What is 80 ball bingo?
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80 ball bingo is one of the most popular variations on 90 ball bingo and was originally popularised in the UK, where it was known as ‘shutterboard bingo’ as one had to shut a window over the number that was called out. it is a homage to the traditional old bingo halls.
In the 80 ball bingo variant, cards are split up into even 4×4 grids, leaving no space in the centre of the card. As the name suggests, there are 80 numbers used in the game, and each group of 20 is then allocated its own colour. For example, balls 21-40 may be yellow, 41-60 blue and so on.
These colour distinct groups make it easier for players to spot when their number has been called and to mark it off, which leads to more enjoyable games all round. To add to the fun, players can also win in more ways than with the traditional 90 ball bingo, leaving more customers satisfied.
How to play 80 ball bingo
After purchasing your bingo card, wait until the next game starts – which is never long online, at most a few minutes’ wait. Find key information such as the number of players, potential pay-out and the winning pattern needed in the ‘info’ bar.
One of the key differences to other bingo variations is that in 80 ball bingo the caller will read out the colour prior to the number. For example, yellow 31, blue 55 and so on.
Each number which is called will appear at the top of the screen, and if a matching number appears on your card you will need to ‘daub’ the number. This effectively means to cover the matching number. This will be done automatically unless switched to manual entry. But not to worry, a winning card is a winning card, and you are guaranteed a pay-out with a winning card, regardless of if you miss a number inputting it manually or if you accidentally disconnect.
One of the most important things to remember with 80 ball bingo is that the rules can vary dramatically from site to site, with some offering multiple chances to win in each game, and others only looking for one specific pattern.
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How to win 80 ball bingo
There are four ways to win 80 ball bingo. The winning pattern will be announced prior to the start of each game. The lines can be horizontal, vertical, or diagonal, and with 80 ball bingo there is even a ‘four corners’ variant.
The first way to win is to be the first player to complete a (four number) line in any direction. The second way to win is with a full house, which is the first player to mark off all 16 numbers on their card, which pays out the most prize money.
The third way to win is with two-lines, which, as the name suggests, is when a player observes two complete lines in any direction. There are an endless number of patterns which can win in 80 ball bingo, with the specific patterns which can win being announced before each game.
The fourth and final way to win is with ‘four corners’, which is again what it says on the tin: with each of the four corners completed – the top and bottom squares of column one and the top and bottom squares of column four. Depending on the site you use and the pattern announced before the game, a ‘square’ of four numbers in the middle will also pay out.
When playing 80 ball bingo online, the computer will automatically recognise a winner even if the card hasn’t been correctly daubed, or you accidentally disconnect. This will then be announced to the rest of the lobby.
Find out all you need to know about bingo calls and funny bingo nicknames.
80 ball bingo game card layout
- In the 80 ball bingo variant, cards are split up into 4×4 grids which are filled with numbers, including the centre squares, leaving you with 16 numbers per ticket.
- Columns are divided into four colours. The columns are usually coloured 1-20 red, 21-40 yellow, 41-60 blue and 61-80 white.
- The price of the card is visible in the bottom left of your card.
Tips for players
Although playing 80 ball bingo online uses random generation, there are some tips and general strategies you can use to slightly increase your chance of winning:
Pick your own cards: Selecting your own card with an even distribution of high and low numbers maximises your chances of winning compared to using the card that the computer randomly selects for you.
Select different numbers: When it comes to 80 ball bingo, the more random your numbers the greater your chance of a pay-out. Therefore, it makes sense to select bingo cards with different numbers from your other cards.
Maximise your budget: The more cards you play with the greater chance of a pay-out, so buying the maximum cards you can afford mathematically increases your chance of winning. However, it is important to remember to stick to your limits, and when the fun stops, stop.
Look out for offers: From time-to-time William Hill will offer special prizes for players. Another offer may involve taking part in any other promotional activities at the time, which will also boost your chances of winning with any free bets you are given.
Now you’ve mastered 80 ball bingo, find out how to play 75 ball bingo
