A Beginner's Guide to Online Bingo

Most experts and historians agree that the modern game is derived from an ancient relative known as Lo Giuoco del Lotto D'Italia. Certain aspects and ideas were taken from the game to produce a modified version in around 1530, a long time ago indeed!

You may have recognised a key word in the Italian game – "lotto". In fact, when the game travelled to neighbouring France during the 1700's, it was simply called "Le Lotto", or "The Lotto". The game was popular with wealthy aristocracy and today's modern lottery games can also trace their roots back to this period.

The restless ancestor of today's game eventually made its way across the pond to America, where it was originally called Beano, and was a feature at travelling carnivals and country fairs. The first known occasion of the game being played was in 1929, at a carnival just outside Atlanta, Georgia.

The idea was simple. A man would blindly pick numbers from a cigar box (or similar container) and would then call out the number. Those participating in the game would've purchased numbered cards in order to play along. If the number called matched a number on their card, they would mark it off with a pen or pencil.

Any player that managed to complete a row, would shout "Beano!" so the game could end and everyone would know who won. Of course, today, we know the game as "Bingo", so how did the name change?

Most accounts agree that a travelling toy salesman and entrepreneur, loved the game and decided to take the idea with him, with one small change. The salesman, Edwin S. Lowe, ended up calling the game "Bingo" instead, after hearing a winner shout it accidentally, meaning to shout "Beano" of course.

Lowe is credited with developing the modern game of bingo, and worked with well-known mathematics professor, Carl Leffler to develop unique bingo cards. This would help to eliminate the chance of more than one person getting bingo at the same time.

The game flourished and became popular in churches, carnivals, fairs, and eventually casinos in Las Vegas, before spreading all over the world as the game we know today.

Whether you choose to play in the real world or online, the basics of bingo are always the same.

To start playing any bingo game, you'll need to get your hands on a bingo card or two. In the real world, this can be purchased from your local bingo location, be that at a casino, bingo club, church or community centre. When playing online, simply buy them from your bingo site.

The bingo card features 25 randomly numbered squares, and the idea here is to cover a row of 5 squares either vertically, diagonally or horizontally.

You'll also notice that the bingo card will have the letters B-I-N-G-O across the top. This helps you to quickly find the number to cover. For example, if the caller announces B-25, you'll know exactly what row you should be looking in.

Standard bingo features 75 different letter/number combinations, giving players plenty of winning opportunities.

It is possible to play more than one bingo card in a game, it all depends on how good you are at keeping track of all your cards at the same time.

As each number is called out, check to see if you have that particular letter/number combination. If you do, mark it off. Once you've managed to complete an entire row, shout out "Bingo!" which lets the caller know that you've won that particular round.

That's really all there is to understanding how basic bingo works. A little later, we'll take a closer look at more advanced bingo concepts, including various game types and strategies.

The short explanation of online bingo is that it is merely the same game taken into cyberspace. Of course, there is a bit more to it than that, but that's the definition of online bingo in a nutshell. The online version gives you thousands of choices in cards and rooms, and comes with convenient added features such as an auto-daub function.

Top online bingo websites will feature plenty of interesting games, hosted in dedicated bingo rooms, each with its own theme and unique style. For most bingo fans, playing online is king, as it opens up all sorts of new and exciting options, each just a click or two away.

Not only will you find great 75-ball, 80-ball and 90-ball bingo games to choose from, you'll also be able indulge in themed bingo, such as the Deal or No Deal bingo room and others. Just like online slots, you'll find a wide range of options, from free bingo through to real money progressive jackpot bingo games that could net big payouts.

However, before you can comfortably and safely explore the world of bingo online, picking a good bingo operator is essential. There are a few factors to take note of when reviewing different sites which should help you narrow down your options effectively.

Here's a quick rundown of what should be on your checklist: