EYES down, dabbers in hand… full house! We all dream of shouting BINGO – but are there ways to boost your chances?
Three bingo experts reveal their top ten tips to improve your odds of winning, which can help you walk away with up to £100,000.
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They explain the best day to play, how to find offers and even where to sit to increase your odds of bagging the jackpot.
More than three million people play bingo at least twice a week in the UK, according to the National Bingo Game Association.
But despite the small chance of walking away with the top prize, there are nifty tips and tricks that can improve your chances.
Make sure you gamble responsibly and only play with money you can afford to lose.
Set a limit for how much money you are prepared to spend before you start playing.
If you need advice, visit gamcare.org.uk or GambleAware.org.
Eyes on the prize
The exact size of the jackpot depends on where you’re playing and what’s on offer.
There are 250 clubs across Britain, so you’ll likely have a venue near you.
The Bingo Association website bingo-association.co.uk has a venue finder where you can find your nearest.
But if you want the chance to win top prizes, you’ll need to take part in bigger, nationally-played games.
These games can offer you the chance to win jackpots worth up to £50,000.
Some even offer monthly draws of up to £100,000 a month.
Buzz Bingo players win over £2million a week in 80 bingo venues around the country.
Meanwhile, any operator that is a member of the Bingo Game Association puts money into a shared pot, so that if a player calls bingo after 16 balls or fewer, they win a £50,000 jackpot.
This usually happens at least once a week.
Know these rules of the game
BINGO first appeared in the UK in the 1960s, and was an instant hit.
For this reason, it’s often associated with older generations.
But it also has an appeal for young people with events such as bingo raves becoming more popular.
To play bingo you buy a card featuring lines of numbers from one to 90.
Each ticket on a card holds its own set of numbers, with each set of ten numbers in a different column, starting with tens on the far left, then twenties, thirties and so on.
A caller will then read out numbers randomly picked out.
When you have a number called you can mark it off your card.
Every player has a different card but the first person to have 15 numbers crossed off shouts ‘bingo’ and is the winner for that game.
You can also shout ‘house’ or ‘yes’ or whatever else you want when you have a full house – there is no right or wrong thing.
But you must shout on the number that is called or they’ll move on and you’ll miss your chance.
Callers are known for having cheeky phrases to go with the different numbers.
For example, they may call knock at the door for number four or top of the shop for 90.
It’s similar when you play online but you’ll get randomly generated digital cards.
If you’re playing electronically, you’ll just need to hit the claim button rather than shouting out.
Are Mondays magic?
When there are fewer players, your odds of winning a prize increase.
So it makes sense then to try to play when it is quietest. Many people head to play bingo with friends at the weekend.
But if you can gather your pals during the week instead, you may have more luck.
Issy-Mae Hunt, Bingo Caller of the Year, from Buzz Bingo said: “Mondays are our quietest days, so it’s a greater chance of winning.”
Going to a game at the start of the week means you could be more likely to win.
However, every club and every session is different, so it’s worth asking staff when the quietest time to play is.
Play off-peak
During quieter sessions, it can be cheaper to play, which means that you could buy more tickets for the same price and increase your chances of winning.
Miles said: “The cost of tickets change – some sessions offer a bit more value.”
Often, you’ll find cheaper prices during the week. Ask your local hall about offers.
If you play online, you may be able to get free introductory offers.
You could also get extra plays as part of promotions by operators.
Keep an eye on social media or subscribe to mailing lists to be the first to find out about any special offers.
For example, if you’re new to a Mecca club, you can get all your bingo – plus a drink – for £5.
Try somewhere new
Bingo is not just played in clubs.
There is now a record amount played in holiday parks such as Haven, Parkdean Resorts and Park Holidays UK, according to Miles.
Fewer people may play at these smaller venues, which means there is a higher chance of you winning.
Less popular venues may have smaller jackpots, so it is worth thinking about this before you buy a ticket.
And if you’re relying on the British summer weather, it could be a fun rainy afternoon activity.
Win without winning
Jackpots aren’t just for the full house winner – they can also be a treat for everyone.
Keep an eye out for a community jackpot, which is where everyone benefits when someone wins.
These jackpots share the winnings between the full house winner, who triggered the jackpot, and any players with tickets for the winning game.
The split is usually equal among everyone so the money is evenly divided among all players who have at least one ticket.
Sometimes the money may be divided proportionally depending on the number of tickets that each player had for the winning game.
As a result, these jackpots can still be a great way to win, even if your numbers don’t come up.
The amount you’ll get depends on how many players there are on the night.
But if the jackpot was £50,000 and there were 100 players, you would all get £500 each.
Bingo gadget helped me win £50,000 jackpot
Joanne Bell, 44, from Stockton (right), scooped a £50,000 bingo prize at her local hall.
The mum-of-four initially hadn’t realised she had a ‘house’ within the first 16 numbers being called at the Mecca Bingo event.
Even after the room erupted in applause, she still refused to believe that she had nabbed the winnings.
‘‘Everyone around me was saying ‘you’ve won the jackpot, you’ve won the jackpot’,” she recalled.
