How to Win at Bingo: Top 10 Bingo Tips from a Pro Player

Alex Hoffmann
Written byAlex Hoffmann
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Alex Hoffmann

Senior Content Writer
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●  Over 8 years of combined hands-on experience in the online gambling industry as an editor, providing insightful casino reviews, comprehensive guides, and thought-provoking editorials; 

●  Nearly 4 years of experience in presenting the latest trends and innovations in the world of gaming on YouTube;

●  BA in English and German Language with MA in Bulgarian Language and Literature, from the University of Belgrade, resulting in a diverse set of language skills and cultural understanding.

Vlad Mihalache
Editorial review byVlad Mihalache
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Vlad Mihalache

Online Gambling and Slots Specialist
  • Linkedin icon
  • Facebook icon
  • Email icon
  • Accomplished content strategist and editor with over 6 years of experience in the iGaming industry;
  • Specializes in blackjack strategies, slots, and gambling addiction;
  • Online gambling expert with 2500+ articles written and reviewed;
  • Strong advocate for responsible gambling with comprehensive knowledge of gambling trends and addiction.
Intermediate
   
icon-thumb-up100%icon-clock-grey20 min
icon-calendarUpdated on Dec 5, 2023

There is no quick answer on how to win at bingo, but you can start by calculating the odds or using tips and strategies.

After all, it is a game of pure chance.

In this short but comprehensive guide to mastering the game of bingo, I will share with you some tricks for beginners and some strategies for advanced players. 

Using these tips smartly and at the right time could give you a solid edge over other contestants.

Before we go back to the big question and determine whether it’s possible to influence the game’s outcome, here’s a quick recap of the entire guide:

Let’s get started!

How to Win at Bingo Every Time? Is it Possible?

how to win at bingo every time

Believe it or not, there is more than one way to answer this question.

As you know, bingo is a game of chance, meaning luck determines the outcome entirely. Yet, there is a common belief among players that certain rituals, tips, and strategies can help you stack the odds in your favor and even win.

At least more often than the other participants.

The hard truth is this: there is but one winner in a game of bingo, and it’s called RNG, whether it’s with 75 or 90 balls. Online or offline.

On top of that, things get pretty complicated if there are more players in the room or a hall, as they lower your chances of having the winning bingo ticket.

Fun fact

Did you know that the probability of winning a Full House in a 90-ball bingo game (UK version) is 1 to 45,795,673,964,460,816?

That’s quite a number to handle, and it doesn’t have anything to do with somebody’s proficiency level. Trust me. You don’t even want to know the odds of getting a line, two lines and a full house all at once. It’s mind-boggling, to say the least.

The bottom line is that, YES, bingo is entirely based on luck.

Every experienced player knows it. To become more proficient at winning, you will need lady luck by your side almost all the time, but don’t let that discourage you; there are specific skills to practice and develop over time that could help you become a lot better at playing bingo.

Thanks to our Bingo Academy, you might find out by the end of this tutorial that B-I-N-G-O is not just about luck. Like any other game of chance, it, too, requires a mixture of honed experience and advanced strategies, and I’m not talking about stuff like ‘buying more cards’ or ‘picking the right seat’.

Have you ever heard of Granville and Tippett?

Apparently, their statistics are the pillars of probability in bingo, but they also require a lot of understanding and studying before giving any accurate results.

Let’s discuss this game of chance and see some genuinely results-driven guidelines.

10 Smart Tips and Strategies for Winning at Bingo

pro bingo tips

There are 10 general rules for how to win at bingo, but you can continually expand on the subject as you progress and gain more experience. Of course, some tips can be applied to online and offline bingo; the trick is knowing the difference and when to use them.

If you’re new to bingo, start with the basics first.

Make sure you:

  • buy more cards to increase the odds of winning; 
  • pick a room or a hall with fewer people; 
  • get familiar with the rules.

Likewise, learn some unique patterns, stay alert at all times, and, if possible, choose tickets with a broader range of numbers.

Most importantly, play free bingo online as much as you can.

Practice makes perfect, and it also allows you to develop a personal tactic for better performance.

Once you’ve learned the ropes and feel ready to jump on to the next level, try to memorize the following tips and strategies:

1.  Set a Budget

Bingo is quite fun, and you can quickly get into a trap of spending more than you can handle.

To make your budget last longer and practice responsibility, determine a daily, weekly, and monthly amount you can afford.

