10 Amazing Tips for Online Bingo

Playing bingo live is all about the fun and socializing with a crowd and cheering each other on, while online bingo offers the convenience of playing from anywhere, a wider range of game options, and a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere that players enjoy.

No doubt, bingo has gained popularity since the emergence of online gambling. According to stats, “The online bingo market is expected to grow from $1,146.28 million in 2024 to $1,933.01 million by 2031, with an annual growth rate of 6.75%.”

Luck plays a big part in online bingo, however, there are certain tips and strategies you can try to enhance your chances of winning.

Let’s dive in to find out!

Tips You Must Know To Win Online Bingo

1. Start Small

If you’re just starting out with bingo, don’t go wild with a bunch of cards right away. It’s easy to get overwhelmed if you’re juggling too many at once. Start with a couple of cards to get the hang of things. This way you can learn to keep up with numbers being called without stressing out.

For example, begin with two or three cards, and when you’re comfortable keeping track of those, try bumping it up to four or five. Taking it slow will help you build your bingo skills without feeling like you're drowning in numbers.

2. Understand The Game

Though bingo is more a game of chance than skill, yet if you don’t know what you’re getting into, you’ll probably get lost in a sea of numbers and grids. Knowing the rules and strategies helps you make better decisions, like how many cards to play, or when to use features like auto-daub. In short, you become a more confident and smart player.

3. Budget Carefully

Gambling can really drain your wallet. You don’t wanna end up doing that. If you have set a $100 budget for the game, stick to it. The excitement of possibly hitting it big can give you an adrenaline rush, but the smartest move is to keep your emotions in check and play with a clear mind.

Remember, chasing losses usually just leads to losing more money, so it’s better to stay disciplined and know when to walk away.

4. Time it Right

For better odds in online bingo, play when it’s less crowded. Fewer players mean better chances of winning. For example, playing at 2 AM when the game is quieter could give you a better shot than playing on a busy Saturday night. 

5. Aim for a Higher Number of Cards

Buying more bingo cards can give you a better shot at winning. Aim to spend 2% - 6% of your bankroll on cards. For example, with a $20 bankroll, that’s $0.40 - $1.20, and with $100, it's $2.00 - $6.00. Ideally, if you have $200, you can comfortably bet $12 per round.

If you're playing with 10 people and each spends $5 on cards, buying $10 worth yourself can boost your chances from about 10% to 20%.

So, try to match your cards spent to the number of players and your bankroll for better odds.

6. Look for Bonuses

A smart bingo player knows that grabbing those bingo bonuses can be way more rewarding than just chasing after jackpots. Why? Because bonuses — whether they’re sign-up perks, loyalty rewards, or free tickets — can seriously boost your bankroll. You can look for comparison websites, like FruitySlots.com who list the best UK bingo sites online along with bonuses.

Example: Let’s say, you join a new bingo site and they hand you a $20 bonus just for signing up. Instead of going straight for the big jackpot games, you use that bonus to play a bunch of smaller games.

This way, you get more playtime and a chance to hone your skills without spending your cash.

7. Utilize Chat Rooms

Playing online bingo isn’t just about hitting that jackpot (though we wouldn’t complain about that!). It’s also about the chat rooms, where the real talking showdown happens. You’ll find all sorts of banter, from “Good luck!” cheers to cheeky moans about the caller’s bad eyesight. It’s like the pub on Friday night but with bingo balls.

With bingo becoming popular by the day, there are tons of sites to choose from, but the chat room “LOVE” is what really draws players to come back.

8. Choose The Best Site

You don’t wanna dump your money into the hands of scammers, so make sure to choose a bingo site that’s legit and has solid reviews. The game selection varies from site to site, but checking out communities can give you the inside scoop.

Before diving in, double-check the payment methods, and keep an eye out for better customer service, easier navigation, and bigger prizes. Stick to trustworthy sites to know your personal and financial info is safe.

9. Make Use of Auto-Daub Option

Most online bingo sites have an auto-daub option that does all the number marking for you. It’s super handy — sit back, relax and let the software do the work for ya.

