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How To Play 90 Ball Bingo | LeoVegas NZ

How to Play 90-Ball Bingo

90-ball bingo is the British version of the timeless game that has captured hearts for centuries. Originating in the UK during the 1960s, 90-ball bingo (also known as British bingo) has become a cherished classic.

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Despite the introduction of various adaptations worldwide, including the popular 75-ball bingo in the US and newer variants like the 80-ball and 40-ball versions, British bingo has maintained its position as the favourite among UK bingo enthusiasts. Now, with the advent of online gaming, this beloved version has transcended geographical boundaries to become a global sensation.

What are the Rules for 90-Ball Bingo?

Here is a step-by-step guide with detailed instructions on how to play 90-ball bingo.

  1. Get Your Bingo Ticket

    The first step to playing 90-ball bingo is purchasing a ticket. Each ticket/card includes a random selection of uniquely arranged numbers to ensure every player has an equal chance of winning.

  2. Familiarise Yourself with the Winning Patterns

    Before the game begins, take some time to learn about the winning patterns. In 90-ball bingo, there are three main patterns: one line, two lines, and a full house.

  3. Listen Attentively to the Number Call

    Once the game starts, a designated caller randomly selects numbers from one to 90 and announces them to the players. Pay close attention to each number called so you don't miss out on a winning opportunity. In online bingo, these numbers will be displayed on your screen as they are announced.

  4. Mark the Number on Your Ticket

    When a number that appears on your bingo ticket is called out, mark it off. You can use a pen or a dauber if you're playing with physical tickets. If playing online, the numbers are usually marked automatically for you.

  5. Call Out Your Win

    If you complete one of the winning patterns, whether it's one line, two lines, or a full house, call out "bingo" to notify the other players and the caller. You won’t need to do this in the online version, as the system will detect a win on its own.

  6. Verify Your Win and Claim Your Prize

Once you signal your win, the caller will verify your winning combination. They may ask you to show your ticket to verify your win. If your win is validated, you'll be awarded the corresponding prize. Alternatively, in online 90-ball bingo, the system will verify your win automatically and credit the prize to your account. Prizes can vary based on the game and the bingo hall or online platform where you're playing.

Card Layout of 90-Ball Bingo

The layout of a 90-ball bingo card is designed to accommodate a total of 27 spaces organised in a 9x3 grid (nine columns and three rows). Each row consists of nine boxes with five numbers and four empty spots. However, these numbers are not evenly distributed. Each row contains a different number of filled spaces.

Here's what a 90-ball bingo card typically looks like:

  • 1st Column: numbers one to nine.
  • 2nd Column: numbers 10 to 19.
  • 3rd Column: numbers 20 to 29.
  • 4th Column: numbers 30 to 39.
  • 5th Column: numbers 40 to 49.
  • 6th Column: numbers 50 to 59.
  • 7th Column: numbers 60 to 69.
  • 8th Column: numbers 70 to 79.
  • 9th Column: numbers 80 to 90.

There are 15 numbers on each card that are distributed randomly across the grid. This means that each card is unique, offering players a variety of number combinations. The random distribution ensures that no two cards are identical.

90-Bingo Patterns and Payouts

In 90-ball bingo games, three successive patterns can lead to a win, each accompanied by its own corresponding prize.

One Line Pattern

Players must cover all five numbers in any row on their bingo ticket to achieve a one-line win. Also known as "line,” this pattern can occur on any row of any ticket. It's a tradition in the UK for winners to call out "line!" upon completion of a one-line pattern.

Two Lines Pattern

The two-line pattern requires marking off all the numbers in any two rows on a single ticket. This pattern is pursued after the one-line winner is declared, with players continuing to daub their tickets in hopes of achieving a two-line win.

Full House Pattern

The full house, also called "coverall”, is the ultimate goal in 90-ball bingo. A player must mark off all 15 numbers on their ticket and cover every square to achieve a full house win. Full-house winners are often awarded larger prizes and may even qualify for jackpots in some games.

