Bingo is one of the most popular and oldest games in the world. It is a fun and easy game that’s great for socializing. The thrill of standing up to yell BINGO makes it one of the most loved games in the world.
The rules of online bingo are pretty much the same as brick-and-mortar bingo. Although bingo is mostly chance-based, there are a few tips you should know to increase your chances of winning at bingo.
In this article, we have provided 15+ tips to play bingo and be successful. Read on to find out more!
- The rules for online bingo and land-based bingo are the same.
- Consider practicing on free or demo versions to get better at the game.
- Go to the bingo hall early and during off-peak hours, early mornings, midnights, and weekdays.
- Avoid side bets because they always favor the house.
Top 15 Expert Tips to Play Bingo
We have carefully outlined the top 15 tips from expert bingo players that can help to increase your winning odds. Let’s take a look at them.
Get Familiar with the Rules
As earlier said, land-based and online casinos have the same bingo rules. To play bingo, you must understand the rules first. Do not worry; they are not as complicated as other casino games.
First, you purchase as many bingo cards as you can afford. A standard bingo sheet has a 5*5 grid, making a total of 25 spaces. The general objective of bingo is to form a winning pattern on your card before anybody else. When you do, you yell BINGO!
Depending on the variations and rules of the game, winning patterns could be drawn horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. It could also be done by marking the four corners of the bingo card or even forming an X. If you and another player yell bingo at the same time, the winning prizes will be split between the two of you.
Practice Online Bingo
The best way to become better at bingo is by constantly practicing online, even for free. Obviously, you won’t become an expert in the twinkle of an eye. But if you take your time to learn the ropes, you’ll find yourself slowly becoming better at the game.
Some online casinos have free bingo where you can play bingo without risking your money.
Credit: Jackpot City Casino
Make a Budget
Before you head to the bingo hall or play online, create a strict budget and make sure to stick to it. Set how much you’re willing to spend per session that is, if you plan to play for longer sessions.
Divide your money accordingly and wisely so that you do not run out of cash too quickly. Once you have reached your budget, it’s time to call it a day so that you don’t end up spending more money than you planned.
Go to the Bingo Hall Early
We advise that you go to the bingo hall as early as possible, say thirty minutes before the game begins. From our experience, arriving early gives you the time to buy as many bingo cards as you want, mingle with a few players, enjoy a drink (preferably non-alcoholic), and get yourself settled and ready for the game.
If you get there late or very few minutes before the game, you’ll do everything in haste and might be out of breath when the game begins. This can affect the way you play the game.
Go to the Bingo Hall on Off-Peak Days
Typically, bingo halls are busy during the weekends and evenings. There are usually more skilled players during these times. If you want to increase your chances of winning, we advise that you visit the bingo hall on off-peak days and avoid the busy days.
We recommend going to the bingo hall during the early mornings, midnights, and weekdays. These are the slowest days in a bingo hall.
Calculate Your Odds
Calculating your odds in bingo is very easy. All you need to do is divide the number of cards you have by the total number of cards in the game. Most bingo halls will tell the players the total number of cards available in the game.
5/75 = 0.06
Therefore your chances of winning are 6%.
You could also use a bingo calculator to calculate your odds of winning. There are several types of bingo calculators available online, do your research and find the one you prefer. You should keep in mind that calculating your odds doesn’t guarantee a win, so keep your expectations low.
Understand the Prizes of Bingo Games
Understanding the prizes of bingo games is very important, you need to know if it’s worth spending your money on. Different casinos have different bingo games and prizes, with some being more generous than others.
Ensure that you read the rules of the game and know what prizes are available at the casino before you proceed to play. Casinos like Jackpot City are known for their generous prizes.
Choose Your Seat Carefully
Where you sit in a bingo hall matters a lot. You should avoid sitting where there’s a lot of noise, distractions, and talkative people if you want a better chance at winning. Be as close to the bingo caller as possible so you do not miss a number.
Choose the Right Game
If you want to increase your chances of winning, you should choose the right game. There are different variations of bingo available in most casinos, and each has a different rule. If you’re new to bingo, you should read the rules of these variants before you proceed.
Choose Cards with a Good Variety of Numbers
This tip is very useful if you’re playing multiple bingo cards per game. We have noticed that cards with a good variety of numbers will cover a wide range of numbers, thereby increasing your chances of winning. Don’t take so much time looking at cards; scan, scan through them and choose the best cards.
Avoid bingo cards that have a lot of numbers in common or cards with consecutive numbers, such as 20, 21, 22.