The least you can spend on bingo is within the $10 range, so stick to that value until you’ve harvested some experience.

Once you’re ready to maximize the winning odds, go for $20 or $30 but don’t cross that threshold to avoid overspending.

Be aware

Online bingo tickets are usually relatively cheap.

Depending on the site (or hall), they vary from as low as 1p to 10p per card and more, up to $2 or so for a single game.

Of course, some bingo operators offer free tickets to their regular members, but these lobbies typically have lower prize draws.

2. Buy More Cards per Game

While novice players may find it exhausting to scan several bingo tickets at once, this is the oldest trick in the book for increasing one’s chances of winning.

The logic here is simple: the more cards, the more winning combinations. Statistics have shown that if a number doesn’t appear on one card, it almost certainly will on the next. 

As easy as it may sound, this is usually the fastest answer on how to win at bingo halls, but you better play smart and never take it for granted.

Key takeaway

Speed is key when using this bingo strategy, so work on your motor skills before trying to monitor all cards simultaneously.

3. Stay Away from Side Bets

Although it may seem tempting to go with the flow and try your luck with progressive bets, don’t fall for it. 

At least not often. 

Jackpots are great for entertainment, but in the long run, your chances of winning one are far less than in any regular game.

Instead of trying to cross off all the numbers on your ticket every time, you better go with the safer option and enjoy your game.

Success comes in small steps.

4. Avoid Rush Hours

If you’re familiar with the idiom “Three's a Crowd”, stick to it when playing bingo.

Before joining a room or choosing a hall, note that the best time to engage in bingo is when there are not too many players.

Enjoying a game of bingo with many experienced and possibly like-minded people has a lot of social benefits. However, finding fewer players in a room means the game will go on for quite a while before anyone wins.

This is good in terms of odds.

Nonetheless, there is a minor setback in this scenario, which refers to the number of cards. It will probably be a long session if your opponents have 20-30 tickets or more.

5. Focus on Tickets with 4 and 6

bingo ticket 4 and 6

If you want to know how to win at bingo every time, go for the tickets with numbers 4 and 6.

At least, that’s what the data gathered from thousands of draws has shown so far. It may sound like a cheap marketing trick, but most online casinos and bingo halls came out with the same statistic for 2021.

Guess what?

These numbers are still at the top; only now we know that other commonly drawn figures are also 42, 47, 51, 57, 62, 64, 72, and 81.

By choosing tickets with 4 and 6, you are going for the numbers that are called more frequently than average.

While these findings may seem promising, it is difficult to determine their exact pattern or probability, and the numbers could change at any time too.

Give them a chance but do not overuse them; although they might be a good start or part of a combination to bet on, make sure you track the previous ones and don’t ignore the others either.

6. Learn the Patterns

Winning a bingo game also comes down to making the correct pattern. Depending on what type of Bingo you prefer, learning how to recognize and use them to your advantage is essential.

bingo patterns

However, while some games allow multiple patterns that are easy to form and win, others may require a certain amount of experience and skills. On top of that, the prizes won from a pattern usually correspond to the difficulty of achieving it.

Most of the patterns are found in 75-ball bingo games. Nonetheless, some 90-ball bingo games also have specific rules for winning, so go through the details before joining them.

The most popular patterns in 75-ball Bingo are:

  • 1 Line;
  • 2 Lines;
  • Full House; 
  • Four Corners; 
  • Letters;
  • Numbers;
  • Outside Edge;
  • Clock.

Remember  

The odds of forming a pattern depend on the type of Bingo you're playing and the number of spaces on your ticket. 

If you want to learn more about forming patterns in Bingo, visit our Academy after reading and expand your knowledge further.

7. Ask for Advice

Another key bingo strategy you may want to use now and then is joining communities. It may not sound like a lot, but playing online brings many benefits. Many operators keep their players entertained by running chat rooms, these are full of people with years of experience.

By joining one or more of these communities, you will have quicker access to great tips, tricks, secrets, and advice on how to win at online Bingo, as well as discussions about strategies that may increase your chances of winning. 

Some even run raffles and competitions with special prizes aside from the main game.

Don't be afraid to start a conversation or open up a new topic; most players are pretty knowledgeable about playing and winning, making their insights a valuable resource for improving your game quickly.

8. Find a Good Bonus

It is often said that a good strategist will often take advantage of bingo bonuses rather than jackpots.

These are usually given to players on sign-up, within the loyalty program, or as complimentary tickets.

