Guide to Mobile Bingo: Play & Win Online
Bingo is one of the mainstay online casino games available on any serious casino site or app. The game is amazingly straightforward to play with a player-friendly house edge of less than 2%.
But, let's be honest, bingo isn't usually top of mind for younger Kiwi punters compared to the flashing lights of video slots. In fact, the game often gets labelled as a 'darling' of older generations. So, why is that? And are things starting to change? Here's the lowdown!
A Quick Skim Through Bingo's History
Bingo is a game of chance played on a card where players mark off numbers as a caller draws them randomly. In this game of luck, the winner is usually the first to complete a set pattern or all their numbers.
The origins of bingo can be traced back to 16th-century Italy, around 1530. It eventually made its way across Europe, gaining traction in countries like the UK and France by the 18th century.
In Great Britain, it became hugely popular, so much so that it influenced the Betting and Gambling Act in 1960. This led to the rise of dedicated bingo halls, with big names like Mecca Bingo and The Rank Organisation even offering substantial cash prizes.
These traditional halls soon became synonymous with older crowds, often filled with seniors hoping to snag the jackpot.
However, this stereotype is changing quickly after the launch of the first online bingo site in 1996. Nowadays, you can find bingo games at any online casino.
How to Play Bingo Online
Playing bingo involves marking off numbers on a ticket. A standard bingo ticket has nine columns and three rows, totaling 27 spaces. Each row has four blank spaces and five numbers. The arrangement of numbers in each column depends on the bingo company. Still, there can be a maximum of three numbers in each column.
To play bingo, purchase a ticket and wait for the first number to be called. If the number is on your ticket, mark it off. The first person to mark off enough numbers wins the prize. As the caller continues announcing the numbers, players can mark off more lines. The ultimate goal is to mark off all the numbers on your ticket and achieve a "full house."
Below are the different bingo winning combinations:
- Line – marking ticket numbers covering a horizontal line.
- Two lines – marking numbers on two ticket lines.
- Four corners – marking the rightmost and leftmost digits at the top and bottom lines.
- Full house – marking off all fifteen ticket numbers.
Different Types of Online Bingo Promotions and Bonuses
Online bingo sites are known for their exciting promotions and bonuses, designed to attract new players and reward existing ones. Here are some common types of promotions and bonuses you can expect to find:
- Welcome Bonuses: These are offered to new players who sign up and make their first deposit. Welcome bonuses can include bonus funds, free bingo tickets, or a combination of both.
- No Deposit Bonuses: Some sites offer no-deposit bonuses, which allow you to play bingo for real money without having to make a deposit. These bonuses are a great way to try out a site and its games before committing your funds.
- Deposit Bonuses: Deposit bonuses are awarded when you deposit into your online bingo account. These bonuses can be in the form of bonus funds or free bingo tickets, giving you extra chances to win.
- Free Bingo Games: Many online bingo sites offer free bingo games with real cash prizes. These games are a fantastic way to enjoy the thrill of bingo without risking any of your own money.
- Jackpot Games: Jackpot games feature larger cash prizes than regular bingo games. Some sites offer progressive jackpots that continue to grow until they are won, providing the potential for life-changing wins.
- Loyalty Programs: Loyalty programs reward players for their continued support and play. These programs often include perks such as exclusive bonuses, cashback offers, and access to special promotions.
By taking advantage of these promotions and bonuses, you can maximize your chances of winning while enjoying the excitement of online bingo.
Fun and Interactive Features of Online Bingo Games
Online bingo games are not only thrilling, but they also come with a range of fun and interactive features that enhance your gaming experience. Here are some features you can expect to find:
- Auto-Daub: Auto-daub automatically marks off the numbers on your bingo cards as they are called, ensuring that you never miss a number. This feature allows you to play multiple cards simultaneously without the fear of missing a winning combination.
- Chat Rooms: Chat rooms provide an interactive and social element to online bingo. You can chat with other players, participate in chat games, and even win extra prizes.
- Mini Games: Many online bingo sites offer a variety of mini-games that you can play alongside your bingo game. These can include slots, scratch cards, or table games, adding an extra layer of excitement to your gaming experience.
