Bingo Rules

Bingo is a very straightforward game but a basic explanation of the bingo rules will help ensure that you know exactly what you are doing. For this reason we now present rules for both 90 ball and 75 ball bingo. As you will see, although the format of the games is somewhat different, the general objective – to be the first to win – is the same in both cases.

90 Ball Bingo

Traditional 90 ball bingo is so called because it uses 90 balls. Players buy bingo tickets featuring three lines with five numbers on each line. When the game begins numbers are selected randomly and are called by a bingo caller. In some games the numbers are called in digits and then the number (for example, “3 and 5... 35”) and in other games in what is referred to as “bingo lingo” or “bingo banter” (for example, “Jump and Jive... 35”).

Players look on their tickets to see if they have the number that has been called. If they do then they mark it with a marker pen referred to as a dauber or dabber .

In 90 ball bingo three prizes are paid. One prize is given to the first player who marks one line of numbers, a larger prize is given to the first player who marks two lines of numbers, and the top prize is given to the first player who marks off all three lines of numbers – known as a full house. In a club environment, winners make a claim by shouting “Bingo!” or “House!”, but when playing online a winning ticket is automatically detected and tickets are usually daubed automatically.

75 Ball Bingo

In 75 ball bingo, 75 balls are used. Players buy bingo tickets featuring a 5x5 grid. Each square on the grid contains a number, although the central square is often shows as a “FREE SQUARE” which means it is already considered marked.

As in the 90 ball game, numbers are selected at random and called by a bingo caller. Players check their tickets to see if the number appears and if it does they mark it with their dauber.

There is just one prize in 75 ball bingo and this is awarded to the first player who marks all of the squares making a particular shape on the ticket. For example, an L shape would require the player to mark all of the squares in the first column and the bottom row of the 5x5 grid. There are lots of different shapes that are used in 75 ball bingo and for this reason the game is also referred to as “pattern bingo”. Covering the entire ticket is known as blackout bingo or coveral bingo.

Progressive Jackpots

Progressive jackpots are sometimes available in both 90 ball and 75 ball bingo games. These jackpots increase in value from game to game until they are won, and can therefore reach very high levels.

• In the 90 ball game a progressive jackpot is generally won by a player who makes a full house before a certain number of balls have been called.
• In the 75 ball game a progressive jackpot is won by a player who makes a “coverall” pattern (all 25 squares of the grid need marking) before a certain number of balls have been called.

In both cases the rules concerning progressive jackpots vary from site to site, and whilst regular bingo prizes are usually paid out automatically to winners, progressive jackpots often need to be claimed manually, so be sure to familiarise yourself with what is required before playing. If you are in any doubt, speak with a chat moderator at the site you are using for further assistance.

Last Updated: 2/10/2008