What is Video Bingo?
Bingo may not be as popular as games like slots, blackjack and roulette, but it’s still a favorite for many players. If you’re a fan, you may want to learn more about the video version.
Video bingo is an online casino game that combines elements of traditional bingo with slots. As a result, it’s quite fast and automated. However, the gameplay is more or less the same as the classic community version.
In this oddschecker guide, we’ve carefully explained everything you need to know about video bingo. We’ll look at how to play, odds, strategies, and the best casinos in the United States that offer these games.
Table of Contents
- Brief History of Video Bingo
- How to Play Video Bingo
- Types of Video Bingo Options
- What Strategy is Best to Play Video Bingo?
- Video Bingo Odds
- What is the Difference Between Video Bingo, Live Bingo, and Slingo?
- What Online Casinos Offer Video Bingo Games?
- Simple gameplay with great prizes
Brief History of Video Bingo
Online video bingo is a variation of the traditional game mixed with slot machines. It may appear new and modern at casino sites, but video bingo has been around for quite some time.
Invention
Video bingo machines first started popping up in casinos in the 1980s, and Nevada was a hotspot for these games. They were machines, just like slots, so they featured random number generators (RNGs). The software handled a drawing process like the traditional game, but players could play multiple cards at once.
Fame in Casino Houses
Over time, video bingo became more interactive as technology advanced. This was when developers began introducing features such as bonus rounds, themes, and progressive jackpots. As you might expect, these features made video bingo even more popular at land-based casinos.
Start of Online Versions
By the late 1990s, online gaming platforms were gaining popularity. A few casino sites had already launched in the US with slots, blackjack, and poker, and video poker games appeared on these platforms as well. It was a welcome development because players were now able to enjoy the machines from anywhere.
Current State of Video Bingo
At the moment, video bingo is still loved among casino players. Software providers are making the game more interesting by using different patterns, themes, and other notable features. Microgaming and Playtech are the two main developers, and they have contributed a lot to modern video bingo.
How to Play Video Bingo
During our reviews, we played multiple rounds of online video bingo and everything was easy. All you do is purchase cards and watch as numbers are drawn randomly. Then, you identify matches. The target is to complete specific patterns such as lines, corners or a full card (bingo) to win prizes.
That’s a quick cliff note of what playing video bingo involves, but here’s a step-by-step guide that looks at the mechanics in greater depth.
Step 1: Choose Your Game
Start by selecting a video bingo title from your preferred online casino. We’ll show you the best sites to try later in our rundown, but our advice is to look for interesting themes and bonus features. Games with progressive jackpots or multipliers are always a good pick.
Step 2: Set Your Bet Amount
Since you’re playing with real money, you have to set your stake. Keep in mind that you can adjust your wager after each video bingo round. At oddschecker, we recommend players bet based on their budget. Don’t go overboard and stay in control.
Step 3: Select Your Cards
At this point, you will choose the number of cards you want to play in the video game. Note that playing with more cards increases your chances of scoring matches and winning, but this will increase your cost per round.
Step 4: Start the Game
If you’re ready to play, hit the Play button and launch the round. In some video bingo variants, you’ll see a Start button instead. Numbers will be drawn automatically and matched against your cards once you click.
Step 5: Look for Winning Patterns
As we mentioned, you win in video bingo by completing patterns such as lines and corners. If you get a full card, there’s a Bingo, which is the best possible outcome. Naturally, you’ll look at the screen to spot any winning patterns, but the game will also highlight them automatically.
Step 6: Claim Your Prizes
If you win, the money will be added to your casino balance instantly. The exact amount you win depends on the type of pattern you complete. It’s just like how you win in online slots by hitting specific symbols on paylines. In the video bingo game, you can find information about prizes in the paytable.
Types of Video Bingo Options
Video bingo games are available in various formats, which we confirmed during our research. You can check out the most popular ones below.
Classic Video Bingo
The classic version consists of traditional bingo with simple mechanics. You purchase bingo cards and watch as the numbers are drawn automatically to find out if you win. A popular example is 90-ball Video Bingo, but 75 and 80-ball variants are also popular.
Multi-Card Bingo
From the name, you might have guessed that this variation allows players to use multiple cards at the same time. It’s very common, and many players prefer Multi-Card Video Bingo because it offers higher winning chances. One interesting title we came across is Bingo 75 Extra, which supports up to 12 cards per round.
Jackpot Video Bingo
Do you love playing progressive slots? If so, we recommend giving jackpot video bingo games a shot. However, keep in mind that the jackpot isn’t always progressive; it can be fixed as well. Either way, you can win the prize pool by completing specific patterns within a set number of calls. One example is Super Bola by Vibra Gaming, where you can hit big by landing a bingo within 30 balls.
