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Bingo Rules: A Beginner’s Guide

We will tell you about the rules of the game and the history of the origin of Bingo, and also provide you with the information you need to start playing this game.

How to play bingo

Here are the basic steps:

  1. Get a bingo card. Each card consists of rows and columns of numbers. The amount of numbers and layout may vary depending on the specific version of bingo.
  1. Number Announcement: The host or computer draws random numbers and announces them out loud to the players. Numbers are usually declared using combinations of numbers and letters, e.g. “V-12” or “N-37”.
  1. Marking Numbers: When a number is announced, you check your bingo card to see if that number is on your card. If so, you mark it on your card.
  1. Pattern or Full Plate: Your goal is to achieve a specific pattern or completely fill the card, this is determined before the game begins. The pattern can vary and include shapes such as a vertical row, a horizontal row, a diagonal line, or more complex patterns, depending on the game.
  1. Shout “Bingo”: In the real-life version, when you reach the required pattern or full board, shout “Bingo!” to declare your victory. The host will then confirm your winnings by checking your numbers.

Bingo is a cute social activity that brings people together to compete for prizes and have the pleasure of shouting “Bingo.” It’s a game that requires little training, but it’s easy to pick up and can be a lot of fun. There is a similar game called Banco.

Difference between Banco and Bingo

  1. History and origin:
  • Bingo: The word bingo is said to have originated in Italy and was popularized in the United States in the 1920s as a lottery. It then spread to other parts of the world.
  • Banco: Banco games have a long history and originate from the Italian lottery “Lo Giuoco del Lotto d’Italia”, which was created in the 1530s. 
  1. Game format:
  • Bingo: A host or machine draws random numbers and players mark the corresponding numbers on their playing cards. The goal is to achieve a certain combination of patterns before other players.
  • Banco: Usually played by a banker who draws numbers and announces them to the players. Players have a fixed set of numbers on the bank loader and the goal is, again, to complete the card.
  1. Prizes and schemes for filling out cards:
  • Bingo: Bingo prizes vary depending on the game and where it is played. Players can win by completing different patterns on the card, such as a full line, four corners, or completely (all numbers are marked).
  • Banco: Banco prizes typically include cash or other prizes donated by the host or organisation. The goal of the game is to fill the card completely.
  1. Rules and venues:
  • Bingo: Bingo is often played in commercial bingo halls, online bingo sites, or as a charity game. There are different varieties of bingo, so the rules may vary.
  • Banco: Banco is often played for social and charitable purposes, within organisations such as associations, schools and sports clubs. Banco rules are usually more standardised and follow fixed principles.
  1. Numbers and signs:
  • Bingo: The amount of numbers and cards in bingo can vary. There are different versions, including 75 balls, 90 balls and others.
  • Banco: Banco is usually played with 90 numbers, and each player has a standard banco table with 25 numbers spread across 9×3 rows, with 15 numbers per row per card.

To summarise, both banco and bingo are games in which players try to match the numbers drawn to the numbers on their cards. The differences lie primarily in the plot, game format, rules, prizes and places where they are awarded. 

Bingo
Banco

Tips for new bingo players

For those new to bingo, it is helpful to understand the rules and terminology of the game to avoid confusion while playing. It’s also a good idea to start with small bets so you can learn the game without risking too much money. Try different types of bingo to find the one that best suits your preferences. It is important to keep an eye on your cards and pay attention to the numbers that come up. But most importantly, remember to have fun and play responsibly.