Archive for the Bingo Hints and Tips category.

Bingo Superstitions

September 03, 2010

There are many people who believe in superstition, and the bingo community is rife with them. True, superstitious luck may seem silly to a cynical individual, but someone who has consistently won by performing a special rite or having a special token would vehemently disagree.

Studies by researchers show that over half of the bingo community will use a lucky charm, a special rite, or have a symbol that brings them luck. Just as some people blow on a pair of dice in a craps game, bingo players have similar ceremonies that bring them luck. There are those who claim they never win if they forego their lucky symbols.

Lucky rites may include always sitting in the same seat in a bingo hall, or using a special dabber over and over again. Others may sit a small lucky troll or charm at the top of their cards. Still others may recite a chant that is useful to them, and only them. There are those who believe it all depends on the colours or patterns they wear when they play. This can lead to very interesting attire at the bingo hall. One man always wore a smock with election buttons stuck all over it. He said he would never play without it on.

The truth of the matter is no one knows if the rituals or charms actually bring good fortune. But why take the chance? If an orange-haired, smiley troll is the charm helping you win the jackpot in bingo, you should definitely accord him a seat of honour. Here’s a tip! Teddy bears are said to be a winning advantage at any bingo game.

Choosing Online Bingo Sites

September 01, 2010

Playing online bingo is a popular pastime with many people choosing to take part in bingo games from the comfort of their own home through one of the many online bingo sites available on the internet.

With bingo being one of the UK’s top leisure activities, it is no surprise that this online offshoot of the game is bringing in more and more new players. But how can new players choose between the many online bingo sites out there offering a range of bingo games? And how can new users know which site is the best place to play bingo?

One good way of deciding which of the available online bingo sites to use is to visit a number of popular online bingo providers’ bingo sites and compare the registration bonuses offered to new users.

Some bingo sites will offer deposit matches to new players, essentially giving them access to some free bingo games on top of those they have paid for and in addition the free bingo games advertised on the site.

Other features that users may wish to consider before selecting a site on which to play bingo games on the internet are the social interaction services such as in game chat options and forums – for some people the interaction is essential to the bingo experience while others find they are happy to play alone.

For those who find themselves becoming bored easily, bingo sites that offer additional stakes gaming such as scratch cards or slots machines may be the perfect choice.

Understanding Bingo Odds

August 30, 2010

It is usually quite simple to understand bingo odds and the likelihood of winning any single game of bingo.  All in all, it is simply a matter of determining the number of cards in play and dividing by the number of cards the player has in this pool; the greater the number of cards, the greater the chances of winning.  While it is not always possible to count the number of people in a bingo hall at any given time, by guessing the average number of cards, it is still possible to get a general idea of one’s chance of success.

While everyone wants to know which numbers come up most often, provided that the balls are manufactured correctly, no party has tampered with the balls in any way, and that no ball is missing from the blower, all the balls have an equally likely chance of being pulled from the machine at any time.

There are a few ways for a player to improve their odds ever so slightly against the competition.  First and foremost, it’s an excellent idea to play bingo when there are few other players.  Any casino that promises a specific jackpot must pay out on this jackpot no matter how many players attend, granting a slight edge to those who come during less busy times.  Short of staying alert and never missing a called number, there is little a player can do to greatly improve their odds in bingo.

Bingo Hints and Tips

August 24, 2010

Learning to play bingo is a relatively easy endeavour, but there are a few tips for playing the traditional version of the game that any newcomer would be well advised to know before turning up for their first event, lest they be overwhelmed by the experience!

One tip is to get to the event well before the advertised start time, possibly even an hour or two early. This allows players to grab their preferred seat, arrange their cards, talk to fellow players (the social aspect is a major pull particularly for the more seasoned players, and new players can make new friends and even hear about other good venues for bingo games), set up their good luck charms and possibly even grab a snack or a drink before the game itself begins. As a newcomer, you may not have a ‘lucky seat’ as yet, but getting there early still enables you to get a good seat, preferably close to the caller to reduce any chance of missing out on hearing them read out a crucial number. If they are using a mechanical system, you might even get a sneak peek at the next number, though it is against the rules to call “Bingo!” until the caller has read it out.

One bingo tip that cannot be emphasised enough is to stay alert at all times during the game. If you are too slow to call “Bingo!” after a winning number has been called, and the caller reads out the next number, you will have lost your chance and there is precious little else that is more frustrating for a bingo player than that.

Best Free Online Bingo

August 20, 2010

When looking to begin playing bingo on the internet, any new player should consider looking for a free game to play before making a deposit at a major casino website.  While bingo is well known for being a simple game, when playing against experienced players who never miss a called number, it’s an excellent idea for any player to make certain they are up to speed with game types, rules, payouts, casino bonuses, as well as caller speed.  Most online games are designed for players with experience, calling numbers quickly to keep the game moving quickly.  It is for this reason that any new players should seek out the best free online bingo websites first.

At the top of this list of top bingo websites is www.gamesville.com.  In association with BingoZone, Gamesville offers a wide variety of game types at absolutely no charge.  Since Gamesville is not a casino website, they are supported entirely by advertising revenue and keep their games free for this reason.  Three-eyed bingo is among the most popular games, offering progressive jackpots up to $3,333.  All in all, this is an excellent free bingo site with excellent payouts considering the complete lack of non-advertising income.

While there are other free bingo websites, few compare to Gamesville.com.  While the majority of these sites offer free play after a deposit, this will rarely be the best place for a beginner to play.  Once a player has established themselves however, deposit bonuses are an excellent way to receive free play for great cash payouts.