Pro tip

By claiming a bonus, you can significantly increase your bankroll, play for a more extended period, practice, acquire experience, and get ready for the real thing.

9. Count the Numbers

Becoming a more serious bingo player will require understanding mathematical probability.

According to the theory of predictability, if you can find out how many players are actively participating in a game of Bingo and divide that by how many cards you think each player has, you could get closer to calculating your odds.

For example

If we say that each player buys an average of 5 tickets and there are 100 players in the room or hall, your bingo odds are 5/100 or 5%.

While you can use this equation in numerous situations, you must also consider the number of balls per game. Likewise, once you've gathered some experience, you should be able to notice an even distribution of odd and even numbers.

The same goes for high and low, so the longer you stay in the game, the likelihood of your numbers being called should significantly increase.

10. Stay in the Know

This may sound obvious to some, but occasional reading and learning about Bingo can be beneficial in the long run.

Not only will you discover new strategies along the way, develop advanced skills, become aware of common mistakes from other players, or possess a more robust understanding of the logic of winning, but you will also increase the success rate of your sessions.

To help you memorize other great tips for winning in Bingo based on the type you prefer to play, check out the following table:

Online Bingo Offline Bingo
Buy more tickets Choose a good seat
Choose off-peak times to play Learn the lingo
Avoid progressive bingo Stick to your budget
Ask for advice in chat rooms Purchase more tickets per game
Get free tickets to practice Learn from experienced players
Make use of sign-up bonuses Memorize patterns
Select reliable sites Stay focused

Bingo Hall vs. Online Bingo: Which One Is Better?

bringo hall vs online bingo

The act of playing Bingo is considered by many players a social activity. 

It's easy to play, exciting and stimulating for the brain, with lots of opportunities to connect with other people that share your interests.

To answer whether online Bingo differs from playing at halls, we must consider several aspects, such as:

  • accessibility;
  • flexibility;
  • overall cost; 
  • maximum winning potential; 
  • availability; 
  • perks like bonuses or special offers.

Accessibility

We can easily say that online Bingo wins regarding accessibility. There are hundreds of sites with 75- and 90-ball bingo on the internet, most of them powered by Dragonfish, Nektan, or Jumpman Gaming, among others.

Most of these sites are available to players in regulated gaming jurisdictions, such as the UK, Europe, and North America, meaning anyone can join with just a few clicks.

On the other hand, joining a bingo hall is limited to a handful of players (usually up to a hundred or more) who live nearby or prefer social bonding once a week or a month.

This form of Bingo is still prevalent in the UK and the US, but it's becoming more and more evident that players are migrating from brick-and-mortar locations to online sites.

Flexibility

Almost every online bingo site you can find today has been designed and optimized to resemble real bingo halls.

They come in various themes with customized rooms suited to any taste or preference.

One day you're playing on a ladies-only site; tomorrow, you're on a deluxe platform full of glitz, glamor, and celebrities, while the next day, you're enjoying a 90-ball game in the style of a 70's disco.

The variety is enormous.

Most of these sites even feature user-specific rooms designed based on pop culture, music era, mystery jackpots, days of the week, TV specials, popular slots, cinema, etc.

On top of that, each room comes with a specific range of prices per ticket, number of players, total prizes, chat rules, and so on. You can find a more interesting, challenging, and twice as exciting selection of bingo games and rooms online than you could ever do in a land-based hall.

When you enter a bingo hall, you're forced to play whatever is on the schedule.

Sometimes, they are open only during business hours or twice per week.

Overall Cost

Online Bingo can be much cheaper than its land-based counterpart and has lower costs. Not only do sites offer free tickets to win real money, but the cards can even have a symbolic price of 1p or more per unit.

In comparison, bingo halls may not allow you to get cards at different prices.

Usually, the average cost for a couple of sessions at smaller venues ranges between $50 to $300.

At larger bingo halls, prizes can go up to $1,000 or more. Also, there are transportation costs and additional expenses for food, drinks, etc.

Of course, when it comes to cashing out, you get what you pay for, so don't expect miracles; Bingo is primarily a social gambling activity, not a means to get rich overnight.

Maximum Winning Potential

Winning astonishing prizes at bingo halls across the US and UK isn't new, but the volume of online players is reaching heights daily.

The highest reported bingo jackpot ever was a staggering £5.9 million, but you can rarely find an event of that magnitude at your local bingo hall. Nowadays, many sites offer rooms with big jackpots to attract more players, which you can join daily, weekly, or monthly!

