Since its origins in 18th century Italy and global popularisation after World War II, bingo has become a classic pastime. Today, more than 1.6 billion people all around the world regularly play bingo either in person or online.
In the US, more than 60 million residents are regular bingo players in some form. In the UK, the online bingo industry is worth approximately £100 million every year.
Spain, Italy, France, Germany, Belgium, Japan, the Philippines, Brazil, Mexico, and many more nations also have huge bingo audiences. It’s simple to play, easy to pick up, incredibly social, and easy to access for almost anyone.
In recent years, online bingo has exploded thanks to innovative platforms like Rainbow Riches Casino and their Slingo Bingo games. Traditionally, however, the best place to play bingo, particularly in the UK, has been in person at a bingo hall.
In the mid-1960s, around 150,000 people were visiting bingo halls in the UK every day. It became a key part of British culture and has stayed that way for decades.
While modern entertainment choices have distracted some people from bingo halls, several hundred can still be found around the country. Nations around the world also offer in-person bingo in casinos, amusement arcades, and several other venues.
Attending a bingo hall and playing with a crowd of people is something everyone should do at least once. First times are always confusing, so, here’s our guide to getting the best experience at a bingo hall.
- Be prepared
Bingo is straightforward but a little pre-play preparation can make the difference between a good game and a great game. Arriving early lets you choose a seat with minimum distractions and set up ready to go when play begins.
It also improves the social aspect of your experience by allowing you to sit together with everyone in your group. Making sure you have spare markers and enough drinks and snacks to last the distance will also help.
- Know the rules
This might seem obvious, but there’s nothing more frustrating than trying to figure out a game as you play it. While bingo only has a few, knowing all the rules before you start is vital for maximum enjoyment.
Know what style of bingo you’re playing, what to expect from the game, and when to call for a win. Understanding your hall’s house rules about talking, eating, side games, and other peripheries is also important for every player.
- Know the lingo
Perhaps the most confusing thing for any new bingo player is the language used. Take time to learn a ‘line’ from a ‘house’ and how to tell ‘two fat ladies’ from ‘two little ducks’.
Some traditional bingo calls also come with expected crowd responses. Joining in isn’t essential, but it certainly adds to the fun when you know what to do.
- Play the odds
On the surface, with balls drawn at random and no control over your cards, bingo is a game of chance. As with any statistics-based game, however, there are always ways to tip the odds in your favour.
The key fact to understand about bingo is, no matter what happens in the game, there is always a winner. For every round, the caller will keep drawing numbers until someone first gets a line, and then a full house.
In each of those rounds, the higher percentage of cards you have, the higher your chances of winning. You can increase your percentage by buying more cards or playing against fewer people.
In a hall, you can control this by playing at quieter times or using more cards in a single round. Spreading your stake over the whole evening might seem logical, but concentrating on fewer games is the right statistical choice.
- Stay alert
If there’s one piece of advice any bingo player should keep in their heart, it’s that you must stay focused. Chatting, drinking alcohol, or playing while tired all increase the chances of missing vital calls and opportunities to win.
While these distractions are all a part of the in-person bingo experience, moderation and timing are key for successful play. Know when it’s time to relax and when it’s time to concentrate, and always keep the two apart.
While bingo halls can still be great fun, thanks to modern advances, online play is becoming increasingly popular. Games like Slingo Bingo at Rainbow Riches Casino can be played on PCs, laptops, tablets, or even mobile phones.
By using chat functions or video connections, almost every part of the bingo hall experience can now be enjoyed online. This means players all over the world can enjoy bingo wherever, whenever, and with whoever they want.
Even online, however, our simple tips apply if you want to get the best from any session. So, whether your bingo hall is in-person or virtual, make sure you’re getting the best experience next time you play.
