Bingo’s just bingo, a lottery-style game in which players battle it out to match the numbers they have on their cards with the numbers that are called out, right? Well not quite. Whilst the crux of bingo is to be the first to match card numbers with those shouted out, there are essentially two different types of bingo games you can play online. These two different online bingo variations are – 75 ball bingo and 90 ball bingo. Bingo’s origins might date back to the 16th century but in modern-day online bingo, 75 ball bingo is the most popular type of bingo game in the United States and 90 ball bingo is preferred choice of game in Britain.
So what are the difference between the two bingo games?
Whilst 75 ball bingo and 90 ball bingo do have some differences, they are essentially focused on the same game.
90 ball bingo
90 ball bingo comprises of tickets which consist of a total of nine columns and three rows. The rows are made up of four blanks and five numbers. Each of the rows have numbers from a potential ten. For instance, the first row might contain numbers from 20 – 29 and the third row with numbers from 1 – 10. Each ticket therefore has 15 numbers on it, which enables players to play what is known as a Strip. A Strip refers to a total of six tickets which comprise of the full 90 numbers. This means players are guaranteed to match a number each time a ball is drawn as they have all 90 numbers. 90 ball bingo tickets have three different winning combinations – a full house, two lines and one line. So what about the American’s favourite type of online bingo?
75 ball bingo
Whilst essentially the same as the UK version, the principle difference with 90 ball bingo is that the tickets have the ‘bingo’ written boldly across them, followed by a 5 x 5 column grid. The square in the centre of the grid is blank. Five of a potential 15 numbers are spread amongst the columns. For instance, column C may comprise of five numbers from 16 – 30 and column D may have five numbers from 1 to 15. Due to the fact the cards consist of different patterns, there is a number of ways players can potentially win when playing 75 ball bingo. The reason why the central square is always left blank is due to the fact it is considered to be occupied. Consequently, players begin with a least one square of the pattern already taken care of.
So which one should you opt for – 90 ball bingo or 75 ball bingo?
A good question and to be honest the decision is entirely up to you. As a result of players’ indecision, many online bingo sites provide both games to enable players to have a play around with both of them and decide which one they like best.