How To Play Bingo Online
Learning how to play bingo online is simpler than it seems. Even though there are three versions of the game, the fundamentals for each of them are similar. If you are accustomed to playing the game in land-based bingo halls, you’ll be able to get started immediately. If you have never playing bingo, this guide will get you up to speed so you can begin enjoying the game within minutes.
Below, we’ll explain the basics of how to play bingo online. You’ll learn how to play 75-ball, 80-ball, and 90-ball bingo. We’ll also reveal two of our favorite online bingo halls – one for U.S. players and the other for UK players.
How To Play Bingo Online: Getting Started
Most of the top operators in the online bingo industry will allow you to play their games directly within your browser. A few bingo sites will require that you download their software, but they’re rare; most sites use a Flash platform. That means you can simply log into your account and start playing.
At some point, you’ll need to fund your account. All online bingo sites offer multiple depositing options, including credit cards and eWallet services.
One of the most surprising aspects for those who are beginning to learn how to play bingo online is the chat option. In traditional halls, talking with other players during the game is discouraged. Online, the opposite is true. The best online bingo sites offer stimulating chat games managed by engaging chat moderators. You’ll have the opportunity to meet, and get to know, other bingo fans while competing for exciting prizes.
With the above in mind, here are the rules behind each of the three bingo game versions played today.
How To Play 75-Ball Bingo Online
This version of bingo is the most common variety played in the U.S. There are 75 balls and 25 spaces on a single card. The spaces are organized evenly into 5 distinct columns with each column headed by a letter: B, I, N, G, O. Here is the layout of the cards:
B = numbers will be between 1 through 15
I = 16 – 30
N = 31 – 45
G = 46 – 60
O = 61 – 75
The space in the middle of each card is free; every player begins the game with that space daubed (or, marked). Players win when they fulfill the pattern defined at the beginning of the game. A straight-line pattern (i.e. top to bottom, side to side, or corner to corner) is the most common. “X” patterns and coveralls (where the entire card must be filled) are also common.
How To Play 80-Ball Bingo Online
80-ball bingo is nearly identical to 75-ball bingo. The main differences are that 5 more balls are used and the cards only have 16 spaces. The squares are arranged in 4 rows and 4 columns rather than in a 5×5 format. Also, instead of letters heading the columns, each column is distinguished with a different color: red, yellow, blue, and silver. The colored columns, and the numbers within them, are in the following format:
Red = numbers will be between 1 through 20
Yellow = 21 – 40
Blue = 41 – 60
Silver = 61 – 80
The most common patterns used in 80-ball are the “X,” straight-line, four corners, and coverall.
How To Play 90-Ball Bingo Online
When you learn how to play bingo online, take the time to learn 90-ball. It is completely different than 75-ball and 80-ball. This version of bingo is played primarily in Europe, but U.S. players can enjoy the game at most online bingo sites.
Each bingo card (or, “ticket”) is arranged into 9 columns with 3 spaces in each column. Rather than 75 or 80 balls, there are now 90.
Each of the 3 rows contains 5 numbers and 4 blank spaces. That means each ticket contains 15 numbers that are distributed throughout the 27 possible squares. When numbers are present, they stick to the following format:
Column 1 = numbers will be between 1 through 9
Column 2 = 10 – 19
Column 3 = 20 – 29
Column 4 = 30 – 39
Column 5 = 40 – 49
Column 6 = 50 – 59
Column 7 = 60 – 69
Column 8 = 70 – 79
Column 9 = 80 – 90
90-ball bingo is usually played in three stages. The first stage ends when a player marks a complete row (i.e. 5 numbers on the same row). The second stage ends when a player has successfully completed two rows. The game ends when a player has completely filled all 3 rows (i.e. all 15 numbers on the ticket).
Where To Play Bingo Online Like A Pro
To learn how to play bingo online, we recommend that you visit CyberBingo.com and 888Ladies.com, two of our top-rated online bingo halls.
CyberBingo.com has kept their doors open to US players even as other bingo sites have closed their doors. They have a constant 100% match bonus on any first time deposit you make up to $300!
888Ladies.com will give you a £5 free-play bonus for registering an account. You can then take advantage of a 150% match on your first deposit.
Both CyberBingo and 888Ladies.com are ideal for learning how to play bingo online. Take a moment to visit both bingo sites. Register your accounts and take advantage of their free-play bonuses to get some practical experience while enjoying a fantastic bingo gaming environment.