- Bingo Variations: Online bingo sites often offer unique variations of the game, such as themed bingo rooms or special jackpot games. These variations add variety and keep the gameplay fresh and exciting.
By exploring these fun and interactive features, you can make your online bingo experience even more enjoyable and engaging.
Bingo Alternatives to Play
Still trying to convince you about playing bingo online? Try your luck in one of these table games instead:
- Blackjack: Blackjack is a classic card game where gamers face the dealer in a duel to get the highest-value hand. But as they do that, they do not need to go over 21 or bust. Blackjack is arguably the most loved casino game by experienced punters due to its low house edge.
- Baccarat: Like bingo, baccarat is another casino game with a wrong stereotype. Usually, players shy away from this game, thinking of those with deep pockets (of course, thanks to movies). But on the contrary, baccarat is one of the most affordable and most straightforward games of chance to play.
- Poker: Similar to blackjack, poker is a game of skill. But in this case, players and the dealer are dealt five cards (three sometimes). The good thing about this table game is that online players can find multiple variations, each with different house edges. For instance, Jack or Better offers up to 0.46% with an optimal strategy, whereas Caribbean Stud maxes out at more than 5%.
Conclusion
Overall, bingo is one of the most lucrative and simplest casino games to play online. With a house edge of below 2%, the game competes with most poker variations in profitability. But if you don’t want to play bingo online, there are plenty of options to select from.
FAQ
What is Mobile Bingo and How Do You Play It in New Zealand?
Mobile bingo is the digital version of classic bingo, optimised for smartphones and tablets. To get started, you purchase a ticket displaying a grid of numbers. As numbers are randomly selected, you mark them off on your ticket. The aim is to complete a specific pattern (like a line or a full house) before anyone else.
Are Online Bingo Games Only for Older Players?
No, online bingo isn't just for older players. While traditionally popular with seniors, online bingo has broadened its appeal. Players of all ages now enjoy the game online, thanks to its simplicity and the social features of online platforms.
What Types of Bonuses Can I Find at Online Bingo Sites in New Zealand?
Online bingo sites offer a range of bonuses to entice players. These include welcome bonuses for new players, no-deposit bonuses allowing play without an initial deposit, deposit bonuses matching a percentage of your deposit, free bingo games, jackpot games with large prizes, and loyalty programs rewarding regular play.
Can I Play Other Games on Bingo Sites?
Yes, many online bingo sites also offer a variety of mini-games. These often include pokies (slot machines), scratch cards, and even classic table games like blackjack and baccarat. These games offer extra entertainment and can be enjoyed alongside your bingo.
What are Some Alternatives to Bingo at Mobile Casinos?
If you're looking for alternatives to bingo, mobile casinos offer a variety of games like Blackjack, Baccarat, and Poker. Each game has different rules and strategies but is equally engaging and offers the potential for winnings.
How Do I Know if an Online Bingo Game is Fair in New Zealand?
Reputable online bingo sites use Random Number Generators (RNGs) to ensure that the numbers drawn are completely random and fair. Always choose a bingo site that is licensed and regulated by a recognized authority, such as the Malta Gaming Authority or the UK Gambling Commission, to ensure game fairness and security.
What Makes Mobile Bingo Popular?
Mobile bingo is popular because it's simple and social. You can play from anywhere, join chat rooms to connect with other players, and enjoy various game styles and bonuses.
Is Playing Bingo Online Expensive in New Zealand?
Playing bingo online can be very affordable. Many sites offer games with low-cost tickets, and bonuses like no-deposit offers can allow you to start playing without a big investment. The cost varies depending on the site and the type of game you choose to play. Remember to gamble responsibly.
Can I Win Real Money Playing Online Bingo?
Yes, you can win real money playing online bingo. Just like traditional bingo halls, online bingo games offer various prizes, including cash. The amount you can win varies depending on the game's rules and the number of players.
Are There Strategies to Improve My Chances at Online Bingo?
While bingo is largely a game of chance, buying more tickets can improve your chances of winning, as you have more number combinations covered. However, remember to play within your budget and that more tickets mean a higher investment. Always gamble responsibly.
