Traditional vs. online bingo: Everything you need to know

Whether you’ve been a member of your local club for years or you’re thinking of playing for the first time soon, bingo can be a lot of fun. Bingo connects you to a friendly bunch, no matter if it’s online or in person.
Ready to get started? Before you sign up or log in for the first time, it’s worth knowing a few bits and bobs about the game.

Gameplay: Online bingo vs. classic bingo halls

Traditional bingo:

In the bingo hall, you’ll enter a big room in person. You might choose to get ready and glam up a little bit, and heading there with a group of friends adds to the fun. There’s usually a bar so you can grab a drink or some snacks before the game starts.

Every player starts with a gamecard containing a grid of numbers – usually 25, but this can be more depending on the game. A caller then calls out numbers picked at random and if the number called is on your card, you need to mark (or dab) it off.

Players win prizes according to how quickly they can get five numbers in a row, and if you mark off all your numbers, that’s a Full House – which could win you the jackpot. If you’re playing bingo in person, you can’t miss a beat. Pay attention and act fast!

Online bingo:

Online bingo is slightly different, but the basic game principles are the same.

Once you’re signed up and logged on, you just need to choose a game and buy your ticket, or more than one ticket if you’re feeling lucky! One of the main differences in gameplay is that while bingo halls typically just offer classic bingo, online bingo sites offer a plethora of game types with amazing graphics and puzzles too.

If you’re a Noel Edmonds fan, you could even try your luck in a game of Deal or No Deal bingo when you play online! There are many games to choose from, and in each one, you can connect to a real community of players and have fun at a time that suits you.

You won’t need to leave the comfort of your own home, but you’ll need to be registered on any online bingo site you’d like to try. Every bingo site in the UK is regulated by the Gambling Commission, but you’ll still need to provide some personal information before you can play online legally.

Is online bingo more expensive than playing in a hall?

This is one of the most frequently asked questions by bingo players in the UK, and the answer is that it depends on your own limits.

It’s true that the stakes for online bingo start at very low prices. You could even play a game for under £1! After that game, you might play another one – so the overall cost of your session might increase. It all depends on when you stop, so try to remember that it could be time to take a break if you’re not having fun anymore.

One thing that’s certain about playing bingo in the hall is that you’ll pay a set price to cover games over a set period. So, if you’ve paid for two hours of bingo, you can then choose to leave or play for longer. It all depends on your choice!

No matter which type of bingo you choose to play, the most important thing is to have fun. Good luck!