How to play bingo

Bingo is simple: a caller draws numbered balls at random, and players mark those numbers on their cards. The first player to complete the pattern shouts "Bingo!" and wins. There are two main versions.

75-ball bingo (US)

• Cards are 5×5 grids with B-I-N-G-O across the top and a FREE space in the centre.
• B has 1–15, I has 16–30, N has 31–45, G has 46–60 and O has 61–75.
• The caller says the letter and number, like "G 52".
• Patterns include a single line, four corners, an X, a picture frame or a blackout (the whole card).

90-ball bingo (UK)

• Tickets have 3 rows and 9 columns. Each row has 5 numbers, 15 in total.
• Column one has 1–9, column two 10–19, and so on to 80–90.
• Games are played for one line, then two lines, then a full house.
• Callers often use traditional call names like "Legs eleven".

Claiming a win

As soon as your card matches the pattern, call out "Bingo!" before the next number is drawn. The caller checks your numbers against the called balls. If someone else completes the pattern on the same ball, the prize is usually shared. A false claim just means the game carries on.

Playing online with Play Bingo Caller

1. The host opens Host a game on a laptop or TV and picks the settings.
2. Players scan the QR code or type the code on the home page on their phones.
3. The host presses Call (or turns on auto-call). Numbers are read out loud and appear on everyone's screen.
4. Cards mark themselves (unless the host turns that off). Players tap BINGO when they have the pattern.
5. The game checks the claim instantly and shows the winning card on the big screen.

Ideas for bingo night

• Classrooms: use 75-ball with a single line for short, quick rounds.
• Care homes: slow the auto-call to 15–20 seconds and use the big fullscreen board.
• Fundraisers: play several patterns in a row with a bigger prize for the blackout or full house.
• Remote parties: share your screen on a video call and let everyone join on their phones.