Bingo (British version)

Bingo is a game of probability played by marking numbers on cards.

Players aim to be the first to match a specific pattern of numbers. A caller draws numbers randomly to facilitate the game. This process can involve a mechanical draw machine or an electronic random number generator (RNG). The game is often called Housey-Housey in certain traditions. In Quebec, it is known as Kinzo, while in India, it is called Tambola. The British version is specifically referred to as 90-ball bingo. This distinguishes it from the 75-ball bingo style used in the United States.

A standard British bingo ticket features a 9x3 grid.

This layout contains 27 total spaces arranged in nine columns and three rows. Each row includes five numbers and four blank spaces. The columns follow a specific numerical order to organize the 90 possible numbers. The first column contains numbers from 1 to 9 or 10. The second column holds numbers from 10 to 19 or 11 to 20. This pattern continues until the final column, which contains numbers from 80 or 81 up to 90. Players often purchase a strip of six tickets. This ensures that every number from 1 to 90 appears across the set. Buying a full strip guarantees a player marks a number every time one is called.

Gameplay begins when the caller says "Eyes down" to signal the start.

The caller announces numbers, sometimes using special phrasing. In independent clubs, numbers ending in zero might be called "blind" numbers. For example, thirty might be called "three-o blind 30." Players use a special marker called a "dabber" or "dauber" to mark their numbers. Some players prefer using a pen or pencil. To win, a player must shout to attract the caller's attention. Common shouts include "Bingo," "Yes," "Line," or "House." The last number called must be part of the winning sequence. If a player fails to stop the game before the next number is called, their claim may be invalidated.

There are several distinct ways to achieve a winning combination. A "Line" occurs when a player covers a horizontal row of five numbers. "Two Lines" refers to covering any two rows on a single ticket. The "Four Corners" pattern requires marking the leftmost and rightmost numbers on the top and bottom lines. The most significant prize is for a "Full House," which requires marking all fifteen numbers on the ticket. In New Zealand, players sometimes compete for "Super Housie," which involves claiming three lines. In the UK's National Bingo Game, only the Full House is played. The record payout for this national game exceeded £1,100,000.

The history of the game traces back to 16th-century Italy. It originated from a lottery known as Il Gioco del Lotto d'Italia around 1530. The game spread to France, where the aristocracy played it as "Le Lotto." It eventually migrated to Great Britain and other parts of Europe during the 18th century. In the 19th century, a similar game called Tombola was used in Germany. It served as an educational tool to teach children multiplication, spelling, and history. The modern name "Bingo" likely came from 1920s carnival slang. Hugh J. Ward is often credited with popularizing the name for marketing. In 1942, Edwin S. Lowe received a patent for the modern bingo card design.

Significant legal changes transformed the industry in the United Kingdom. The Betting and Gaming Act 1960 was passed, and it took effect on 1 January 1961. This law legalized large cash prizes, which led to a boom in bingo halls. Eric Morley led the Mecca Leisure Group to introduce bingo into 60 dancehalls. The Circuit Management Association also operated large-scale bingo at venues like the Blackpool Odeon. However, the industry faced a decline after 2005 due to high taxes and smoking bans. The number of bingo clubs in Britain fell from nearly 600 in 2005 to under 400 by 2014. Many traditional halls have closed as online gambling has risen.

Modern clubs now frequently offer electronic bingo to enhance the experience.

Players can use electronic terminals to purchase larger "bingo packages." These machines automatically mark numbers and organize tickets on a screen. This allows players to manage more tickets than paper would permit. Mechanised cash bingo is a specific electronic variant using a 4x4 grid. These boards use colors to help players differentiate between similar numbers. For instance, 17 is labeled as "red 17" and 70 as "white 70." This system allows the automated voice to call numbers quickly, often every 1.5 seconds. This technology has changed bingo from a purely manual pastime into a high-speed digital activity.