10. Show Patience and Persistence

In gambling, you might hit it big one day and face losses the next. The key is to stay patient and cool, even during tough times. Reflect on what might have gone wrong and keep playing persistently. Don’t let frustrations affect your attitude towards other players — after all, it’s just a game, and good sportsmanship is important.

Best Strategies To Use

There are several bingo strategies out there, with two of the most popular being the Tippett and Gravenille methods. While these strategies can give you a bit of an edge, remember bingo is still a game of chance.

Tippetts Strategy

Tippetts's strategy is based on the idea that, as the number of balls drawn increases, the numbers will cluster around the median value. For a typical 80-ball bingo game, the median is around 40.

How to Apply

If you’re choosing your cards, pick ones with numbers closer to 40, such as 35, 38 and 42. These are more likely to be drawn in longer games. Conversely, if you're playing a quick game where you only need to complete a single row, it’s better to go for numbers near the ends of the range like 10 and 70, which might be called more frequently.

Gravenille Strategy

Gravenille's strategy emphasizes balance by ensuring a mix of high and low numbers, odd and even numbers, and numbers ending in various digits.

How to Apply

When picking your cards, aim for a balanced selection. For instance, if you choose cards with numbers like 6, 25, 40, 55. 68, you are covering:

High and Low: Numbers ranging from low (6) to high (68)

Odd and Even: The card includes both odds (25,55) and even numbers (6,40,68)

Numbers Ending in Different Digits: The card has numbers ending in 6 (6), 5 (25), 0 (40), and 8 (68).

By spreading your numbers across these categories, you’ll probably cover a wider range of possibilities.

Conclusion

Now you know the amazing tips and strategies to play online poker. By using smart strategies like starting small, budgeting wisely, and implementing the Tippetts or Gravenille Strategy, you can make better decisions and take your game to a higher level. Remember, bingo is all about having fun, so play responsibly, stay patient, and enjoy the game.

14 Biggest Bingo Winners Ever

Bingo halls aren't exactly featured in Forbes magazine. But guess what? Some lucky folks have struck it rich playing this unassuming game. Forget a career in bingo, but get ready to hear some unbelievable stories about how it changed lives! Let me present to you 14 Biggest Bingo Winners Ever.

1. Georgios M – Won $7 million

Let's kick things off with the big cheese, shall we? Georgios M, a Greek businessman, grabbed the title of "biggest bingo winner ever" (apparently, there's fierce competition for that title). The kicker? We don't even know this guy's last name!

He chose to remain anonymous after winning over $7 million playing online bingo. Makes me wonder – did he keep dropping bingo lingo in his business meetings? "Eyes down, everyone, let's get this deal across the line!"

2. John Orchard – Won £5.9 million

John Orchard's story is the stuff bingo dreams are made of – and the reason why I occasionally blow a few dollars on those virtual bingo cards. In December 2012, this former factory worker snagged a whopping £5.9 million while playing online slots.

Imagine going about your day, clicking some slots for fun, and BAM! You're never working another day in your life. The ultimate work-from-home success story, right?

3. Carol Y – Won $5.5 million

Talk about a lucky break! In 2012, a retired school teacher, Carol Y., hit the bingo jackpot like it was a pop quiz, walking away with a cool $5.5 million. Now that’s putting those years of playing bingo to good use! 

4. John T – Won $3.3 million

John T played bingo for years, hoping for a break, and bam! $3.3 million richer just like that. Makes you wonder if my bingo cards have the wrong numbers printed on them. 

5. Susan R – Won $2.5 million

Susan R. turned her bingo nights into a personal gold mine. She was playing out there regularly, proving that sometimes dedication is the key to success. 

6. Anne Marie Farrar – Won £3.4 million 

Being a single mom is tough enough, then boom: Anne Marie Farrar throws a whopping £3.4 million win on top of it all. The lucky month was February, and the year was 2015. A 15p bet on an online slot game? That's what I call a return on investment. I wonder if her kids ever complain about chores, only to be met with, "Remember that time I won the lottery? Now take out the trash."

