As an online bingo enthusiast, you’ve probably heard about the raffle game tombola. But since tombola is sometimes seen as a variation of bingo, you may be forgiven for thinking that they’re one and the same.

Although they’re widely regarded as the same game, there are a number of noticeable differences between tombola and bingo, from the aesthetics and called numbers to other internal features. A favorite of gamblers, bingo seems to have captured more of the mainstream audience with variations such as 75-ball bingo. Yes, both games involve players completing numbered squares, but they’re quite different socially. Tambola is the name often used by players in India, while bingo is the recognized version of the similar game in the US.

Even though they have a few key similarities, they are actually two quite different games. What, then, is tombola and how is it related to bingo? What makes the two games so different and yet so similar? Join us as we answer these questions through a close look at bingo and tombola rules. 

The Story of Tombola

One of the main reasons why tombola and bingo are closely linked is that both games originated in Italy. Like bingo, tombola was born in Naples as a lottery game in the 1700s. The King of Naples and Sicily, Charles III of Bourbon, wanted to publicize the previously secret activity with the goal of providing the government with a source of income that could be generated by taxing tombola. 

Executing his plan was not easy, though. The religious community and an influential friar, Gregorio Maria Rocco, opposed the game and saw lotteries as a sinful pleasure. Charles III eventually legalized the game on one condition – games would always be suspended during the Christmas holidays to avoid distracting people from prayer.  

The game was such a sensation that it soon became a popular Italian board game. Ironically, tombola is now a treasured Italian Christmas family tradition. All family members, from grandparents to small children, gather around to play it and to win prizes. Some numbers have special meanings tied to the holiday. For instance, the number 25 represents the birthdate of Jesus and 33 refers to the number of years he lived. Today, tombola is still widely popular in Italy as a community activity and tradition. 

The Story of Bingo

Uncovering the history of bingo entails going back to the 16th century. Created in Italy, it was first known as “Lo Giuoco Lotto d’Italia.” From here it spread across the borders of Europe, over the seas and eventually became known as “Bingo.” Captivated by its social and exciting nature, it soon became a global game.

Fast-forward to today and there are over 60 million players and over 50,000 bingo halls around the world. Moving digitally, it remains one of the most played online casino games, with its array of bingo game variations and hybrid games such as slingo online – a game that combines bingo and slots. 

Tombola Gameplay vs. Bingo Gameplay

Like 90- or 75-ball bingo, tombola uses a ticket or bingo card. But unlike the American 75-ball bingo, where you can make bingo horizontally, diagonally or vertically, you can only work horizontally in tombola. The tombola card is also different. A standard bingo card has a 5×5 grid, but a tombola card has three rows and nine columns. In each row, only five of the nine columns have a number. These spaces are intentionally left blank. 

Online tombola numbers are chosen the same way online bingo numbers are. In live games, the tombola number is pulled from a rotating drum while at-home players typically use a bag. The caller, or tombolone, announces the numbers as he pulls them and follows with a name or rhyme associated with the numbers. As in bingo, players cover that number on their cards. This is, in fact, much like the traditional beano game in which players originally used beans to mark their cards. 

Like traditional and online bingo games, tombola is usually played for money. Each card costs a few cents and players are free to purchase as many cards as they wish. The main difference in the gameplay of tombola and bingo is that a game of tombola doesn’t consist of one, but five rounds. 

The total prize pot is divided into five smaller prizes and each prize is given to the winner of the following individual rounds:

• Ambo: The first person to cover two numbers in a row will shout “ambo” and win the first prize.

• Terno: To win terno, players must cover three numbers in a row.

• Quaderno: Marking off four numbers in a row wins the quaderno round.

• Quinto: The first person to cover five numbers in a row wins quinto. 

• Tombola: The biggest prize is awarded to the first person to win, which means covering all 15 numbers on their card. These winning combinations work like the bingo patterns you find when you play bingo online or at a venue. 

The Difference Between Tombola and Bingo

It’s no surprise that some people believe bingo and tombola are the same game. Both were originally Italian lotteries and both involve calling out random numbers and marking off tickets. However, as similar as tombola and bingo rules may be, there are subtle differences worth knowing. Understanding these can help differentiate you from the competition and enable you to play more freely and confidently.  

It’s crucial to understand number calling in tombola since the game uses 15-number tickets which offer quicker rounds with more prizes. Bingo’s 24-number ticket introduces more complex patterns and more suspenseful gameplay. In bingo, you have one winner when a player completes a pattern while in tombola the session continues into multiple rounds and ends with multiple winners. One player could even win multiple prizes in a single game of tombola.

Playing tombola is a great way to appreciate Italian heritage and tradition. Italians have even linked the numbers to specific images with special meanings tied to the interpretation of dreams and superstitions. You can choose to dive deep and understand the different hidden meanings and rhymes of the game, or you can play it as a simple and fun raffle game with friends and family.

Although the two games are different, one thing is certain: if you love tombola, you’ll absolutely love playing bingo at an online casino. Borgata Bingo has a wide variety of bingo games and bingo-inspired slots to enjoy on one platform. Plus, we’ll help you manage your budget to play bingo responsibly while qualifying for multiple free games, bonuses and promotions. 

Join the Borgata Bingo Bonanza

Learning how to play bingo online is easy and fun. Simply register with Borgata Online and we’ll help you get started with games such as No Lose Bingo or our budget-friendly Penny Bingo. Online bingo cards are available 24/7, which means you can play on the go whenever you like. 

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