Any game needs rules — it’s how we make things fair for all players and ensure everyone’s on the same page. Bingo rules are part of the game’s main appeal – they’re easy to get your head around!
But you do need to know the differences between each variant before you start. Our quick guide below has all you need to know to play each iteration of the game right. Give it a read, then you’ll be ready to get stuck right in.
Common Bingo Rules
The main difference between each bingo variant is the number of balls at play. Just as that brings minor adaptations in how to play each variety of bingo, it also means small changes to the rules of each one:
The Rules of 90-Ball Bingo
In 90-ball bingo, you’ll have a 3×9 game card featuring five numbers between one and 90. Each column is reserved for a set of 10 numbers, e.g. column 1 is for numbers 1-9, column 2 for numbers 10-19, etc. Each row features five numbers with four blank boxes.
There are three ways to win:
- Complete one line
- Complete two lines
- A full house
The Rules of 80-Ball Bingo
In 80-ball bingo, you’ll get a 4×4 game card featuring 16 numbers between one and 80. There are four main types of win in 80-ball bingo online:
- Any Line Wins
You win if you complete any line: horizontal, vertical, diagonal, all four corners or all four middle squares. - Any Line, House
Players win by completing a line and then a full house. - Any Line, Column, House
Players win by completing a line, then two vertical lines (columns), then three vertical lines, and then a full house. - Full House or Pattern
Players win by completing a full house or pre-set pattern.
The Rules of 75-Ball Bingo
75-ball bingo is played on 5×5 game cards with the letters B-I-N-G-O across the top. Numbers range from one to 75 and are marked in the following way:
- B column = random numbers from one to 15.
- I column = random numbers from 16 to 30.
- N column = random numbers from 31 to 45 with one black space in the centre.
- G column = random numbers from 46 to 60.
- O column = random numbers from 61 to 75.
The aim of the game is to cross off numbers in a pre-set pattern. As per the rules of bingo in this context, there are more than 300 established 75-ball bingo patterns.
Rules of Other Bingo Games
Online bingo has brought with it some innovative variations on the original game and you can find a selection of them right here in the Paddy Power Bingo Lobby. For example, if you’re a fan of fast-paced action, have you tried out Cash Cubes? This 36-ball variant mixes up the rules of bingo by having just 12 numbers placed evenly around the edges of four “cash cubes”. Fewer numbers makes for a speedier game!
Bingo Etiquette
Bingo is a social game and in online bingo rooms players like to interact through the chat boxes. Its biggest but unwritten rule is that all players should do their level best to contribute to this ethos. Be nice to other players, don’t make false calls or hold up the action unnecessarily, and always try to celebrate the success of your peers. Above all else, have fun.
Rules in Bingo Halls v Rules in Online Bingo
Online bingo rules are identical to those used offline. Therefore, if you understand the rules of bingo in one setting, you’ll understand them in another.
The main difference is that online bingo games offer automatic features. This means you simply have to buy a game card and wait. In practice, the main decisions you have to make involve the type of game you’re going to play and how many cards you want to purchase.
What Are the Terms and Conditions for Bingo Promotions?
The terms and conditions for bingo promotions will vary. In general, you have to meet certain requirements to receive a reward. For example, if it’s a deposit bonus, you’ll have to deposit a minimum amount to trigger the bonus. If it’s a BOGOF deal, you’ll have to buy one bingo card to get another for free.
As well as the pre-reward conditions, there may be post-reward conditions. For example, if you received some free credits, you may have to play them through bingo games a certain number times before they’re converted to real money.
What’s the Legal Age for Playing Bingo?
Well, it depends where you live. For example, to play live or online bingo in the UK or in Ireland you have to be 18 or older.
Bingo Rules in the UK
90-ball bingo is sometimes known as British bingo so that’s arguably what we’d call UK bingo rules. In short, this means there will be 15 numbers on a game card and three prizes up for grabs.
Bingo Rules in Ireland
Irish bingo games are fairly free flowing. 90-ball bingo is the dominant variant in Ireland, too, which means prizes are paid to the first player/s to make a line, two lines and a full house.
Bingo Rules FAQ
Do I need to register with a website to play online bingo?
Yes. In most jurisdictions, regulations mean you have to register. For example, under UK gaming laws, you have to be at least 18 years old and a registered member to play online for real money prizes, including at Paddy Power Bingo.
What is regular bingo?
Regular bingo is defined as any game that follows a traditional format. For example, 90-ball bingo rules would be described as “regular”, whereas an online innovation such as Cash Cubes would be seen as non-regular.
Can players break the rules in bingo?
When you play online, no. The rules of bingo are hard to break simply because a lot of the action takes care of itself. When you play online, the software is designed in such a way that you can’t go wrong or break any rules.
How do you win the jackpot in bingo?
Bingo jackpot rules will differ depending on the game you’re playing. In general, you need to make a full house to win the top prize. However, for certain progressive jackpots, you have to make a full house within a certain number of calls.
THE PADDY POWER GUIDE TO SAFER GAMBLING – EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