Bonus Round Bingo
This is another variant of video bingo that takes after online slots. You may be familiar with bonus features like free spins in slots, which you trigger by matching scatter symbols. Similarly, bonus round video bingo comes with special rounds if you form certain patterns. Based on our checks, the most common are mini games with free balls or multipliers.
Extra Ball Bingo
This variant allows you to purchase extra balls after the standard draw, which get you more chances to complete patterns. Popular titles such as Carnival in Rio Bingo have this mechanic, and it usually comes with special features such as wild balls that match any number.
What Strategy is Best to Play Video Bingo?
Since video bingo uses an RNG, it’s not a very friendly game to strategy. Your chances of winning all depend on luck. Nevertheless, there are still some techniques you can follow for relatively better results. These mainly have to do with planning and understanding the game’s features. We’ve compiled the best ones below.
Choose the Right Number of Cards
Without debate, playing online video bingo with multiple cards can boost your odds of matching numbers. However, take care not to overwhelm yourself. Our tip is to stick with just two to four cards so you can stay focused and spot matches easily.
Play Games with High RTPs
Just like slots, video bingo titles come with RTP and volatility. You should focus more on the former than the latter as the variance is almost always high. A smart move is to check the payout potential before selecting any bingo game. Based on our experience, the average is 95%, so anything higher offers a better chance of winning in the long run.
Use Casino Bonuses Wisely
Although bingo games don’t work with most promotions at real money online casinos, some sites still have bingo-specific offers. For example, you can score a free bingo card bonus to play without using your bankroll. If such deals are available, consider taking advantage of them.
Understand the Special Features
The special features in some video bingo options can make or break your session. An example is those with extra ball options, allowing you to buy additional chances to win. We understand this sounds appealing, but keep in mind that you’ll be spending more of your funds for this opportunity. It’s best to use it strategically and only when it can increase your odds of hitting a jackpot.
Set a Session Goal
Some bingo players buy endless cards hoping to randomly make a big hit. There’s nothing wrong with that, but you’ll record more successes if you have a smaller and more realistic target. We suggest focusing on completing a pattern or hitting a small jackpot. Small, consistent wins can add up to similar amounts as those bigger wins in the long run.
Video Bingo Odds
As a casino player, it’s always wise to know your odds of winning any game. For video bingo, it depends on several factors including the game type, number of cards and patterns. If you’re familiar with traditional bingo, you already know that any result can occur. In video bingo games, however, the outcomes are fixed based on the RNGs.
Here’s a rundown of the features to consider:
- Number of Balls Drawn: More balls make it easier to complete patterns and therefore improve the odds. For example, a game with 40 balls drawn from a 60-ball pool will have a better probability of winning than one with only 30 balls.
- Number of Cards Played: Playing with more cards in a single game offers better odds. The only drawback is that you’ll wager more.
- Jackpot Conditions: Progressive jackpots often require you to complete a full card within a limited number of balls. The probability of winning them is low, but this is to be expected.
Example of Odds in Video Bingo
Now, let’s look at actual examples of how odds work in video bingo. Specifically, we’ll be using the popular 75-ball variety:
- Making a Line in 75-Ball Bingo: The odds will vary depending on the pattern and the number of cards. With a single card, the chance of completing a horizontal line early is around 1 in 75.
- Full Card in 75-Ball Bingo: The odds of completing a full card in the first 50 calls are around 1 in 200 or more, which is quite low.
Overall, the main detail to note is that standard patterns like lines and diagonals are easy to score and therefore have higher odds. On the other hand, complex patterns or coveralls are challenging and have lower odds. That’s why they’re often linked to jackpots.
Video Bingo RTP
After some calculations, we’ve determined that video bingo typically has a return-to-player rate ranging from 85% to 95%. This makes it significantly lower than that of slots. A game with a 90% RTP means that $90 is returned for every $100 wagered over time, although these averages are determined after many hours of playing and your results could be different.
We must also mention that the RTP can vary significantly from one title to another. Therefore, you should always check the percentage for the specific game you’re playing.
What is the Difference Between Video Bingo, Live Bingo, and Slingo?
Traditional bingo has many descendants, and video bingo is only one of them. Other related games that are popular include live bingo and Slingo. How do they compare?
First, keep in mind that they’re all digital versions of the lottery-style game. Like video bingo, the gameplay uses automated software.
