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Bingo could be described as a "Community Lotto" which is a pretty good way to sum it up. The game of Bingo itself is a very simple lottery but with a strong community built around it which makes it one of the most fun and addictive gambling pass-times for people of all ages. Once seen as a game limited to seniors, Bingo has really hit the mainstream in recent times and with the advent of online bingo gaming, it's appeal can only continue to grow. |
How the game works is simple. Players buy printed sheets before the start of each game which are marked with unique sets of numbers, typically from 1 to 75. Each of these cards has different sets of numbers so there are no duplicates in any one Bingo game, giving each player a unique card, although this doesn't guarantee just one winner. The numbers are aligned in columns marked B, I, N, G, and O respectively with 5 from a range of 15 numbers being printed in each row, i.e. a random 5 numbers from 1 to 15 in column B, another 5 from 16-30 in column I and so on. In a popular variation of the game, the middle number on the card is already marked off.
When the game starts the 'caller', a human kind of gameshow host, draws numbered balls from a tombola and calls them out to the room. If players have those numbers on any of their cards (because typically you play more than one card at once), they mark them off with a kind of felt pen called a 'dauber'. In modern games, the bingo caller may call randomly generated numbers instead, and even be replaced entirely by a computerised screen.
Bingo players try to match the numbers being called to a specific pattern specified at the start of the game. This pattern may be to mark all four corners of one card, or to cover all the numbers(a pattern called a "Cover-All"), or to mark off a complete straight line or one of many other patterns as there are lots of different variations. The first person to mark off numbers matching this pattern shouts out "Bingo" and collects a percentage of the total stake money..or some other prize, it depends on the game rules.
Typical bingo prize jackpots can be anywhere from a few dollars and plush toys, to thousands of dollars, brand new cars and more. Progressive jackpots on the internet have seen prizes regularly hit six figure jackpot sums.
When playing bingo in the offline bingo halls, you need to be quick and pay attention if you are going to get anywhere at all. Bingo callers don't exactly hang around so you've got to keep up with the pace they set if you are not going to miss numbers and thus, greatly reduce your chances of winning.
In the online world, you usually have some labour saving tools at your disposal. Auto-Daub is an essential feature, allowing you to play many cards at once with the game itself marking off the numbers for you - absolutely no chance of missing any numbers! You can of course turn this feature off for a more realistic feel.
You can also typically buy cards for less online. A typical game card in a bingo hall with cost around $1 per card on average, whilst online you will find them for 10 cents and even less. These are great for the casual player who is more interested in the community aspect than winning the big bucks.
Oh and yes, the community. This is probably by far the most important aspect for many bingo gamers with the gambling itself being a welcome addition to the social side of things. Virtually all online bingo game sites have a thriving community of friendly, regular players and the bingo world is one of the most varied and accomodating there is. You'll come to play bingo and keep coming back for all the friends you have made! |
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