7. Lisa Potter - Won £1.3 million

Lisa Potter, 33, found a way to cure her boredom while her boyfriend was glued to Euro 2012 – and it paid off big time! She won a £1.3 million jackpot on Ladbrokes Bingo after only a £5 bet.

Seems like ignoring your partner to watch sports can have unexpected consequences. Lisa decided to take a chance on the game while her boyfriend cheered on Spain's victory over Ireland. Talk about scoring a way bigger win!

She stated, “I had a spare minute and wanted to get away from the football, so I logged on. As soon as I saw the size of the jackpot, I thought it was worth a go and couldn’t believe my eyes when it said I’d won.”

8. Christine Johnstone (£1.3 million)

Okay, I know I shouldn't wish for insomnia, but Christine here scored big time because of a restless night. It's like the universe said, "You can't sleep? Cool, have a million pounds." Meanwhile, I'm up all night, and the only thing I win is a serious case of eye bags.

But here's the best part –  Christine didn't even ditch her day job after winning £1.3 million at the Bingo! I mean, if I hit the jackpot, my resignation letter would already be written while the confetti was still falling. Christine, on the other hand, is out there saving feet and bank accounts. Talk about goals! She even wants to give some of the money away - clearly, she's a better human than I am.

9. Soraya Lowell – Won £1.2 million

Soraya Lowell, a cleaner from Hamilton, is proof that a regular game of bingo can change absolutely everything. In 2008, she nabbed just under £1.2 million during a holiday weekend playing at her local bingo hall. 

The twist? A few short years later, she was sadly bankrupt. A cautionary reminder that even a million-pound win can't fix everything.

10. Mandy Bowman - Won £1.2 million 

A farmer's wife won £1.2m playing online bingo, but don't expect a lavish lifestyle change. Mandy Bowman is sticking to her roots, investing the jackpot into her horse farm. She'll build an indoor riding school, start a livery, and upgrade the farm for long-term success.

While that dream honeymoon might have to wait, this hardworking winner is focused on building a better future close to home. She told a newspaper, "My husband doesn’t have a passport, so when we do finally take a break, it won’t be anywhere exotic – it will be in Scotland.”

11. Christine Bradfield – Won £1.1 million

Christine Bradfield is my kind of gal. Not only did she win £1.1 million in January 2008, but she generously shared half her winnings with her sister in law (not sure why they have pacts with sister in law only). Now, that's what I call family bonding! I bet those "who gets to carve the turkey" arguments were nonexistent from then on.

12. Lorraine Williams – Won £1.1 Million

Lorraine Williams gets the "best sister-in-law ever" award. She and Christine Bradfield agreed to split their winnings, and with a £1.1 million jackpot, that's a sweet deal! Wonder if they bought matching "BINGO changed my life" t-shirts…

13. Anita Campbell – Won Over £1 Million

All right, Anita Campbell, tell us your secrets! This lucky lady won over £500,000 TWICE in a short period on online bingo. She was struggling financially beforehand, so this was a serious life-saver. My only question is, after the second win, wouldn't you try your luck at, oh I don't know, blackjack?

14. Stephen Milnes - Won £265,000

Meet Stephen Milnes, the epitome of "from rags to riches... to rags again." At 48, with two kids and freshly divorced, he stumbled upon an online bingo game and struck gold with a £265,000 win from a £3 bet. Cue the celebrations and family vacations.

But alas, his newfound fortune vanished into the digital abyss of gambling within six months. Stephen's tale is a stark reminder of the fleeting nature of luck and the perils of betting it all.

Conclusion

Winning a huge bingo jackpot is the dream, but it's a dream for a reason. Bingo is meant to be fun – a social activity with the chance of getting a bit of cash on the side. If you find yourself chasing every number with desperation, it might be time to step away from the cards.

And there you have it – a look into the wild world of bingo millionaires and a friendly reminder that even bingo has a bit of a bite. Now, does anyone want to join me for a quick game? I feel strangely lucky today...

How Old Do You Have To Be To Play Bingo in the US?

