In the UK, the armed forces brought home the game of 90-ball bingo, which became widely popular during the post-war period. Gambling laws were relaxed enough to allow the opening of official bingo halls, and this is where many games still take place today.
In 1920, a form of bingo called ‘beano’ was commercialized by Edwin Lowe, and it became popular as the 75-ball bingo played in the US today. Bingo is still popular in both Britain and America, but it is different in various ways, mainly in the number of balls in play.
Layout of the bingo card
In Britain, a bingo card has a 9 x 3 grid with 27 spaces, which makes it rectangular in shape. The first column contains the numbers 1 to 9, the second goes from 10 to 19, and so on.
In American bingo, the card features a 5 x 5 grid that contains 24 numbers plus one free square in the center. Each column corresponds with a letter from the word “Bingo,” and the numbers are divided between the columns. B contains numbers 1 to 15 and so on.
Today, both 90-ball and 75-ball bingo are available as online casino games. There are also many other varieties of bingo available, each with its own rules and patterns to complete. In these online games, numbers are chosen using a random number generator to ensure that they are fair. One of the advantages of playing online bingo is that your numbers are automatically matched, so you won’t mishear a call or cross off the wrong number.
Number calling and terminology
In Britain, numbers are called in completely random order, and the number rhymes make them easier to recognize for people in crowded rooms seated far away from the caller. The rhyming slang may vary from region to region. Some of them are straightforward, such as ‘number four knock at the door’ and ‘number three cup of tea,’ whereas others are more obscure, like ‘number two one little duck,’ which refers to its shape.
In America, the numbers are called in the B.I.N.G.O. order, which makes them easier to find on the card.
In Britain, people play with ‘tickets,’ whereas in America, they play with ‘cards.’ Crossing off numbers is called ‘daubing’ in Britain and ‘marking’ in America.
When gaming in Europe, bingo is a popular form of leisure activity in countries such as Italy. The 90-ball version is widely played in Europe, and people play with ‘tickets’ that they purchase in books or strips which cover several games rather than a single game.
Ways to win and prizes
Generally, there are three ways to win when playing 90-ball bingo. You can cover one line, two lines, or all three rows for a full house. When you get a full house, you shout ‘bingo,’ so everyone knows you have won. In the UK, the game of bingo is a much-loved form of entertainment played by people of all ages and a way to socialize and catch up with friends.
In America, playing bingo is more about competing and winning prizes. No two games are alike, as different games require you to complete different patterns. You may have to complete a diagonal, horizontal, or vertical line. More complex patterns are ones like a zigzag or an X. A blackout is when you match all the numbers on your card.
Gambling law
According to gambling law in the UK, commercial bingo requires a license from the Gambling Commission. Pub or club bingo is exempt but must limit stakes/prizes to a certain amount per week, restrict participation fees, and prohibit under-18s. In the U.K., the emphasis is more on fun than winning huge prizes.
In the US, there is a focus on commercial bingo as a form of gambling. However, it is legal for tax-exempt charitable, non-profit, or religious organizations to conduct games of bingo.
The best way to decide which version of the game you prefer playing is to try them both out yourself. It is easier to do this online, where you have access to both. You can simply choose a bingo room to join and get started.