Everything you need to know about playing online bingo

This entertaining game is drawing in new players who play bingo online at places like Jackpotjoy and it continues to evolve. Although the principles behind it, and the amount of fun you have, usually stay the same.

Whether you're a seasoned bingo player or you're looking to get into the game, here's everything you need to know about playing bingo.

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A bit of bingo history

With gaming on the rise, it always feels like there's something new to play. But it's always great to go back to the classics – the ones we return to time and time again, because they're so good. One of these has to be bingo.

Some historians believe that bingo has its roots in the 1500s, in Italy. A couple of centuries later, the game made its way to France where it was played by the aristocracy and the rich. The bingo as we know it today made its way to the UK during the 1960s and took the country by storm. During this era, bingo halls appeared across the UK and became a popular form of entertainment and a place to socialise.

Prizes ranged from cash all the way through to expensive items and holidays. Of course, while the bingo hall boom wouldn't last, a new resurgence of players came through once the game went online.

Going digital

These days, more people than ever are enjoying their favourite bingo game online. And there's a good reason why. With the rise in smartphones and tablet ownership, people can access bingo games from wherever they're at — while on a commute, at a friend's house or from the comfort of home. Wherever you have an internet connection, you can play bingo.

And it's not just wherever, but whenever. Unlike traditional bingo halls, online bingo sites are available 24/7. So no matter what time of day (or night), you can enjoy a game of bingo.

These days, you don't need to miss out on the social aspects of bingo while playing online. While at an online bingo site you can chat, connect and socialise with people from all over the world.

Another big advantage is the sign up bonuses and promotions that bingo sites offer to keep their players coming back. It's unlikely you'll get these bonuses at a land-based bingo hall!

Bingo lingo

If you've been around bingo for a while, you'll know some of the traditional bingo lingo and language used for calls. Things like 'two fat ladies' 'time for tea' 'never been kissed'.

While still commonly used, new generations are looking to replace some of the language that might be considered offensive with new calls. So keep an eye out for changes around this both in land-based bingo establishments as well as at online bingo sites.

How to get started online

Once you've decided to start playing bingo online, there's a few things that you should know to get started.

First off, it's important that you stay safe. Before signing up to any one particular online bingo website you should do your research. Thankfully, there are a lot of comparison websites that can help you to get a better idea of which will be right for you, what features they offer as well as what kind of security they have put in place to keep your information and financial details safe. You need to be sure that they're legally licensed to operate as an online bingo site in your area.

It's also a good idea to look at online review sites and social media channels, which will give you an independent look into what the sites are like and whether they're trustworthy. Read all the terms and conditions to be sure nothing you don't agree with. The most top brands are usually your safest bet, as they have to stick closely to regulations and invest more in keeping their customers safe — they have their reputations to uphold, after all!

Extra tips & tricks

Once you're signed up online, there's still a few things to know. Get familiar with the site and have a look over the different games you want to try out.

Start slowly, and be sure to set a budget in advance so you can be confident when you're playing what you're saying within your bank roll. Don't be afraid to try out new themes or variations of the game — many sites offer free versions of these so you can get more comfortable playing them.

And the most important tip? Have fun while playing! There's a reason why bingo has been popular for so long and has stood the test of time.

David Pac

Update 14 March 2023