Be aware

These pots are usually capped at $1 million, while the best thing is that you can opt-in for a small fee on as many sites as you like and increase your chances of winning.

Availability 

This one is easy. There is simply no limit to online Bingo. You can play anytime on a computer or mobile device from the comfort of your home. No schedules whatsoever.

You can choose your favorite site, join rooms when the crowds are down, play at night or super early in the morning – everything goes.

Even if you need a break from work, you can join a quick game over lunch hour, for example.

There's always an open lobby on any bingo site.

In the super-fast reality we live in today, playing Bingo on sites allows better time management and also opens up a world of opportunities you can rarely experience at a land-based hall.

Bingo Bonuses 

A sign-up bingo bonus could be the answer for those who don't want to invest a lot, but would like to play longer and win more money.

This is probably one of the best benefits of joining an online bingo site.

Remember

Many operators will match your initial deposit up to a certain amount, but you can also get other incentives and perks like free spins, free tickets, and more.

For example

Let's say you deposit $20 after signing up. You can get $20 more and play Bingo longer by claiming the welcome offer.

However, remember that many of these promotions carry a wagering requirement and are subject to other terms, so always read the rules, and think carefully before taking action.

Are There Any Advanced Bingo Strategies?

If you want to reach your next-level Bingo after learning some essential bingo tips and strategies, you might want to try your luck with a betting system.

There are 2 widely used advanced strategies for Bingo:

One is based on a system invented by a British statistician Leonard Tippett, called "The Tippett Theory".

At the same time, the second one is named after a stock market predictor, Joseph Granville, or "The Granville Strategy".

They are both based on a complex theory about randomness, but you can use each for math calculations in Bingo.

Please note

Although no statistical evidence supports these hypotheses, we can still use some tricks and at least learn more about patterns in specific draws or bingo odds in the long run.

The Tippett Theory

Although less widely used, this strategy suggests that the longer a game of 75-ball Bingo is played, the more probable the bingo balls will "gravitate" towards the median number of 38 or 45 (provided you're playing the version with 90 balls). If it's shorter, the numbers will likely be between 1 and 75.

the tippet theory

From this perspective, if you want to stick to this theory when playing short bingo games, choose cards with numbers closer to 1 and 75 or 1 and 90, respectively.

In lengthier sessions, stick to the cards with numbers closer to 38 or 45, comparatively.

The Granville Theory

Thanks to his new investment strategies in the stock market, Joseph E. Granville used a series of calculations in Bingo, helping him spot specific patterns in many draws.

According to the mathematical analyst, it turns out that the probability of any ball being drawn is 1 in 75 (referring to the 75-ball Bingo only).

Next, he noticed that the numbers ending in 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 have the same chance of being drawn.

The same goes for high and low numbers and even and odd integers.

granville bingo theory

So, even though both these strategies are considered to increase the odds of winning, they cannot predict what numbers will be called at any specific moment.

Perhaps they can get us closer to predicting what numbers will appear by the end of the game, but that's it – ultimately, the outcome is determined entirely by luck.

The Difference Between 75-Ball and 90-Ball Bingo

The two most popular bingo variants worldwide are the ones with 75 and 90 balls. Their main difference is in the number of possible patterns a player can make.

While they both follow the same fundamental principles, there are specific differences in learning before playing.

In the US, you will find that the 75-ball version is enjoyed by folks in every state, while the 90-ball Bingo is primarily played in the UK, Europe, Australia, and parts of Asia.

The American version is played on a 5×5 ticket featuring numbers from 1 to 75.

The center is usually marked as a free spot, meaning that there are only 24 numbers in play. On top of that, each one of the five columns is marked with a letter that together spell out the word BINGO.

bingo 75 ball

Although small, 75-ball Bingo offers many potential winning patterns and is played much faster than its alternative.

There are 3 ways to win:

  • You either become the first player to complete one line diagonally, vertically or horizontally
  • You win the full house or mark off an entire ticket OR
  • You mark off the predetermined winning pattern first, which is declared by the host before the start of the game

The British version is played on a 9×3 ticket where each row comprises five numbers and four blanks.

The pace is slower because there are only three winning patterns, one line, two lines, and full house.

90 ball bingo online

In addition, in this version, a player can buy a single ticket or more with all numbers from 1-90, which leads to greater chances of winning.

