Ever wondered what goes into making the perfect game of bingo? Well, it depends where you want to play. But why wouldn’t you listen to the experts in the business? (That’s us!)
Our guide outlines what you need to play this globally adored game, so you can learn how you can make a bingo game at home or discover what equipment you need to run a bingo night!
What Is a Bingo Machine?
A bingo machine is, as you’d expect, a machine that powers a game of bingo. In our online bingo games, we suppose the “bingo machine” would be the game mechanic that’s powered by a random number generator or RNG. But sometimes, a physical bingo machine is called “the blower” because it literally blows balls into the caller’s hand.
How a Bingo Machine Works
Bingo machines are large drums into which numbered balls are fed. These balls are then jumbled up into a random order by a spinning blade or rush of air. This process of spinning the balls continues until the caller decides to release one.
At this point, the machine blows a random ball up through a tube. The caller collects the ball, reads out the number and places it in a tray next to the machine. Balls are drawn like this until someone shouts for a line or full house.
Who Are the Best Bingo Machine Suppliers?
Because bingo is such a popular game, there are plenty of companies out there making products. From DM Club Supplies, Thomas and Anca, Star Bingo, and Club King Ltd. All of these manufacturers are known for producing high-quality and, importantly, fair bingo machines.
Online you’re instead looking at game developers. Our extensive list of bingo games comes mainly from top-notch developer Virtue Fusion.
Can Bingo Machines Be Rigged?
In theory, yes, but it’s rare for a physical machine. All bingo machines are checked and verified by local and national gaming regulators. For example, in the UK, the Gambling Commission is in charge of regulating all bingo operators.
Part of the licensing process involves checking every blower, each set of bingo balls, and anything else associated with a game. If any faults or inconsistencies are found, the equipment has to be changed. Moreover, any suspicion of cheating will be fully investigated and action taken if necessary. Online bingo providers are subject to the same stringent requirements.
Paper Bingo v Electronic Bingo (eBingo) v Video Bingo
Bingo started with stones and markings on the ground. It evolved into a pen and paper game. From the US to the UK, the famous bingo dauber has become the weapon of choice for players in bingo halls, helping them cross off dozens of numbers across multiple game cards as the bingo balls are drawn and the numbers called.
Electronic bingo has taken the place of paper and daubers in recent years. In live bingo halls, electronic RNGs can replace mechanical blowers. In these games, special technology allows the machine to select numbers at random and display them on a screen. In line with this, paper game cards can be replaced by electronic pads that players can tap to mark their numbers.
Video bingo is another type of electronic bingo. These terminals are similar to video slots but, instead of reels and symbols, you’ll be able to purchase bingo cards. These cards can be linked to a main game or draws that take place in isolation (i.e. within the machine).
Traditional Bingo Machines v Online Bingo Machines
Now, we know what bingo machines are and how electronic devices have brought something different to the mix, so let’s take a look at the differences and similarities between the two:
Similarities
- Mechanical and electronic bingo machines both produce random results.
- Both types of machine require a caller to oversee the action.
- Your aim is always the same i.e. cross off as many numbers as you can.
Differences
- Electronic bingo machines are faster than their mechanical counterparts.
- Mechanical bingo machines are more dramatic and entertaining.
- eBingo machines don’t actually contain any bingo balls.
What Equipment Do I Need to Run a Bingo Night?
Bingo isn’t overly complex, so you won’t need a lot of things. But if you want to create an authentic bingo-hall experience, you might want to acquire the following:
Bingo Board (Master Board)
This is where you put the bingo balls once they’ve been drawn. It lets people see which numbers have been called. It’s also a way to ensure no cheating takes place.
Bingo Cage with Ball Selector
This is the bingo machine. If you’re playing at home, a small cage with a mechanism for releasing balls will be sufficient. However, if you’re playing on a bigger scale, a proper blower may be necessary.
Bingo Balls
These are the coloured balls with numbers printed on them. The number of bingo balls you need will depend on the variant you’re playing, but it’s pretty self-explanatory! For 90-ball bingo, you’ll need 90 balls numbered from one to 90; for 80-ball bingo, balls numbered one to 80; for 75-ball bingo… you get the gist!
Bingo Cards
These are the game cards players need. Bingo card templates are specific to each variant. For example, you can’t use a 75-ball bingo card for a 90-ball game. What’s more, you need to make sure the bingo cards template has a random structure; otherwise, you won’t have a fair game.
Bingo Chips
Depending on the bingo set you use, some might have chips instead of balls. If you don’t have a bingo machine, you can put chips into a bag and select numbers at random to simulate the flow of a real game.
Bingo Daubers
The famous bingo dauber, also known as a dabber, is the large pen used to cross off numbers on your game card. The tip of a dauber has been designed so that you can quickly press down and mark numbers within a split-second.
Can You Create Your Own Bingo Machine?
A bingo machine can be anything you want it to be. If you’re a wannabe engineer, you can fashion a blower out of a vacuum cleaner or something similar. However, if you’re looking for a quick fix, a bag and some numbered balls/chips is fine. As long as you mix up the balls by hand and look away as you’re drawing them, that’s good enough.
Play Bingo from Home by Logging into Paddy Power
If the thought of making blank bingo cards and drawing your own balls seems too much like hard work, you can play online. Everyone could log in to Paddy Power Bingo using their mobiles and join the same game.
Naturally, playing online does mean everything is digital. Therefore, you won’t see the balls being drawn. However, the games tick over at a much quicker pace. Moreover, the software will mark your numbers automatically, so you can spend more time talking and having fun.
Bingo Equipment FAQ
What does a set mean in bingo?
A bingo set is a pack of game cards. Sometimes it’s called a bingo book. You have to buy game cards in sets to avoid duplication. In other words, if you combine game cards from multiple bingo sets, some might have the same configuration of numbers. It’s important to have unique cards because the aim of the game is to cross off your numbers before someone else. If too many cards had the same numbers, there would always be multiple winners.
What does a bingo board look like?
A bingo board is a blank canvas until a game starts. As numbers are drawn, they’ll be placed on the board. So, the configuration of numbers shown will change each time a new game starts.
THE PADDY POWER GUIDE TO SAFER GAMBLING – EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
