Bingo is a fun way to keep entertained while potentially winning exciting prizes. The gameplay is thrilling; it’s easy to learn; there’s a social aspect to the game and you can play online bingo in the comfort of your home. What’s not to enjoy? Read on to find out more about the odds of winning bingo.
Before discussing ways to win at bingo, it’s helpful to keep in mind that there are two main types of bingo: 75-ball bingo, which is common in the US; and 90-ball bingo, which originated in the UK. The US game uses a 5×5 grid with a blank central square – unlike the UK version, which consists of a 3×9 grid with four empty spots and five numbers in each row. The ball count and the grid size both have a bearing on winning at bingo.
Calculating online bingo odds
Here are some factors that impact the odds of winning an online bingo game.
The number of bingo cards in play
Similar to a raffle, bingo is a game of chance in the sense that each card you purchase represents a ticket in the draw. For instance, if there are ten players, each with one card, then each player has a one-in-ten chance of winning. If you buy two cards, you double your chances of winning. While all cards have equal odds of winning at bingo, you can increase your chances by buying more cards. To calculate your winning odds, divide the number of cards you have by the total number of cards all the players have bought.
The number of bingo players
Alternatively, you can also determine your chances of winning by considering the number of players in the game. Generally speaking, a larger number of players means more cards in play, with each player having at least one card. On the other hand, a smaller number of players increases your winning odds. That said, it’s worth keeping in mind that a larger player pool often means a more substantial prize pool.
Bingo variants
Some bingo games may require players to complete a specific pattern on their card in order to win, while others may have multiple patterns that can result in a win. The complexity and rarity of the required pattern impact the odds of winning.
The variant of bingo also impacts the types of bingo wins. For example, a 90-ball bingo game would have 90 draws, whereas a 75-ball game would only have 75 calls. Your chances of winning bingo increase with fewer balls left to draw – for example, your odds in the 10th draw are actually lower than your winning odds in the 40th or even 55th draw.
There are various intriguing statistical theories about the types of cards that are more likely to lead to winning at bingo. Granvilles’ bingo method, developed by mathematician and gambling expert John Granville, is one such strategy. It involves selecting bingo cards with a higher probability of winning based on a statistical analysis of the distribution of numbers on the cards.
Granville’s strategy claims that, in order to increase your chances of winning, it’s advisable to choose numbers that are as diverse as possible, including a mix of high, low, even and odd numbers, as well as numbers with different last digits. The idea is that if you start with 75 bingo balls and the first number removed is 28, this will decrease the number of even-numbered balls by one, making it slightly more likely that an odd number will be chosen next. While this theory is based on the principles of probability, it’s not specific enough to make accurate predictions since there are still too many possibilities with an equal likelihood of being chosen.
Tips for improving your bingo game
Here are a few simple tips and tricks to help you enjoy this popular game even more.
Wait for quiet periods
As mentioned earlier, your odds of winning bingo increase when the number of cards in play declines. Wait for quiet times to increase your potential wins.
Control your losses
As in all forms of gambling, you need to step away from the table when you are on a losing streak. Be responsible – there is no guarantee of winning if you just keep buying more cards. Players often make the mistake of thinking that they are somehow “due” a win after a string of losses. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work like that.
Take advantage of bonuses and promotions
Many online bingo sites offer promotions and free bingo bonuses. For example, jackpots could be increased at certain times or there could be a signup bonus. It only makes sense to look out for these kinds of promotions.
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