complete the winning pattern wins the prize. There is nothing to memorise and no strategy to master.
This guide explains how bingo works in plain English. It covers the history of the game, the two main versions and how to read a card. You will also learn the popular bingo lingo and a few sensible ways to manage your money.
It is written for beginners. For other games, see our full set of casino game guides.
A Short History Of Bingo
Bingo goes back to Italy in the 1500s. A lottery game called Lo Giuoco del Lotto d’Italia began around 1530. Players matched numbers on a card against numbers that were drawn. Italy still plays a version of this game today.
The game then spread across Europe. The French played a similar game in the 1700s. Germans used number cards in the 1800s, but they used them to teach children maths and spelling. In each case, the basic idea stayed the same.
In the United States, a version called Beano became popular at travelling fairs in the 1920s. Players marked their cards with dried beans. The name we use today came from a toy salesman named Edwin Lowe. He said he heard a player shout bingo by mistake instead of beano, and the new name stuck.
| Period | What changed |
|---|---|
| Around 1530 | An Italian lottery game uses cards and drawn numbers |
| 1700s and 1800s | Similar number games appear in France and Germany |
| 1920s | Beano becomes popular at fairs in the United States |
| 1930s | Edwin Lowe renames the game bingo |
| 20th century | Bingo halls open in many countries, often for charity |
| Late 1990s onward | Online bingo rooms bring the game to home computers |
Church halls and charities used bingo to raise money for decades. Bingo halls also became social spots where friends met every week. Today the game is just as popular online. It also appears in many land-based casinos.
How Bingo Works
A bingo game has a simple flow. Here is a round from start to finish.
- Buy your cards. Each card costs a small fee. You can buy one card or many.
- Wait for the game to start. Online rooms show a countdown. In a hall, the caller announces the start.
- Numbers are called. The caller draws balls from a machine, or a computer draws them at random.
- Mark your numbers. You cross off every called number that appears on your card.
- Shout bingo. When you complete the winning pattern, you call out. Online, the game does this for you.
- The prize is checked and paid. If more than one player wins together, they share the prize.
Every number has the same chance of being drawn. As a result, no card is luckier than another. Skill does not change the result, so bingo is a game of pure chance.
75 Ball Bingo
This is the version most common in the United States and Canada. The card is a grid of five rows and five columns. The columns carry the letters B, I, N, G and O. The centre square is a free space, so it counts as already marked.
| Column | Numbers it can hold |
|---|---|
| B | 1 to 15 |
| I | 16 to 30 |
| N | 31 to 45 |
| G | 46 to 60 |
| O | 61 to 75 |
The caller says a letter and a number together, such as B7 or O68. You then look in that column only. This makes marking fast.
The usual way to win is a complete line across, down or on the diagonal. Many games use other patterns too. You might need the four corners, an X shape or a full card. The pattern is announced before each game starts. A blackout game, where you must mark every number, usually pays the largest prize.
90 Ball Bingo
This is the version played across the United Kingdom, Ireland and much of Europe. It is also very common in online rooms. The card has three rows and nine columns. Each row holds five numbers and four blank squares, so every card has 15 numbers in total.
The first column holds numbers 1 to 9. The second holds 10 to 19, and so on. The last column holds 80 to 90. There are no letters and no free space.
A 90 ball game has three prizes. They are won in this order:
- One line. The first player to mark all five numbers on any row wins the first prize.
- Two lines. The first player to complete two rows wins the second prize.
- Full house. The first player to mark all 15 numbers wins the top prize.
Because there are three prizes in every game, the action keeps going. A player can win more than once in a single round.
75 Ball Compared With 90 Ball
| Feature | 75 ball | 90 ball |
|---|---|---|
| Card size | 5 by 5 grid | 3 by 9 grid |
| Numbers on the card | 24, plus a free space | 15 |
| Letters used | Yes, B I N G O | No |
| Main winning goal | A pattern, often a line | One line, two lines, full house |
| Prizes per game | Usually one | Three |
| Pace | Fast | A little slower |
| Common in | North America | The UK and Europe |
Neither version is better. Pick the one that matches your mood. If you like quick games with patterns, try 75 ball. If you like a steady game with several chances to win, try 90 ball.
Other Types Of Bingo
Some online rooms offer extra versions. They use the same idea with smaller or bigger cards.
| Version | What is different |
|---|---|
| 80 ball bingo | A four by four card with 16 numbers, and a quick finish |
| 30 ball bingo | A three by three card, often called speed bingo |
| Pattern bingo | You must mark a set shape, not just a line |
| Jackpot bingo | A bigger prize if you win within a set number of calls |
| Slingo | A mix of bingo and slots on a small grid |
If you enjoy number games, you might also like keno. It works a little like bingo but lets you pick your own numbers.
