Bingo has always been a popular game found in casinos and other gaming venues. However, the creation of the internet and the emergence of virtual casinos completely changed the gaming industry.
Online bingo was born out of this new technology and soon became very popular. It is now attracting all types of players, from very young individuals to older ones.
The game has achieved unprecedented popularity thanks to the virtual world and quality online casinos. But for those who have not yet experienced online bingo, playing in a virtual venue can seem a bit daunting.
This article will guide you as you navigate the virtual gaming world for the first time. You will find the best tips to start playing bingo online and make the most out of your gaming experience. Read on to find out more.
Understanding bingo games
Before any player begins to consider or play a game of online bingo, they should learn a bit more about the game itself.
Unlike poker and blackjack, bingo is a game of luck. Experts believe that the game originated in Italy during the 16th century.
It went under the name “Il Gioco del Lotto d’Italia” before being exported to France where it acquired the name “Le Lotto”.
At the time, bingo was a game reserved for the elite and the aristocracy. Even when it arrived in Great Britain around the 18th century, the game was still reserved to the richest individuals.
Soon enough, its popularity grew, and it spread to other social circles and social classes. Over time, it became a global phenomenon, a game played in almost every country.
One of the most important things to know about bingo is that there are different types or variations of bingo in the gaming world. The two most popular ones are arguably American bingo and British bingo.
British bingo is played with a bingo ticket of 27 spaces. Those spaces are spread out over nine columns and three rows.
The numbers randomly distributed within these spaces will range from 1 to 90. Therefore, the British version is sometimes known as the 90-ball game version.
As for American bingo, it is played with a bingo ticket of 25 spaces rather than 27. Those spaces are also spread out over nine columns and three rows.
However, the numbers within these spaces range from 1 to 75 instead of 1 to 90. Therefore, this bingo version is sometimes known as the 75-ball game variant.
In both versions, a caller will call out a number that they have randomly picked up. Players will then have to cross that number off of their ticket.
The winner will be the first one to strike a winning combination. These can vary from one bingo version to another and can depend on the casino provider.
In order to make the most out of your gaming experience, make sure you ask about the two following things before starting to play a bingo game:
- Ask about the winning combinations
Players should ask to know about the winning combinations before playing. The first one to score a winning combination will win.
That means that the first player to call out “bingo” will be the winner if their ticket is valid. Knowing the winning combinations and identifying one that you might have on your ticket will help you call out “bingo” before anyone else.
- Check which bingo version you will be playing
A player should make sure to check which bingo version they are playing before starting a game. Knowing the exact rules of a bingo game, will help the gamer make the most out of their gaming experience and increase their chances of winning.
In addition to that, if you are a fan of British bingo or American bingo, playing the version that you like best will make your experience much more enjoyable.
Tips to get started
Above, we mentioned the essential steps that you should follow before playing a game of bingo. These include asking about the winning combinations and checking which bingo version you will be playing.
Now, let us discuss some of the steps that you can take before selecting a bingo game. These include choosing your game provider, payment options and gaming options.
- Find the right provider for you
If you have already played bingo before, then you might know which bingo version you like best. If you do, then find a provider that offers your favourite bingo version.
If you do not know, then look and compare the different online casino providers on the market. You might want to try different versions of bingo to find the one that you like best.
Selecting a casino provider is easier nowadays thanks to website comparators. However, make sure you pick a casino provider that offers bingo.
Some online casinos only specialise in certain games like poker or roulette. Not all of them offer bingo games.
In order to find a virtual venue that specialises in bingo games, look for bingo sites like Jackpotjoy. Some casino providers might also have very interesting and advantageous welcome offers, bonuses and promotions.
- Select the playing mode that is most comfortable for you
Many online casinos now give players the option to play solo versus bots, to play with other live players or to virtually invite their friends. If you are a bit scared about playing online bingo for the first time, you can ask a more experienced friend to join you.
You can also practice against live bots at a beginner’s level. Another option is to ask for help or advice from more experienced players by using the live chat feature offered by some casinos.
Selecting the right playing mode for you is one of the best ways to have an enjoyable gaming experience. Make sure that the mode you pick fits your playing level.
In other words, try not to pick a mode that is too difficult or too easy for you.
- Pay securely and quickly
Finally, online casinos might ask gamers to deposit a certain sum into their virtual account in order to play. Gamers should make sure that the online casino is trustworthy, recognised and secure before sharing their personal details.
Recommended online casinos are almost certainly trustworthy and secure, so gamers should have nothing to worry about. They can then choose to pay with a credit card or by using an e-wallet such as PayPal.
Final thoughts
This article discussed some of the best ways to get started at online bingo. These tips will guide players as they begin their online gaming journey.
