Online Bingo – so many balls, so little time

Once popular in dedicated halls up and down the country, online casinos and virtual Bingo halls seem to rule the roost, these days. A seemingly easy game – simply wait for your numbers to be called and cross them off your ticket – who knew there were so many different variations of Bingo?

If you’re playing online Bingo at Paddy Power, for example, you’ll notice that not only are there variations with different numbers of balls, but there are also themed games too – each with its own nuances, bonus features, and jackpots. But the beauty of playing online Bingo is that games are over in a matter of minutes, and the next game is usually starting within seconds – making it ideal for the fast-paced and eager nature of society.

Read on, as we guide you through the different variations of Bingo you can find online.

30-ball Bingo

Also known as Speed Bingo, this particular variant is played on a 3×3 grid, with all nine squares filled with numbers. There is only one winner, and that is the first person to cross off all their numbers, in other words, get a ‘full-house’. Obviously, the game is played using the numbers 1-30. This is an ideal variation for those who don’t have much time or fancy a few quick rounds, but still want the fast-paced thrills that Bingo can offer. With just one prize up for grabs, the action isn’t for the faint-hearted.

75-ball Bingo

This variant used to be more popular in the US, making its way globally through virtual Bingo doors. This game is played out on a 5×5 grid, using the numbers 1-75. Each column is a multiple of 15 and is marked by one of the letters in B-I-N-G-O, making it easier to know where to look when the number is called. These cards contain 24 numbers, with the central square usually marked as a ‘free’ space, giving you a chance to win early on. With 75-ball Bingo, winners usually need to complete a row of numbers – horizontally, vertically, or diagonally – although sometimes ‘four corners’ are also accepted.

80-ball Bingo

For online Bingo fans, this is the variant to play – after all, it was specially designed for the digital game. This particular version is played on a 4×4 card, with the numbers 1-80 used. Each column is a factor of 20, and each column is represented by a different color, making it easier to mark off the numbers. In this game, all 16 squares on the grid are filled by numbers, and to win, players must mark off the particular pattern shown. This could be a line, four corners, or something a bit more unique, like a specific shape or object.

90-ball Bingo

Fans of traditional Bingo in the UK will be more than familiar with this variation, as it is the most popular. It’s a little more long-winded than the other games we have mentioned, but it’s still considered the big one! The Bingo cards are made up of 9×3 grids, with five numbers on each row, so 15 numbers in total – the remaining squares are blank. The numbers used are 1-90. One of the advantages of 90-ball Bingo is that there are three winners – the first person to mark off a single line, then two lines, and culminating in all three lines, or a ‘full-house’. The same person may be fortunate enough to win multiple prizes and if there is more than one winner, the prize is split between them all.

Now you’re up to speed with the different variations of Bingo that can be found online, why not check out your favorite provider’s lobby and see what all the fuss is about?

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