Expert Advice: Prepare for the Game

expert advice for bingo

This doesn't mean getting well dressed, being there on time, or sharpening your focus, but quite the opposite.

Here's a quick summary of what I consider the best advice for winning at bingo: 

  • Start by setting up a budget, so you don't run out of money too soon and mess up the whole bingo experience.
  • Join rooms with smaller games to practice. The game will last longer, and you will increase your chances of winning. Although the prize may not be significant, the idea is to slowly work your way up.
  • Get more cards per game with a different range of numbers, as this, too, increases your probability of winning. Keep it simple, however, as overwhelming your motor skills can make you miss a number and lose.
  • Try different sites and rooms to find the best possible bonus codes, price range, free tickets, comp points, exciting content, and loyalty perks. Hundreds of bingo sites are available today; each adapted to a particular audience, region, interests, sports, hobbies, and other engaging ideas to get you going.
  • Learn popular winning patterns to always know where to look on your ticket and become a master. This will also allow you to focus on other cards faster and avoid confusion.
  • Consider a probability theory, as many people claim they can get you closer to guessing what numbers will be distributed in a game. You can try the Tippett theory and go for the numbers around the median integer if the game lasts longer or choose values closer to the edges if it's shorter.

The Granville strategy says that numbers are distributed evenly, so making a pick between 0 and 9, even and odd numbers or high and low numbers should do the trick at some point.

Closing Thoughts

Now that you've acquired some valuable knowledge on how to win at Bingo by using tricks, strategies and advice for all skill levels, the best way to proceed would be to put it to good use.

Bingo is played online from Monday to Sunday, with ticket sales starting from as low as 2p per piece.

There might not be a sure way to get to grips with bingo probability but you can at least increase your odds with our clever tips.

The same goes for land-based Bingo. You just need to familiarize yourself with the etiquette and rules, making the entire social activity a fun experience.

Always remember that the most fundamental thing for every bingo player is to have fun.

Play in a happy mood to attract good luck or a winning streak, and don't get disappointed if the success isn't there at once.

Take small steps, and you will master the game of Bingo before you realize it.

Frequently Asked Questions on How to Win at Bingo

What is the key to winning at Bingo?
While buying more cards and learning the ropes can take you a long way in any version of Bingo, the secret of winning is to adopt as many tips, strategies, advice, and guidance as possible.
Is there a way to predict bingo numbers?
There is little you can do to calculate the randomness of bingo numbers. Even the Tippett and Granville strategies can only come close to predicting the outcome, not guessing it.
Can you win a lot of money on Bingo?
Considering the highest win on Bingo was around £7.1 million you could say YES, but not as nearly as jackpots in slots, which hold the record at $23.6 million.
What are the luckiest numbers in Bingo?
According to data from thousands of draws in 2021, the luckiest numbers in Bingo are 4 and 6.
Which Bingo is better, online or offline?

Ultimately, it all comes down to your preferences, temperament, the need for social interaction, and the goal of playing.

Online Bingo is more convenient as it only requires an internet connection and some sort of a computer while playing at bingo halls is more proactive and focused on social bonding rather than winning.

How old do you have to be to play bingo?

The age requirement to play bingo can vary depending on the location and jurisdiction. In most places, the minimum age to play bingo is 18 years old.

However, in some jurisdictions, such as certain states in the United States, the minimum age may be 21 years old. It's important to check the local laws and regulations to determine the minimum age to play bingo in your area.

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Alex Hoffmann

Alex Hoffmann

Senior Content Writer

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About Alex Hoffmann

●  Over 8 years of combined hands-on experience in the online gambling industry as an editor, providing insightful casino reviews, comprehensive guides, and thought-provoking editorials; 

●  Nearly 4 years of experience in presenting the latest trends and innovations in the world of gaming on YouTube;

●  BA in English and German Language with MA in Bulgarian Language and Literature, from the University of Belgrade, resulting in a diverse set of language skills and cultural understanding.

Read Full Bio
Vlad Mihalache

Vlad Mihalache

Online Gambling and Slots Specialist

  • linkedin
  • facebook
  • email

About Vlad Mihalache

  • Accomplished content strategist and editor with over 6 years of experience in the iGaming industry;
  • Specializes in blackjack strategies, slots, and gambling addiction;
  • Online gambling expert with 2500+ articles written and reviewed;
  • Strong advocate for responsible gambling with comprehensive knowledge of gambling trends and addiction.
Read Full Bio
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