Playing bingo online just gets better and better!

August 16, 2010

There used to be a time when the only way to play bingo was to join a local club or to play a game with friends or family.

Now we have the internet version as well, and it can be just as much fun to play as the real life version.  There are lots of websites which are only focussed on the game of bingo, but some casino sites also offer the game as part of their overall range of games.

One thing to watch out for if you are looking for a site to join now is whether or not they offer you a bonus when you sign up.  Sometimes the bonus can be very good indeed, such as a £20 bonus when you sign up and deposit as little as £5 in your account.  The bonuses can change from time to time though, so make sure you research the market before you decide which website to opt for.

Another important thing is to not assume that you know the rules.  Always take the time to read the specific site’s rules carefully before you start playing.  This will ensure you don’t make any silly mistakes or play without being fully aware of the rules.

This applies particularly to any terms and conditions surrounding the bonus you get when joining a bingo site.  Make sure you understand what you can and cannot do with any winnings you bag from any free money they give you when you first join.

Play online bingo anytime, anywhere!

August 07, 2010

Bingo is still looked down on in some quarters, perhaps because of its popularity in the 1960s with working class housewives, for whom the highlight of the week was often to wander down to the local bingo hall with a bunch of friends and listen to the Caller announcing the numbers.

But anyone in any doubt about bingo’s social credentials should reflect on two facts. Bingo was an aristocratic game in seventeenth century France, and its recent movement into the virtual world has seen it transcend all social barriers. People from all walks of life now play bingo from the privacy of their own homes, with online bingo proving to be one of the internet’s greatest triumphs.

A number of factors have come into play to bring about this happy state of affairs, but the main two are the hugely increased download speeds and the great improvements in internet security software.

All sorts of games can now be played online, from scratch cards and treasure-hunt games to complex and sophisticated games of roulette, poker and blackjack, played in a casino setting. There are frequently huge prizes to be won by the savvy player, of several million dollars in some American games.

All you need to start playing online bingo is a computer and an internet connection. Downloading specialist software can even enable online bingo games to be played on your smart phone, so if it becomes a real addiction you’ll always be able to satisfy it.

Online bingo is great fun, and can be profitable.

Bingo For the Masses

July 30, 2010

It may surprise some people to know that such a ubiquitous and popular game as bingo used to be the preserve of French aristocrats before they lost their heads, and that it had its origins in Renaissance Italy as a local lottery. But such was the popular appeal of the core model that bingo, like chess, proved infinitely adaptable when it came to time and place, and over the years evolved into its present form. It has now become the game of choice for millions who enjoy trying their luck and competing for a cash prize.

The game of bingo is played on cards marked out in columns and squares, each square with its own number, to be matched in accordance with a prearranged pattern called out by the Caller before the start of the game. The Caller uses a blow machine, as used in lotteries, to throw out numbered balls, and the first player to match his or her pattern is the winner. The prize money these days can reach into the millions in the States, but even local halls can yield substantial winnings when they hook up with other halls via a satellite connection.

In the virtual world, bingo has taken its rightful place alongside casino-style games as the game of choice for a vast range of players from all backgrounds. All you need now to play online bingo or any of a host of other games is a PC and an internet connection.

Types of Bingo

July 24, 2010

Bingo is one game where it is highly unlikely that you will become bored. However, there are many types of bingo games, so it is good to understand what the different games are, and how they are played.

The biggest difference between different bingo games is the number of balls used to call the numbers. Some games use a 75-ball system, while others use a 90-ball system. There are many variations to both games, which can heighten the pleasure of playing. Some games may be played with the balls drawn at high speed, while others may restrict winning bingos to line calls. Let’s look at the most popular variations.

Horizontal Bingo is a game where only the lines running horizontally on the card are in play during the game. Conversely, Vertical Bingo is the exact opposite, as all winning cards must be marked off in a vertical line. Diagonal Bingo is just as you would expect – the winning bingo player must have completely marked off one of the two diagonal lines on the card.  Horizontal bingo is the easiest to win, but it is also the most difficult to keep track of, according to research. It is thought the reason may be because people are used to reading on a horizontal line and skipping small words such as “the” and “a”.

Coverall Bingo is played until all the squares of the card have been filled. This game can take a while, and is the hardest pattern to win. However, it also is the game with the highest payout and jackpots. It is also the game most often used for progressive jackpots.

Online Bingo – a great way to play and win!

July 19, 2010

Bingo has been played for many years around the world and goes by many different names in each country. The internet has made it easier for people to play bingo, as they can play online from the comfort of their own living room, kitchen or even the bedroom.

Since it first appeared in 1996, online bingo has grown in popularity. There are now many sites on the Internet that provide good, safe and secure games that people can enjoy.

One of the most popular games played is free bingo. This site allows you to play a game of bingo, with the chance of winning real cash prizes, without having to spend any money. Some of the sites offer very good prize money for playing free bingo, but the bigger prizes are won when you pay for it. Tickets can range from 1p to £1; in some cases they can charge more, but these are very few and far between.

There are many different bingo games played online, each having different rules.  Most people enjoy playing UK bingo, as the rules are far simpler than other countries. You can play 90 ball, 75 ball and 50 ball bingo, and all have different sets of rules to abide by.

People feel more comfortable playing bingo from home on the internet, as they do not have to dress up to go out. They can even play in their dressing gown and slippers if they wish.