While online bingo has been a popular game for many years, it has recently become more widely available, and now there are so many variations for you to play that it’s mind-boggling! In this post, we explore all of the different types that are available online, as well as how to choose which one’s best for you to play.
Different types of bingo games
For anyone who’s not played bingo before, the premise is simple: all you need to do is listen to the numbers that are being called out, or displayed, and mark them off on your ticket. If you get a full row, or more, of numbers, you could win, and shout out “bingo!” There are also many other ticket patterns that you can mark off on your grid, depending on the game.
A traditional bingo game in the US is played with 75 balls and a 5×5 grid ticket, and is a more fast-paced variation, as opposed to the 90-ball version that’s more popular in the UK, which is played with a 9×3 grid ticket (and takes a bit longer). Both of these are considered to be very popular casino games in their own right, but there are many other different versions, which we’ll explain below.
30-ball
As you might have guessed from the games we’ve already mentioned, the different variations are based on the numbers of balls in play, and sometimes, the structure of the bingo card on which you mark off the numbers (of course, you can choose to have this done automatically if you’re playing online bingo.)
In the 30-ball variation, there are just 30 balls in play, and you mark off numbers on a 3×3 grid ticket. The smaller number of balls and the smaller ticket make this a very fast-paced game, so it’s perfect for those who like to play a few rounds in a short space of time.
80-ball
In 80-ball bingo, you play with 80 balls, and the ticket is a 4×4 grid. The increased number of balls in play and the slightly bigger ticket mean this game goes on for a bit longer, so it’s perfect if you’ve got a bit more time on your hands. As we’ll discuss further in the next section, this variant is also known for its winning patterns.
75-ball
This version of the game is the most popular one in North America, and is played with 75 balls and a 5×5 grid ticket, with an open square in the middle that can substitute for any number. This gives players more ways to win – because they can do so diagonally, vertically, or horizontally.
In this variation, there are many winning patterns, which means it’s sometimes referred to as “pattern bingo,” with some of the most popular wins being alphabetical letters, stars, dollar signs, bells, and a variety of other shapes!
90-ball
The 90-ball version of the game is very popular in the UK, where the game has evolved over the decades from its roots in bingo halls to the point where both young and old alike now enjoy playing bingo online. This variation takes a bit longer, with more balls in play, and the ticket grid is a 9×3 structure. This means winning’s all about getting completed rows of numbers.
Some of the most well-known winning patterns are four corners, a line, two lines, and a “full house,” which means you’ve marked off every single number (15 in all) on your ticket. Typically, you’d buy six of these tickets, which gives you a chance to mark off all 90 numbers during the game.
Slingo
If you thought you’d gotten your head around some of the main types of online bingo games, just wait, because Slingo takes this numbers game to the next level!
A combination of online slots and bingo, Slingo brings all of the fun of clicking “spin” to this variant, along with the thrill of marking off numbers on a grid. What’s more, there are so many different themed versions out there to try, including Lucky Larry’s Lobstermania Slingo, Slingo Advance, and Monopoly Slingo.
How to choose the right one for you
With so many types to choose from, it can feel a bit overwhelming to know where to start if you’ve never played bingo before. If you’re a newbie, we’d recommend giving all of the different games a try to see which ones you like the most.
If you enjoy a fast-paced game, you’d probably be more inclined to play shorter games, such as 30-ball or Slingo. For those with an appreciation for patterns and visual elements, you might get the most enthusiastic about 80-ball and 75-ball. Traditionalists might also like to try their hand at 90-ball, which is a bit of a longer game, with so many more numbers to mark off your ticket.
If you’re already a deft hand at daubing, you’ll probably have already tried some of the above; but since every game is different, there’s always something new to discover, especially as the game continues to evolve online, and new variants are released!
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.