Choose Cards with Median Numbers
According to Tippett’s strategy, the longer a 75-ball bingo game is, the more likely that the bingo balls drawn will be closer to the median number of 38. Using this strategy, buy cards with numbers closer to the median number of 38 to increase your chances of winning.
If the game is 99-balled, the median number will be 45. So, choose cards with numbers closer to the median number of 45.
Keep Up with the Bingo Caller
Bingo callers are very fast, and you have to try your best to keep up with them. They don’t give you a lot of time to look through your cards. This will be difficult for people who have multiple cards and can’t handle them.
You have to pay close attention to the game so you don’t miss a number that the bingo caller calls out. It goes back to the point of choosing a seat far from distractions so that you can easily keep up with the bingo hall.
Highlight Unique Patterns
A great way to win in bingo is to highlight unique patterns with a highlighter so that you can remember which squares are needed to win. There are standard winning patterns in bingo, but some bingo halls have unique winning patterns, which can get a little confusing sometimes. Make sure to highlight them so you do not forget them.
Figure Out How Many Cards You Can Handle
Playing multiple cards per game will increase your chances. However, you have to consider how many cards you can handle per game. If you’re not so good at multi-tasking, then don’t play so many cards per game.
This also goes for beginners: wait till you have reached a certain level and have had a better understanding of the game before you try playing multiple cards per session. Start with three to four cards per game, and try adding one or two more after you’ve gotten the hang of it.
Play at a Reliable Online Bingo Site
There are several bingo sites on the internet, and some of them could be scam sites. However, trust us to recommend the best and most reliable sites to play online bingo.
Check out these 14 best online bingo sites. These sites are legit and licensed by reputable e-gaming authorities.
Other Tips to Win at Bingo
Here are additional tips to play bingo and increase your odds of winning.
- Bring Necessary Equipment: Always bring a highlighter, bingo dabber, and masking tape with you to the bingo hall. This equipment will help you work faster during the game.
- Socialize with Players: Although this has nothing to do with your winning chances, it wouldn’t hurt to make a friend or two. You can also ask them questions when you get a little confused about something. If you’re playing bingo online, socialize with other players using the chat room.
Credit: William Hill
- Play with Fewer People: From our experience, we have noticed that the fewer the players, the greater your chances of winning. Fewer people mean less noise and distractions. This also applies to online bingo.
- Claim Deposit Bonus: Most online casinos offer generous deposit bonuses to players. You can use these bonuses to play more bingo sessions. With William Hill’s generous deposit bonus, you will thrive!
- Avoid Side Bets: Side bets offer irresistible prizes for small amounts. They always favor the house, so it’s best to avoid them.
- Stay Focused: Always stay alert during bingo games. It is also best to avoid drinking alcohol before or during games.
- Take a Break: Sitting for too long is not healthy. Make sure to take a break to clear your mind or have a snack.
- Don’t Get Too Greedy: Don’t get too greedy, especially when you’re on a winning streak. Know when to quit the game even if you’re losing.
- Don’t Forget to Have Fun: Bingo is best when you’re enjoying yourself. Don’t just get caught up in winning, have some fun too!
Conclusion
Bingo is a game of luck, but the expert tips mentioned in this article can increase your chances of winning.
It is a fun game that involves winning money and making a few friends. The thrill of the game can turn you into a gambling addict if you’re not careful. If you’re struggling with gambling addiction, we recommend speaking to a mental health professional as soon as possible.
There are many sites where you can play bingo, but we have picked the best sites for you. Check out these sites and begin your journey! Remember to play responsibly.
FAQ
Should I Play Bingo Online or Offline?
The odds of winning bingo remain the same wherever you play. The rules of online bingo are the same in land-based casinos.
Choose the option that fits your preference and personality. For example, if you enjoy socializing, consider playing offline in a bingo hall. If you’re more introverted, the best option for you may be playing online.
Does Playing More Cards Increase My Chances of Winning?
Yes, playing multiple bingo cards at once can increase your chances of winning because you can cover more numbers. However, try not to overdo it. Buy the number of cards you know you can easily handle.
What Time of the Day Should I Play Bingo?
We recommend playing bingo on weekdays because the bingo halls are less packed during these days. You should also play during off-peak hours, like early morning or midnight. The lesser the crowd, the more likely you win.
Is There a Foolproof Strategy for Winning Bingo?
Bingo is a game of luck, so there’s no way to predict the outcome of the game accurately. No strategy can guarantee a win. However, you can increase your chances of winning by playing more cards at once and playing games with fewer players.
