Bingo: a simple, yet very exciting game

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June 25, 2020 0 359

Bingo

The days when a game of bingo was only reserved for a select group of people have passed for a while. The game is gaining popularity every day among Belgian casino players. Bingo is subject to Belgian gambling legislation and is therefore, just like the master of other casino games, thoroughly checked by the Belgian Gaming Commission.

Bingo is an ancient game of chance that has been played since the 16th century. It actually originated in Italy, where it was played as a national lottery game. The game there was then called lotto and was loved by young and old, because it was so easy to play.

In the 18th century the game became more and more famous in France. The French manipulate the game by adding bingo balls and the well-known number cards. The lottery game was given the name Bingo, which refers to Beano, the playing card on which the Americans played the game in the early 20th century and used beans to cover the numbers on the card.

In Dutch-speaking countries, the game is often called kienen or kienspel, after French for quinze (five), which refers to the five columns and the five rows of the bingo game.

Play bingo?

The classic bingo game is played with 75 balls. Each ball has a number from 1 to 75. Each player can buy one or more cards with a grid of 25 squares. 24 of those boxes have a number. The box in the middle of the grid is blank or has a symbol. The letters of BINGO are scattered above each of the five columns of the grid:

Column 1 = B column: contains 5 digits from 1 to 15
Column 2 = I column: contains 5 digits from 16 to 30
Column 3 = N column: contains 4 digits from 31 to 45
Column 4 = G column: contains 5 digits from 46 to 60
Column 5 = O column: contains 5 digits from 61 to 75

Each digit occurs only once on the same card.

The bingo numbers are automatically generated one by one by the computer or fished out of a spinning bingo reel by the game leader. Each participant checks whether he or she has the number called on his bingo card. If you are lucky and the number is on your card, then you cross out this number. Have you been able to cross out all the numbers in the grid? Then you call BINGO!

Shouting loudly is important. If the game leader does not hear you, you run the risk that the game will continue to play and you will see your nice prize pass by.

Variations on the base game

Certain variants of bingo have some other rules or add extras.

Line

When you have a full line, either horizontally or vertically, you call LINE! Often there are additional prizes for the player who can first cross a horizontal or vertical line of numbers.

Geometric shapes

A bingo game can also be played by form. This way you win a prize when you have been able to cross an X, an O, an L or a square. The form to be marked off is agreed in advance with the players. This can vary from game to game.

British bingo

Certain numbers are broadcast as descriptions. For example, 22 is also known as two little ducks and an eight as one fat lady. It is mandatory to also call up the number itself and not just the description. Forget the game leader to call the number next to the description, then this draw is not valid.

Own variants per casino

A number of casinos take advantage of the hype of playing bingo. Casino Oostende takes it a step further on top of the enthusiasm of the players and connects some atmosphere makers to it. When you buy a bingo card of 35 euros you play six rounds and you can win great prizes. That’s not all, because at the bingo sessions free snacks, a glass of Lucky bubbles and a number of party gadgets such as nice glasses and crazy hats are distributed. Wrong outfits are appreciated!

Bingo with 90 balls

A bingo card for the game variant with 90 balls, consists of a grid with 3 rows and 9 columns. Each row has 5 boxes with a number and four empty boxes.

For the rest, the game is similar to the classic version, there are only more boxes that need to be checked out. The game leader chooses a ball from the reel, calls the number and each player checks his card to see if he or she has the number. The first player to cross a complete row wins a prize. The first player to cross two rows is also awarded. The first prize is of course for the first player with a full card, also known as a full house.

Play bingo online?

Many online casinos offer bingo games. Bingo is very easy to play, even by beginners. You play Bingo purely on luck. There is no strategy or tactic involved. What is important is watching the number of other players participating in your bingo game. The higher the number of players, the higher the prize pool will be. But also the greater the chance that another player will be able to strike out a full card before you can.

It is an often used trick to increase your own chances of winning, by buying multiple bingo cards. However, the bet amount is also a bit more expensive.

Many online casinos link a progressive jackpot to their bingo game. This means that the large prize pool is systematically filled. Cash is added continuously until the jackpot falls. The player who wins a jackpot can be lucky, because the win is no less!

There are online arcades that offer bingo tournaments. Players can register for a weekly or monthly tournament. The size of the prize pool varies from casino to casino. You can play a bingo tournament for a low bet and you also have a chance of winning a nice prize. The game is simple and there are no complicated game rules involved. So it is highly recommended to play an online bingo game.