However, live bingo is much more similar to the original game in the sense that it is played in real time and hosted by live dealers who call the numbers. You’ll join a virtual bingo hall and interact with other players through a chat feature. From our reviews, one of the most popular titles is Live Bingo Lobby by Playtech.
On the other hand, Slingo is a combination of bingo and slot games. It’s pretty similar to video bingo, except it involves spinning reels. Typically, Slingo features 5x5 grid-like bingo cards, and numbers are revealed with each spin. The goal remains to complete lines for points or prizes.
Here is a look at the main differences you should know about video bingo, live bingo, and Slingo:
| Aspect | Difference |
|---|---|
| Gameplay | Video Bingo and Live Bingo follow traditional number-matching. However, Slingo focuses on spinning reels like you would in slots. |
| Interaction | Live Bingo is played in real time, so it’s very social, whereas Video Bingo and Slingo use software. |
| Speed | Slingo is faster thanks to its slot mechanics. Video bingo has a moderate speed, while Live Bingo is slow due to real-time calls. |
| Features | Video Bingo has jackpots and extra balls, while Slingo comes with wilds and bonus games. In Live Bingo, you rarely find such features. |
What Online Casinos Offer Video Bingo Games?
You can find video bingo titles to play at the following US gaming sites:
What are the most popular video bingo games?
We spent time checking out various video bingo online games at each casino. Here are the options that stood out.
Immortal Romance Video Bingo
This is classic video bingo, but its selling point is the design. It comes with a gothic outlook, which is appealing if you’re a fan of dark themes. Additionally, there are some romance elements.
Immortal Romance is available to play at BetMGM Casino in the US. If you join the site, you can get a match bonus of up to $1,500 to claim with a $10 minimum deposit. This is among the best offers you’ll find anywhere.
Big Game Bingo
Are you an NFL fan? If so, FanDuel Casino has this unique video bingo title to play. It’s based on the Super Bowl, and you win prizes by hitting props. In our opinion, Big Game Bingo is an excellent choice if you want something different from the usual fare.
When you join FanDuel, you’ll receive $100 in casino credits for betting just $1. The promotion is highly affordable, and you can earn it regardless of your budget.
Bingo Blackjack
As the name indicates, this game gives you a hybrid of bingo and blackjack. You’ll find it on the DraftKings Casino platform, and it’s quite innovative. In Bingo Blackjack, you still receive cards, but their numbers will correspond to blackjack values.
If you want to try this premium game, sign up with DraftKings. You’ll kick things off with $100 in bonus credits with the welcome offer.
Green Machine Bingo
Next up is Green Machine Bingo, which takes after the famous Green Machine slot. This is a good online bingo game to play if you are seeking big payouts. It supports a low $0.2 minimum bet but a high $10,057 maximum win.
To play this game, we recommend BetRivers Casino. On the site, there’s a 100% match bonus of up to $250 or $500 to claim after registration, depending on your state.
Borgata Bingo
Here’s a classic 75-ball Bingo you can find at Borgata Casino. This game is easy to play and enjoyable.
Based on our sessions, we can confirm that the game has many prizes to win as well. You can try the game at Borgata Casino alongside a 100% match bonus up to $1,000.
Simple gameplay with great prizes
Our final verdict is that video bingo is one of the more interesting games to play at online casinos. Its simple nature, bonus features, and prizes make it quite enjoyable. If you are ready to get started, sign up with any of our recommended platforms and pick your title!
Other Slots Guide Chapters
- Chapter 1: How To Play Slot Machines
- Chapter 2: Slot Machine Symbols and Values: a comprehensive guide
- Chapter 3: Slot Machine Strategy: How to Win at Slots
- Chapter 4: What Type of Slots Exist
- Chapter 5: What RTP and Volatility mean in Slots
- Chapter 6: The Most Popular Slot Games: a Complete Guide
- Chapter 7: What is a Progressive Slot Machine, and how to Win on Them?
- Chapter 8: What are Video Slots and How to Play Them?
- Chapter 9: What Slot Machines Pay the Best?
- Chapter 10: Free Slots with Bonus and Free Spins
- Chapter 11: Free Slots to win Real Money: No deposit required
- Chapter 12: Slots Apps that Pay Real Money
- Chapter 13: What is Video Poker?
- Chapter 14: What is Video Blackjack?
- Chapter 15: What is Video Bingo?
- Chapter 16: What are Bonus Buy Slots?
- Chapter 17: What are 5-Reel Slots?
- Chapter 18: What are 3-Reel Slots?
- Chapter 19: Top 10 Strategies and Tips to Play Slots