Classic bingo – the likes of which is played in bingo halls up and down the country – requires a few physical items to play the game. Although you won’t need to worry about supplying most of the bingo set (the bingo balls and cards will be provided!), it’s a good idea to make sure you understand how they are used in the game.
In this article we’ll explain the different items required to play traditional bingo, as well as talking about how online bingo offers people an exciting new way to play one of the nation’s favourite games!
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All about Bingo
Bingo is one of the most popular games in the UK, and it’s easy to see why! With its simple format, fun, sociable atmosphere and the chance to win a cash prize, bingo has been a hit ever since it landed on our shores back in the 1960s.
Bingo was traditionally played in bingo halls up and down the country, and visiting them remains a popular past-time for many. If you’re new to the game, you’ll probably want to know how to play it and what equipment is required. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know – plus some bonus info on online bingo and how it works
Balls
In classic bingo games, numbered balls are fed into a bingo machine (sometimes called a ball hopper), which uses air and a fan to rotate the balls. When the caller is ready to select a ball, they will release one and call out the number written on it. The number of balls that are in play depends on the type of bingo game. For example, traditional bingo uses 90 balls, but in the USA 75 ball bingo is more common.
Cards
Bingo cards are physical cards with a random combination of numbers printed on them. The aim of the game is to match up numbers on your card (or cards) with the numbers that are called out. For example, in a 90 ball bingo game you’ll usually play on a 3x9 card that has 15 numbers spaced out over three rows, with some blank spaces too.
Prizes are awarded for completing one line, two lines, or a full house (all numbers covered), although this may vary according to the specific game you’re playing.
Bingo Dauber
Bingo daubers are pens that players use to mark off numbers on their cards. These pens are specially designed for bingo, and have a large round nib so that you can cover the entire square in one dab. Bingo daubers are not usually provided for free at bingo halls, but they will be available to buy - often in a variety of different colours.
These days there is a huge variety of bingo daubers to choose from, and they even come in different styles and shapes – for example, you could choose one that marks your card with heart shapes!
Transition to Online Bingo
Bingo first appeared online in 1996, and as internet technology continued to become more advanced and widespread, so did online bingo. The online version of the game allowed players to play their favourite game from the comfort of their own desktop computer at home, rather than in a bingo hall.
Today’s smartphones go one step further and allow us to take online bingo with us wherever we feel like playing it – whether it’s on the bus, during your lunch break or at home on the sofa.
To play online bingo at online casinos like Slingo you don’t need any physical cards, balls or bingo daubers, since the entire game is played virtually. All that’s required is a computer, phone or tablet with an internet connection.
Online Bingo Games at Slingo
Here at Slingo we’ve got a great selection of online bingo games to choose from. Whether you want to play traditional 90 ball bingo games or you fancy trying a 75 ball game, we’ve got it all. Here are a few of our most popular bingo games, to give you an idea of what’s on offer:
Jackpot Room Bingo
Jackpot Room is an action-packed 90 ball online bingo game with a huge progressive jackpot up for grabs.
Like other 90 ball bingo games, Jackpot Room is played on a 3x9 grid with the numbers 1-90.
There are three chances to win a prize: for marking off one line, two lines or a full house.
If you’re lucky enough to get a full house in 36 calls or less, you’ll win the progressive jackpot. This prize pot is usually much higher than the average win amount in bingo games, and it increases each time a game is played and it isn’t claimed.
Boom Box Bingo
Take it back to the 80s with Boom Box, the 80 ball bingo game that will have you feeling ready to hit the dance floor!
Boom Box has fewer balls than traditional 90 ball bingo games, creating a faster bingo game that’s optimised for on-the-go gaming.
Tickets can be purchased for as little as £0.01, and the game is played on a 4x4 grid with just one prize up for grabs. Win it by getting a full house before the other players.
Country Roads Bingo
75 ball bingo games like Country Roads are the most popular form of bingo game in the US. Less balls means quicker, more fast-paced games, making it perfect if you feel like a quick on-the-go bingo game.
Prizes are awarded for One Line, Full House and Pattern, adding an exciting new element to the game. Pattern wins are achieved by marking off all of the numbers on a predetermined pattern – the pattern could be a diagonal, a shape, a letter or something else.
Play Exciting Bingo Games Online at Slingo.com
Find all the best bingo games at Slingo.com, home to all the best Slingo, bingo and online casino games. Join us now for an amazing gaming experience in a safe, secure environment. Sign up at Slingo and play online bingo today! Always play responsibly, and never gamble with money you can’t afford to lose.