Bingo is a beloved game. It’s hard not to fall in love with the anticipation as you eagerly wait for the next number to be announced. Or the thrill of realizing that you have the winning card. There’s just one problem. Strict gambling laws dictate when it’s legal to start playing.

If venues let you play when underage, they face massive fines. To make matters even more complex, how old you need to be before you can start playing bingo varies, depending on where you live. Let’s break down these rules. 

States Where You Can Play Bingo At 16

Gambling is viewed differently than other forms of gambling. While it is still a game of chance, the proceeds are usually used to support charities. Because of this, some states allow people aged 16 to take place in bingo games. These states include: 

But there are some big caveats to keep in mind. First, this applies only to cash games. Most online bingo sites will require you to be 18 to register. Also, these states tend to be more restrictive about where you can play, so they can ensure that the money is going to a good cause. There might also be limits on when bingo halls can open. For example, in Maine, the halls have to close on Sunday. 

Some other states might allow people under 16 to play bingo. But you usually need to have your parent's permission. There might also be other restrictions, like reducing the amount of money on offer. Plus, these games need to take place in person. No US state lets people under 16 sign up for electronic bingo. These states include: 

These are a limited set of circumstances where underage people can play bingo. Most of the time, these states will require you to turn 18 before you can legally take part.  

States Where You Can Play Bingo At 18

Like most gambling activities, you’ll usually need to wait until you turn 18 before you start playing bingo. These states will allow you to start playing bingo at 18:

There is only one state that requires players to be 19 before playing bingo. That distinction goes to Alaska. However, there is a caveat. The bingo hall isn’t allowed to serve alcohol. If there is alcohol present, you’ll need to be over 21 before you can enter. 

States Where You Can Play Bingo At 21

While most states let you start gambling at 18, some have stricter gambling laws. These states will force you to wait until you are 21 before you can legally play: 

Other Bingo Restrictions

States don’t just regulate how old bingo players are. They also control how the game is played. First, some states only allow you to play in person, banning online games. If online bingo is allowed, there are strict rules that would need to be followed, like ensuring that the balls are chosen randomly.

This is done to ensure that all the games are fair. Plus, organizations who are running cash bingo games often have additional hoops to jump through, like being registered with gambling authorities. 

To make things even more complicated, Indian reservations can host bingo games. Since this is officially viewed as tribal land, the laws are slightly different than they are in the rest of the state. In some cases, gambling might be outlawed throughout the state, but players can still bet on tribal land. But you’ll still need to be at least 18 to play bingo as an adult, even in Indian casinos.

Another common restriction is controlling what the proceeds raised can be used for. Most commonly, the money needs to go towards supporting charity. This is why states like Texas, which have banned casinos and other forms of gambling, allow bingo. 

Who Needs To Enforce These Restrictions

Trying to decide if you’re allowed to play bingo can be tough. Throughout most of the US, you’ll need to be 18, unless you are taking part in a charity match with your parent’s permission.  Throw in some state-specific laws, and it can get quite confusing. 

However, it’s worth paying attention to these rules. If you get caught playing bingo underage, you could face harsh penalties. You might face a large fine. The exact size varies by state. Most of the time, though, you’ll be charged thousands of dollars for underage gambling. Depending on where you live, you could also have your driver’s license approval delayed by up to six months. 

That’s not the punishment the government will be handing out. The casinos will also be hit hard. They will usually cop a steep fine, costing them thousands. Plus, their reputation will be damaged. Because of this, they vigilantly check IDs and make sure that all the players are of legal gambling age. 

Playing Recreational Bingo

We’ve been focusing on cash games so far. But not all players are interested in the money. Sometimes, you just want to experience the joy of playing bingo. Recreational bingo might be the perfect option for you. You’ll find a huge array of websites and apps that will let you play bingo for fun. You aren’t playing for money or prizes, just in-game currency. Because of this, it isn’t considered gambling, and no age restrictions will apply. 

Conclusion

The laws that control the legal gambling age in the US are complex, varying on a state-by-state basis. It’s always best to check with your local authorities before you start playing. This simple action can stop you from getting hit with a large fine.