There aren’t many casino games that are as social, entertaining and competitive as bingo – which is why it’s no surprise that this classic game is still going strong today!

An evening out at a bingo hall might not be possible at the moment, but thanks to the internet, we’ve been able to enjoy this timeless game in a new, modern setting. There are as many as 60 million bingo fans in the USA, and the introduction of online bingo has seen the game’s popularity skyrocket in recent years.

It’s a great game to play anywhere. These days, you can play online bingo on a mobile device on the go or in the comfort of your own home, on the sofa, all while eating pizza in your comfiest pajamas.

Of course, like any good casino game, there are rules that you should know before you join a table. Have these tips in mind the next time you log into your favorite site:

DOs for online bingo

• DO be courteous and polite. This applies to the chat host/moderator and your fellow players. It’s easy for things to get lost in translation when you’re communicating over text, so be mindful about what you type.
  
• DO join in on the chat in games. Bingo games that include a chat function are a brilliant way to get involved with your community and get to know your fellow players.
  
• DO learn the lingo. The game of bingo has its own vocabulary and expressions. You’re guaranteed to hear other players using these terms, so it may help you to familiarize yourself with them. Don’t worry if this seems overwhelming in the beginning – it won’t be long before you get into the groove!
  
• DO withdraw your funds. This might seem obvious, but sometimes in the excitement of it all, you forget to withdraw quick wins. Instead of purchasing new bingo tickets right away, it’s always best to withdraw your winnings, regroup, and make sure you’re always playing within your means.

DON’Ts for online bingo

• DON’T be abusive or rude. If you’re down on your luck and keep losing, don’t take it out on the platform you’re playing at. Respect the chat host and the other players at all times, follow the rules and be gracious in defeat. The community is lively, fun, engaging and positive, and it’s all thanks to the people playing alongside you.
  
• DON’T type in caps in chats. It’s impolite (or “shouty”) to type in capital letters while playing. Make sure you have taken the caps lock off on your keyboard before you start typing a message!
  

• DON’T give away personal details. Like any online platform, you never know when you’re rubbing shoulders with some opportunist looking to take advantage of new or inexperienced players. It’s a good idea to remain anonymous since it’s best not to reveal too much about yourself, even if you have made friends through your new hobby. Don’t share any information that could identify you – real name, address, email addresses or contact numbers. You should never share any banking or card details with anyone either.
  
•  DON’T refresh your screen. This rule applies whether you’re playing on a desktop, laptop, mobile or tablet: if your connection is weak or the page is running slowly when you make a deposit and you refresh the screen, you could be making that deposit twice. Support staff may not be able to help you in these instances, so rather play it safe. 

Why is bingo etiquette important?

Ultimately, bingo is about having fun, socializing and the chance of winning. It doesn’t matter if you play the 90-ball game, a variant like 30-ball mini or 75-ball bingo, what matters is that you’re contributing to the friendly, enjoyable and social environment that bingo is known for. 

Although bingo’s online scene is relatively new in the USA, there are similarities with the physical one, particularly when it comes to etiquette rules. While the etiquette rules for online games are slightly less strict, they are much the same as games played in a bingo hall.

What if I break the rules of bingo?

If you fail to follow basic bingo etiquette, the next steps will depend on how serious the breach is. If it’s a small mistake, like accidentally leaving caps lock on in a chat thread, a simple apology will be enough to resolve the issue and let everyone move on. If it’s something more serious, however (such as insulting another player, or the host), this could lead to you being barred from playing on a particular site. But don’t worry – if you simply treat others as you would wish to be treated yourself, then you should be just fine.

What’s the biggest difference between land-based and online etiquette?

Chatting in an online session is a little different to striking up a conversation in a bingo hall. An online bingo player can chat to their heart’s content with other players during the game, but for land-based bingo the rule is to be quiet during the game. This helps ensure that calls are heard and players avoid missing out on marking off numbers on the bingo card.

Play the best online bingo games at Borgata Bingo

At Borgata Bingo, New Jersey residents can try their luck on a range of exciting games, including the classic 75-ball and 90-ball bingo games, as well as jackpot slots, Slingo, and many more exciting titles. See what incredible gameplay is on offer when you play online bingo. Download the app via iOS or Android or register online to join the party at Borgata Bingo.