Bingo: Where it All Began

Before reaching the UK, bingo can be traced back to Italy as a weekly lottery-style game that was then spread to France and Germany, where it became both a form of entertainment and education. The US also adopted their own version of the game, opting to call it ‘Beano’. 

Initially thought only to be played by wealthy individuals and members of the aristocracy, it was not until the 1800s that Bingo came to be widely acknowledged as a betting game. In the 1960s, bingo halls began appearing across the country, and big names became part of the Bingo world.

Traditional Bingo Halls

Bingo halls have been popular around the UK for years, and up until the pandemic, there were over 330 bingo halls across Britain that were seeing a steady stream of players of all ages, abilities, and experiences come through the doors. The game has been passed down through the generations, with the core traditions remaining in place throughout. 

Seen as a great and chilled out way to catch up with family and friends, maybe win a few prizes, all while having a bit of fun, crossing off numbers and even shouting ‘Bingo’. Played with a piece of paper and a pen, sat around tables, there was nothing that could beat a good afternoon or evening spent at the Bingo hall. It was seen as a social event where players could have a natter with a hot drink and some snacks.

Digital Age: Transition from Bingo Halls to Online Bingo

With the growth in technology and online gaming, it was only a matter of time before Bingo became just as, if not more, dominant online. But how can all of the same features be provided online as in an actual bingo hall?

For many players in the country, it is now a simple log on at home and enjoy the classic game from the comfort of their sofas, while out and about, on the train, or with friends! It has helped to make the game more accessible and convenient, while still maintaining the same feel and experience. 

Bingo Chat Rooms

The obvious absence would be the social side of the game; how can this be replicated online? 

Operators already had this under control, with online bingo featuring various chat rooms for players to engage with and converse with like-minded individuals and other players as they participate in a game online. This has ensured that the social aspect of Bingo is still available to those who wish to access it, while not being compulsory for those who would rather just play the game.

Online Bingo Variations

Bringing the game of Bingo online has opened up a wealth of opportunities for platforms to now offer different variations of the popular game. 

This includes themed games, popular culture-based Bingo games on movies, TV shows, songs, faster-paced bingo games, live bingo games, Slingo, and more, as the game continues to evolve and keep up with the ever-changing modern times. 

Players can typically expect to come across 90-Ball, 80-Ball, 75-Ball, 50-Ball, and 30-Ball Bingo games online. We have looked at each of these in some more detail below.

• 90-Ball Bingo: The classic game of online bingo, each ticket is a 3x9 chart where every row has five numbers and four empty spaces. Numbers span from 1 to 90, and there are three winning combinations: One Line, Two Lines, and a Full House. A game of 90-ball Bingo typically lasts 10 to 15 minutes.

• 80-Ball Bingo: A blend of traditional bingo played on a 4x4 grid with 16 numbers ranging from 1 to 80. The game has four winning combinations: Single Line, Two Lines, Three Lines and a Full House. This type of Bingo game typically lasts between seven and 12 minutes. 

• 75-Ball Bingo: Originating from North America, this is a straightforward way to play the game, with unique pattern-based objectives. Players must complete one of four winning outcomes: Single Line (Horizontal, Vertical, or Diagonal), Four Corners, Cross, Blackout or Full House (All Squares).  These games can be between five and 10 minutes long, offering a faster alternative to the game.

• 50-Ball Bingo: A faster-paced bingo game, 50-Ball Bingo is played on a 5x2 grid with 10 numbers per ticket ranging from 1 to 50. There are two ways to win this game of Bingo: with One Line or a Full House. 

• 30-Ball Bingo: A rapid and popular new way to play the game has been introduced with the 30-Ball Bingo format. It is played on a 3x3 ticket with numbers between 1 and 30. There is one way to win, by completing all nine numbers of the ticket and the more participants and the higher the ticket prices, the better the potential prizes. These games typically span between three and five minutes.

Responsible Gambling

It is vital that you always ensure that you are in control of your gambling habits, and the main way to do this is by utilising responsible gambling tools and services. All platforms will offer a range to customers, which can include time-outs, self-exclusions, transaction limits, game restrictions, and more. In addition, users can also check out gambling support sites and contact service providers, such as the ones listed below.

• National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133

• GamCare: https://www.gamcare.org.uk

• GambleAware:https://gambleaware.org/