How to Play Bingo: A Beginner's Guide to UK 90-Ball & US 75-Ball Rules
Bingo is one of the world's most popular games because it is incredibly easy to learn and fun for all ages. Whether you are hosting a charity fundraiser, a school activity, or a family game night, this guide covers everything you need to know about how to play bingo step by step.
While we focus on traditional UK bingo rules (the 90-ball version found in British bingo halls), we also explain the American 75-ball bingo format to ensure players from the USA can join the fun.
What Equipment Do You Need to Play Bingo?
To host a successful game, you only need a few basic items. If you are playing at home, you can use our free printable bingo tickets to get started instantly.
- Bingo Tickets or Cards: Available in 90-ball (UK) or 75-ball (US) formats.
- A Bingo Caller: A designated person (or a digital random number generator) to announce the numbers.
- Number Drawing System: This can be a traditional bingo machine, numbered balls in a bag, or an online tool.
- Markers: Bingo dabbers (also known as daubers), pens, or counters to mark off numbers as they are called.
How to Play Bingo: Step-by-Step Instructions
- Distribute Tickets: Each player receives one or more bingo cards.
- The Call: The caller draws a number and announces it clearly (e.g., "Legs eleven, number 11").
- Mark the Card: Players check their tickets. If they have the number, they dab it or mark it off.
- Continue the Game: The caller continues to draw numbers one by one.
- Shout "Bingo!": The first person to complete the required winning pattern must shout "Bingo!" or "House!" immediately to stop the game.
- Verification: The caller checks the ticket against the numbers drawn. If correct, the player wins the prize.
UK Bingo Rules: 90-Ball Bingo Guide
In the UK, 90-ball bingo is the gold standard for social clubs and high-street bingo halls. The tickets have a specific 9-column layout containing 15 numbers in total.
- The Layout: 3 rows and 9 columns. Each row contains 5 numbers and 4 empty spaces.
- The Numbers: 1 to 90. Column 1 contains 1–9, Column 2 contains 10–19, and so on.
Standard UK Winning Patterns:
- One Line: Completing all five numbers on any single horizontal row.
- Two Lines: Completing all numbers on any two horizontal rows on the same ticket.
- Full House: Marking off all 15 numbers on the ticket. This is the biggest prize in British bingo.
US Bingo Rules: 75-Ball Bingo Explained
Commonly played in American casinos and churches, the 75-ball version uses a square 5x5 grid. It is faster-paced and offers more variety in how you can win.
- The Card: A 5x5 grid with the word B-I-N-G-O across the top.
- Free Space: The very centre square is "free" and counts as already marked.
- Winning Patterns: Unlike the UK version, you can win with vertical lines, diagonal lines, "Four Corners", or even complex shapes like a "Diamond" or "Postage Stamp".
UK vs US Bingo: At a Glance
| Feature | UK 90-Ball Bingo | US 75-Ball Bingo |
|---|---|---|
| Total Numbers | 1–90 | 1–75 |
| Ticket Grid | 3 rows × 9 columns | 5 rows × 5 columns |
| Winning Shout | “House!” or “Bingo!” | “Bingo!” |
| Best For | Clubs & Fundraisers | Casinos & Community Halls |
Traditional British Bingo Lingo
Part of the charm of the UK game is the bingo calls. These rhyming nicknames make the game more engaging. Here are a few classics:
- 1 – Kelly’s Eye: A reference to Ned Kelly.
- 11 – Legs Eleven: Players often whistle in response to this call!
- 22 – Two Little Ducks: Because the number 22 looks like two ducks swimming.
- 88 – Two Fat Ladies: A visual rhyme for the number 88.
- 90 – Top of the Shop: The highest number possible in the UK game.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest way to play bingo at home?
The easiest way is to use printable bingo cards and a free calling app on your phone. This removes the need for expensive machines or cages.
How many tickets should a beginner play?
We recommend 1 to 2 tickets for beginners. While experienced players in bingo halls might play 6 or more at once, starting small ensures you don't miss any numbers!
Can I use bingo for educational purposes?
Yes! Bingo is a fantastic tool for UK primary schools to help children with number recognition, listening skills, and basic maths.
Download Your Free Bingo Tickets
Ready to put these rules into practice? Check out our range of free A4 printable bingo tickets. They are designed specifically for home printing, ensuring you have everything you need for your next event!