Bingo Lingo Explained
Bingo has its own set of nicknames for numbers. Callers use them in halls, and players use them in online chat rooms. You will pick them up quickly.
| Number | Nickname |
|---|---|
| 1 | Kelly’s eye |
| 11 | Legs eleven |
| 22 | Two little ducks |
| 66 | Clickety click |
| 88 | Two fat ladies |
| 90 | Top of the shop |
Online chat rooms use their own short forms as well. Players often type short codes, which make chatting quick and easy. Chat games are popular too. They are small side games run by the room host, and the prizes are usually extra credits or tickets.
Key Bingo Terms
| Term | What it means |
|---|---|
| Caller | The person or program that draws the numbers |
| Daub | To mark a number on your card |
| Auto daub | A setting where the game marks your numbers for you |
| Full house | Every number on the card is marked |
| Roomies | The other players in an online bingo room |
| Ticket | Another word for a bingo card |
| Prize pool | The total amount that can be won in a game |
| Pattern | The shape you must complete to win |
Why Bingo Is So Popular
Bingo suits almost everyone. It is easy to learn, and a card is cheap. Tickets in many rooms cost only a few rand. Prizes can be large compared with the ticket price. As a result, many players see it as good value for an evening of fun.
It is also very social. In a hall, players share a table and a laugh. Online, they chat with each other in a room while the game runs. Many people enjoy the chat as much as the game.
Auto daub makes online bingo even easier. The game marks your numbers, so you can sit back and chat. However, auto daub is only there to help. You still need to watch your balance.
How Much Should You Spend?
Cheap tickets can add up quickly. Games run back to back, and it is easy to buy more cards. So set a budget before you start.
Here is a simple example. Say you set aside R100 for the evening. Each card costs R5, so you can buy 20 cards in total. You might spread them over five games with four cards each. When the money is gone, you stop.
Buying more cards raises your chance of winning a single game. However, it also raises your cost. The average return is the same. A larger spend means a larger expected loss.
Remember that the host takes a share of the ticket money. The rest goes into the prize pool. This is how bingo sites and halls make a profit. In other words, you should treat bingo as entertainment that costs money.
Tips For Playing Bingo
- Set a budget first. Decide how much you can afford to lose.
- Start with cheap games. Low-cost rooms let you learn without a big risk.
- Choose busy or quiet rooms to suit your goals. Fewer players mean better odds, but smaller prizes.
- Watch the prize pool. Compare the prize with the number of players and the ticket price.
- Use auto daub if you play many cards. It saves you from missing a number.
- Read the bonus rules. Any bonus will carry wagering terms.
- Take breaks. A quick game can turn into a long night.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Chasing losses. Buying extra cards to win back money rarely works.
- Believing in lucky cards. Every card has the same chance.
- Buying too many cards. A big stack costs a lot and does not guarantee a win.
- Ignoring the pattern. Check the winning pattern before each game starts.
- Missing the call in a hall. Pay attention, because you must shout bingo yourself.
- Playing for too long. Set a time limit as well as a money limit.
Playing Bingo In South Africa
Bingo is a regulated form of gambling in South Africa. Provincial gambling boards license the venues that offer it. You will find bingo at some land-based casinos in South Africa and at other licensed venues. You must be 18 or older to play.
Online bingo is a different matter. The National Gambling Act of 2004 does not allow online casino gambling in South Africa, and the same applies to online bingo. No South African online licence exists for these games. Offshore sites accept South African players, but they are not licensed here. As a result, you have no local regulator to turn to if something goes wrong. Our online gambling laws guide explains the position in detail.
We do not currently review dedicated bingo sites. If you want to play casino games online, our online casino reviews show the bonus rules and licence details for each site we cover.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is bingo a game of skill or luck?
It is pure luck. The numbers are drawn at random, so nothing you do changes the result.
What is the difference between 75 ball and 90 ball bingo?
A 75 ball card is a five by five grid with letters. A 90 ball card has three rows and 15 numbers. The 90 ball game pays three prizes in each round.
What does a full house mean?
It means you have marked every number on your card. In 90 ball bingo, it is the top prize.
Do more cards give me a better chance?
Yes, but each extra card also costs money. Your chance of winning rises, and so does your spending.
What is auto daub?
It is a setting that marks your numbers for you. It is common in online bingo and saves you from missing a call.
Is online bingo legal in South Africa?
No. The National Gambling Act of 2004 does not permit online casino gambling, and no South African online licence exists for these games. Land-based venues are licensed by provincial gambling boards.
18+ only. Gambling can be addictive. Only play with money you can afford to lose. If gambling is causing you harm, call the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation helpline on 0800 006 008.