The shift from land-based bingo to online bingo has taken the world by storm, with players now enjoying the thrill of this fast-paced game from the comfort of their homes and the convenience of their screens. However, in the thrill of it all, it’s very common to lose one’s focus and make silly mistakes when playing online bingo.
In order to maximise your enjoyment of bingo and to improve your chances of success, it’s imperative to prepare yourself, play responsibly, and adhere to the following best practices. Let’s take a look at the most common mistakes made when playing online bingo.
NOT KNOWING ABOUT GAME VARIATIONS
It’s important to know about the variety of bingo games out there. The most common formats are 75-ball and 90-ball bingo, but there are also other versions, such as 80-ball and 30-ball. Each one of these comes with its own set of rules.
Those who’ll be sticking to the classic 75-ball bingo must remember that their bingo card will feature a 5×5 grid, and that they’ll be completing specific patterns to land a win. Meanwhile, 90-ball bingo players will have a 9×3 grid, and the game plays out in three stages: one line, two lines, and a full house.
Not being familiar with bingo game variations may result in a confusing bingo experience, with players missing out on opportunities to win. Players should always double-check which bingo game they’ve selected, and see that they’re confident with the respective rules and objectives.
IGNORING THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Players will notice the many enticing promotions, free rounds and deposit bonuses on offer when browsing online bingo platforms. Very often however, impulsive players will forget to read the fine print! The most common mistake is for online bingo players not to read up on the wagering requirements they must meet to qualify for bonuses. Another common error is for players to miss expiration dates and deadlines attached to free tickets.
If players fail to acknowledge bonus terms and conditions, they could be blocked from accessing their winnings. It’s crucial that players carefully read the terms and conditions of bingo promotions to keep themselves informed about the game they’re about to play, in order to avoid unpleasant surprises.
MISSING OUT ON BINGO BONUSES
As important as it is to be selective with online bingo bonuses, it’s equally imperative to keep your finger on the bingo bonus pulse! Keep an eye out for freebies such as free tickets or extra credit when making your first deposit as a new player. These will help you stretch your bankroll and increase your chances of winning without spending additional money.
SIMULTANEOUSLY PLAYING TOO MANY CARDS
It’s very tempting for bingo novices to purchase multiple bingo cards, in the hope of boosting their odds. Objectively, having a multitude of bingo cards does increase the likelihood of a winning combination, but unless you’re a seasoned player with experience in managing multiple bingo cards, it can often result in a chaotic experience.
For example, having ten cards requires you to be focused on ten different grids, all at the same time! New players might find this to be overwhelming, and missed numbers could cost them a win. The best strategy is to start off with fewer cards, and increase the amount once you feel more confident with the game pace.
MAKING THE MOST OF AUTO-DAUB
For those who can’t handle multiple cards, most online bingo platforms now offer an auto-daub feature that automatically marks your numbers on the cards. Opting out of the auto-daub can lead to missed numbers, particularly if you’re distracted at home or trying to manage too many cards. Making use of this feature ensures you don’t lose out on potential wins, and lets you focus more on enjoying the game.
NEGLECTING BANKROLL MANAGEMENT
Although bingo may seem less intense compared to other forms of online gaming, managing your bankroll is just as vital. Players can easily lose track of their spending when chasing the excitement of the next game. New players often fail to set themselves a budget, leading to them spending more than they intended, especially during long bingo sessions.
Players must set a clear budget prior to their bingo session and ensure they stick to it. A good strategy is to divide your bankroll into small portions for each session to maintain a steady pace. This prevents overspending and prolongs a bingo player’s enjoyment of the game.
OPTING FOR BUSY BINGO ROOMS
Although big bingo rooms promise an exciting atmosphere, your chances of winning in this environment are significantly lower, as there’s more competition in the room for each prize. Indeed, the prize is smaller in less crowded rooms, but you have a better chance here. Seek out quieter rooms with fewer players to maximise your winning potential in online bingo, and enjoy a more intimate and friendlier playing field.
IGNORING THE CHAT FUNCTION
Online bingo has managed to retain its sense of community through its chat features and forums. But these are not just for socialising! Online bingo rooms often come up with chat games for players to win extra prizes, just by participating in the chat. By ignoring the chat function, you could miss out on learning from other bingo players, as well as potential bonuses.
TRYING TO WIN IT ALL BACK
A common error that bingo novices make is attempt to win back lost money by playing more. Chasing losses can lead players into a vicious and dangerous cycle that can be avoided by having a set budget and a time-out. Bingo is a game of chance, and no strategy will ever guarantee a win. Setting win and loss limits can help steer you clear from the temptation to chase losses. If you’re experiencing a losing streak, take a step back, and save it for another day.
NOT TAKING BREAKS
A winning streak can often lead to an unplanned bingo marathon, which can tire players out physically, emotionally and strategically. Take regular breaks to avoid burnout and overkill. This will help you stay sharp and not get bored of the game of bingo. It also prevents overspending, as it allows you time to assess your budget.
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