Bingo is one of the most popular — and well known — casino games out there. People all around the world love playing bingo, both at bingo halls, in local venues and online.
Whether you’re new to bingo or a bit of a pro at it, there are a few different basics that are good to know when it comes to the game — and which variation and the best online bingo for real money will suit you best.
In this article we’ll explore some bingo’s history and the options you have when it comes to bingo games.
Read on to find out more!
A brief history of bingo
While many people enjoy playing bingo, not everyone knows its history. Bingo is actually estimated to be over 500 years old – with its roots connected to Italy and origins in the game ‘Il Gioco del Lotto d’Italia’. This lottery game moved onto France and later, to Britain. And by the 18th century, a game that closely resembles the one we all love was being played widely across Britain’s industrial towns and cities.
One arriving to the US, bingo became more widely popular with US troops as well as the British army during both of the World Wars. During the 1960s in Britain, the game boomed in bingo halls which were opened up across the country. As a regular past-time and form of entertainment, approximately 1 million players would flock to bingo hall in their local area every single month.
But with the rise of technology that came soon afterward, so did the decline of the bingo hall. Online bingo made it’s mark during the mid to late 200s when online bingo began to make an appearance alongside other forms of online casino games.
With so many people now playing their favourite bingo games online at different websites, it looks like bingo isn’t going anywhere soon. And it’s longstanding history will continue onwards with many people enjoying this fantastic game.
There is some variety when it comes to the types of bingo games that now exist.
Here are some of the top ones that you should know about!
Slingo
Slingo is an exciting variation of bingo that combines the traditional game of slots as well as 65-ball bingo. You play this game on a 5×5 grid with the reels located below the game. This game is an incredibly simple one to play, with the main difference between slot machines and slingo is the amount of reel space that is accessible. When compared to bingo it’s quite different to what you’d normally see, with features such as Gold Coin, Super Joker, The Joker and Free Spin incorporated.
The game has evolved over the years from being a single-player game to an interactive experience enjoyed by multi-players.
It’s definitely one worth trying if you’re a fan of either slots or bingo. Or want to test out something new with friends online!
75 Ball Bingo
If you’re in the US or Canada it’s likely you’ve tried 75 Ball bingo before. That’s because this is the most popular version in these countries. In this game, you purchase a card with the numbers having been already marked. Numbers are then drawn randomly by the caller, with players required to mark any of the numbers that are on their card.
80 Ball Bingo
As is expected, 80 ball bingo sits between 75 and 90 ball bingo. It’s slightly more of a substantial game than 75 but requires less time than 90 ball. This one is great to try out if you’ve played other variations as the rules are quite similar!
90 Ball Bingo
This type of bingo is one of the more traditional ones played in the UK and Europe, while those who are playing in the US or Canada may be more familiar with the 75 ball variant of the game.
What makes 90 ball bingo unique is that each card consists of three horizontal lines alongside nine columns. With every card there’s fifteen numbers, which makes up five numbers on each line.
This game is also played in three different parts. In the first instance players aim to be the first ones to complete a horizontal line on their card. Following this players aim for two horizontal lines, and then finally, a full house.
Bongo’s Bingo
For those who like something completely different, there’s Bongo’s Bingo. Played at over 50 locations around the world, Bongo’s Bingo goes beyond game play and is a mix of traditional bingo, audience participation, competitions and rave intervals. Launched back in 2014, it combines what you love about bingo already with a fun party experience and a chance to win some weird and wonderful prizes.
Bongo’s Bingo is perfect if you’re looking to replicate some of the old time nostalgia of bingo halls and gatherings with friends in real life with something all-together new. It does go beyond the traditional lines of what constitutes a bingo game, but the party atmosphere is really what people attend it for. If you haven’t been, it’s definitely worth experiencing at least once – especially with a group of friends!
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