“I was like ‘No…’ Then I looked down at the screen and realised I had… It was just so surreal!’’
The generous mum decided to share the money with the three relatives who were with her at the event – including her own mum, who will now be able to retire early.
Joanne was also with her sister and niece when the life-changing prize was handed over.
Play the odds
Your odds of winning bingo depend on how many people have bought tickets and the number you have purchased.
When there are fewer players in the game, your odds of winning improve.
So if you want to boost your chances of winning the jackpot then look out for smaller games.
You may find that the prizes are smaller but your chance of winning is better.
Remember, the more tickets in play, the bigger the prize.
Dabbers at the ready
Head into the hall with plenty of time before the game starts.
Mike Sime, head of bingo at Mecca Bingo, said: “Before the game kicks off, take a moment to get to know your bingo ticket and how things are laid out.
“Understanding the layout means you’ll be able to spot your numbers quickly when things get fast-paced.”
He added: “Once the game kicks off, it moves fast.
“Keep your eyes on the prize and your mind in the game, and most importantly, dab your numbers as soon as they are called. Didn’t hear the call? Check the board.”
If you don’t hear or see a number you could miss your chance to win.
That’s why it’s important to choose where you sit in the hall carefully.
It’s a good idea to get as close to the teller as possible so you can make sure you can properly hear them calling the numbers.
Facing forwards mean you might have a better view of what is going on.
Stick to these rules to always play responsibly
You might win when playing bingo but there is a good chance you’ll walk away with nothing.
To make sure the game stays fun, work out how much you’re happy to lose before you start playing.
Find a figure and stick to that limit so you know exactly how much you can pay out in an evening.
To make a little extra bingo fun, Issy-Mae said: “Why not pick a dabber in your favourite colour? My go to is pink as it’s easier to see on the bingo ticket.”
She adds: “Play to enjoy, not to win. that way you always leave bingo happy.
“Chat to the community around you and enjoy what you’re doing.”
Research from Mecca Bingo found that 80% of under-35s are now actively seeking social experiences beyond the usual pub or club, so bingo is the perfect activity to get together and enjoy something a little different.
Mike said: “Bingo has so much to offer beyond the game itself.
“Bring your friends and soak up the lively atmosphere with drinks, food and plenty of laughs.
Issy-Mae said: “Always make sure you’re on time so you can find a good seat.
“Make sure you can hear the caller and see the numbers on the big screens too.
“You might also want to find a ‘favourite’ seat in the hall – get comfortable and if you are new, learn a bit about what you’re doing before the bingo starts.”
You may even find that you have a preferred teller.
This could be because they read the numbers at a certain pace or are easy to understand.
A good teller is entertaining as well as in control of the crowd, said Miles.
Join the club
If you’re new to bingo, try to sit next to someone who has been before so they can help out.
You might even make some new friends.
Miles said: “Existing customers love to help out new customers.
“There is an incredibly friendly, big community feel at venues.”
Bingo is something that can be played no matter your age and is a great way to have fun as a family, he adds.
Miles adds: “It’s a safe space for women to go who make up 70 per cent of the customer base.”
The largest growing customer base is people between the ages 35-45, according to the Bingo Association.
Don’t worry too much if don’t pick everything up at first.
And if there’s something you don’t understand, don’t be afraid to ask.
Miles said: “People will go out of their way to help you.”
Staff are from the local community and can give you pointers when you need them.
Do you know all the bingo lingo?
BINGO tellers are well known for their special phrases for different numbers. But it can be a bit confusing if you’re new to the game.
Here are some of the phrases to know about, according to Gala Bingo…
- One little duck: Refers to the number 2
- Knock at the door: Represents the number 4
- Man alive: Represents the number 5
- Lucky seven: Refers to the number 7
- Dancing queen: Represents the number 17
- Two dozen: Refers to the number 24
- Halfway there: Represents the number 45
- Two fat ladies: Represents the number 88
- Two little fleas: Refers to the number 33
- Dirty Gertie: Represents the number 30
Ignore the myths
Contrary to popular belief, there are not numbers that are drawn more than others.
There is an equal chance of each number being called out, including even or odd numbers, and high and low numbers.
Issy-Mae said: “First and foremost, you need to have a lucky spark. Bingo is all down to luck.
“I always say keep positive and go with the mindset that this is a light-hearted experience because at the end of the day bingo is fun.”
Miles adds: “It’s known as the game of equal chance, every ball has the same chance of coming out.”
Top night out for a score
A bingo card typically costs £2 each, but you’ll usually have to buy five cards for £10.
Many halls also offer bundles or packages where the cost of each ticket is less if you buy more overall.
Most people enjoy playing bingo as part of a night out and will buy drinks and maybe food too.
You could expect to pay £20 for ten cards, and then a wine or beer costs around £5, so it can be a relatively affordable night out.
Miles Baron, chief executive of the Bingo Association, said: “You could expect a great night out for £20, or at the weekend it might be a bit more.”
To keep costs down, you may be able to bring your own food.
Ask your local hall what you can bring and if there are any restrictions.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.
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