90-Bingo Jackpots

Here's a breakdown of the different kinds of jackpots commonly found in 90-ball bingo.

Fixed

A fixed jackpot offers a preset prize amount that stays constant throughout the game, irrespective of the number of participants or tickets sold. In 90-ball bingo, this jackpot is typically awarded for achieving a full house, where all 15 numbers on a single ticket are marked off. However, if multiple participants achieve a full house simultaneously, the prize money may be divided equally among them.

Progressive

A progressive jackpot in 90-ball bingo starts with a base amount known as the seed value. This seed value is determined by factors such as the number of players participating and the prices of the tickets. As players join the game and purchase tickets, a certain part of each ticket sale contributes to the jackpot, resulting in it growing progressively larger over time. The jackpot continues to accumulate until a participant achieves the winning pattern. Once won, the progressive jackpot resets to its initial value and begins accumulating again.

Escalator

Players need to cover a certain pattern within a preset number of calls to win an escalator jackpot. The required number of calls may vary based on the game's rules and conditions. The number of calls needed to win may increase if the jackpot remains unclaimed. This gradual escalation continues as the game progresses.

The following are some of the 90-ball bingo games you’ll find at LeoVegas.

Drop Pots

Bingo Drop Pots, developed by Pragmatic Play, is a 90-ball bingo variant that offers players the opportunity to win several jackpots. In addition to regular prizes for completing one or two lines or a full house, Drop Pots features three jackpot levels: Mini, Midi, and Maxi. Each jackpot has its own unique rules and winning opportunities:

  • Mini Jackpot: The Mini Drop Pot, with its frequent wins, requires players to complete a full house within 30 calls. If the jackpot isn't won, the number of calls increases by one for the next game, allowing the prize pot to grow until someone claims it.
  • Midi Jackpot: The Midi Drop Pot offers a larger prize and can only be won between specific hours each day. Players must complete a full house within 32 calls during the designated time frame to win it.
  • Maxi Jackpot: The Maxi Drop Pot presents the largest jackpot opportunity and is available for one hour daily. To win, players must achieve a full house within 34 calls, with the jackpot increasing in value until it is won.

Heavy Weight

Heavy Weight Bingo, also by Pragmatic Play, is a 90-ball bingo room that boasts a prize pot that goes beyond the norm of your average bingo game. One area where this game is like other 90-ball bingo games is the layout. Heavy Weight keeps things simple with its familiar 3x9 grid featuring numbers from one to 90.

Jackpot Room

Jackpot Room is a 90-ball online bingo game known for its massive progressive jackpot. In this action-packed game, players have the chance to win the jackpot by achieving a full house in 36 calls or less. Unlike regular bingo prizes, the progressive jackpot in Jackpot Room is much larger and continues to increase with each game played until a lucky player claims it.

90-Ball Bingo FAQ

Below are the most commonly asked questions related to 90-ball bingo.

What's different between American and British bingo?

American and British bingo differ primarily in the number of balls used and the card layout. American bingo typically uses 75 balls, with cards featuring a 5x5 grid containing 24 numbers and a blank space in the centre. On the other hand, British bingo uses 90 balls, with cards featuring a 9x3 grid containing 15 numbers and 12 empty spaces.

How many numbers are called in 90-ball bingo?

In a game of 90-ball bingo, a total of 90 numbers are available. Typically, the game continues until someone achieves one of the winning patterns: one line, two lines, or a full house. The number of balls called during each game can vary depending on the speed of play and the rules of the bingo hall or online platform.

How to win in 90-ball bingo?

To win in 90-ball bingo, players must complete one of three winning patterns: one line, two lines, or a full house. Achieving one line involves covering all five numbers in any horizontal row on the bingo card. Two lines require covering all the numbers in any two horizontal rows, while a full house entails covering all 15 numbers on the bingo card.

How do you win the jackpot in bingo 90?

You must be the first player to mark off all the numbers on your card to win the jackpot in 90-ball bingo.