Bingo Game Styles

Types Of Bingo

There are many different types of Bingo, which means that you’ll never be bored when you decide to join in the game that has millions enthralled. Beyond the traditional game, there’s land-based Bingo, 75 and 90 ball Bingo, and even variations of the game depending on which country you live in. In Australia and New Zealand, the game is called ‘housie’, and in the UK, although the game is still called ‘Bingo’, it differs from its American counterpart in its equipment and calling. In Sweden, a special version of the game is played in which players can win up to five times in one game!

Other factors such as the type and amount of prize (ranging from small cash prizes, to progressive or straight jackpots) the pattern types, the amount paid for the card, the speed of the balls and a whole host of other intricacies all add up to make Bingo a game that’ll keep you hooked.

In a nutshell, you’ll find the following to be the most common types of Bingo game styles:

Horizontal Bingo

A single or double line from left to right across your Bingo card. If you get it across the ‘free space’ block, you’ll only have to get four or eight numbers!

Vertical Bingo

A single or double line from top to bottom across your Bingo card. A very common pattern. Again, if your line includes the ‘free space’ block, you only have to get four or eight numbers.

Diagonal Bingo

As the name implies, a single line going from the bottom left corner of your card to the top right corner, or vice versa. All diagonal Bingos use the ‘free space’ and are understandably popular!

Blackout Bingo

Also known as a ‘cover all’, it means simply that all squares must be marked off on the Bingo card. As the ‘free space’ doesn’t count, practically speaking, this should be ignored, and the remaining 24 squares must be marked, or ‘dabbed’. Compared to the others, this type of Bingo takes the longest to complete, but is also the most exciting, as it is usually reserved for jackpot games such as the UK’s National Bingo Game.

Pattern Bingo

This type Bingo game style moves beyond the basics of one- and two-line games into more exciting territory. Players need to use their imagination and wit to interpret patterns as speedily as possible. Patterns include: postage stamps, four corners, the letter ‘x’, a plus sign, and a host of others.