Bingo is a timeless game loved for its simplicity, excitement, and social nature. Played by people of all ages, it involves marking off numbers on a card as they are called out, with the goal of completing a specific pattern or achieving a full card. Whether played in a bingo hall, online, or at home, the game provides a thrill for everyone.
If you enjoy playing Bingo and are looking for similar games, there are many engaging alternatives that provide the same combination of luck, strategy, and fun. In this article, we’ll explore detailed options for games like Bingo that you can try out, whether for entertainment, family gatherings, or parties.
Keno
What It Is: Keno is a lottery-style game that shares many similarities with Bingo. Instead of cards, players choose numbers, and a draw determines the winning numbers.
How to Play:
- Players select numbers from a predefined range, usually between 1 and 80.
- A set number of winning numbers (e.g., 20) are drawn at random.
- The more of your chosen numbers that match the drawn numbers, the more you win.
Why It’s Like Bingo:
- Keno relies on number matching, similar to marking off numbers in Bingo.
- It’s a game of luck that requires no skill or strategy.
Where to Play: Keno is commonly played in casinos, lottery terminals, and online gaming platforms.
Lotto
What It Is: Lotto is a classic lottery game in which players select a set of numbers and win prizes based on matching numbers drawn randomly.
How to Play:
- Players pick a certain number of digits (e.g., 6 numbers between 1 and 49).
- A draw determines the winning numbers.
- Prizes are awarded based on how many numbers you match.
Why It’s Like Bingo:
- Lotto involves marking or matching numbers, much like Bingo.
- Both games depend purely on luck, making them easy to play for all age groups.
Where to Play: Lotto games are available at lottery retailers, online platforms, and national lottery events.
Slingo
What It Is: Slingo combines the excitement of Bingo and slot machines into one game. It’s a popular online game that adds modern twists to traditional Bingo gameplay.
How to Play:
- Players are given a bingo-like grid with numbers.
- A slot reel at the bottom spins, and numbers are revealed.
- Players mark matching numbers on their grid to form patterns, aiming for a full card or specific combinations.
Why It’s Like Bingo:
- Slingo uses grids and number matching, just like Bingo.
- The game includes winning patterns and offers instant results, adding a fun twist.
Where to Play: Slingo is widely available on online casino platforms and mobile apps.
Tombola
What It Is: Tombola is a traditional Italian game similar to Bingo, often played at family gatherings or holidays.
How to Play:
- Players use numbered cards, similar to Bingo tickets.
- A caller draws numbers from a drum, and players mark off matching numbers on their cards.
- The winner is the first to complete a specific pattern, such as a row, column, or full card.
Why It’s Like Bingo:
- Tombola follows almost identical gameplay to Bingo, using number cards and calling out numbers.
- It’s often played in a social setting, making it fun for families and groups.
Where to Play: Tombola is popular in Italy and can be played at home, during gatherings, or at community events.
90-Ball Bingo
What It Is: 90-ball Bingo is a specific variation of Bingo played in the UK, featuring a unique ticket format and three ways to win.
How to Play:
- Each player gets a 3×9 card containing 15 numbers (5 in each row).
- Numbers between 1 and 90 are called out randomly.
- Players win by completing one line, two lines, or a full house (all numbers marked).
Why It’s Like Bingo:
- It’s a direct variation of Bingo but offers multiple chances to win.
- The familiar format makes it appealing to Bingo lovers.
Where to Play: 90-ball Bingo is played in UK bingo halls, online gaming platforms, and apps.
75-Ball Bingo
What It Is: 75-ball Bingo is a North American variation of Bingo with different winning patterns and grid formats.
How to Play:
- Players use a 5×5 card with numbers from 1 to 75.
- The center square is a free space.
- Winning patterns include horizontal, vertical, diagonal lines, or custom patterns like shapes and letters.
Why It’s Like Bingo:
- It follows traditional Bingo mechanics but allows for unique winning patterns.
- It’s fast-paced and ideal for casual players.
Where to Play: 75-ball Bingo is popular in the US and online bingo platforms.
Housie
What It Is: Housie is another Bingo variation popular in Australia, New Zealand, and India. It follows the same mechanics but has localised names and prizes.
How to Play:
- Players receive tickets with numbers.
- A caller announces numbers randomly.
- Winners are determined based on completing “lines,” “early five,” or “full house” patterns.
Why It’s Like Bingo:
- Housie follows identical gameplay to Bingo but uses slightly different terms and prizes.
Where to Play: Housie is popular at local events, community gatherings, and fundraisers.
Raffle Draws
What It Is: Raffle draws are luck-based games where participants receive numbered tickets for a chance to win prizes.
How to Play:
- Players purchase tickets with unique numbers.
- A draw is held, and winning numbers are randomly chosen.
- Prizes are awarded to the holders of the winning tickets.
Why It’s Like Bingo:
- Raffle draws involve number matching and rely entirely on luck.
- The excitement of waiting for your number to be called mirrors the thrill of Bingo.
Where to Play: Raffle draws are common at charity events, fairs, and parties.
Lucky 7
What It Is: Lucky 7 is a quick and simple game where players aim to match a winning number drawn from a set.
How to Play:
- Players choose a number between 1 and 7 (or more, depending on the version).
- A draw determines the winning number.
- Players with matching numbers win prizes.
Why It’s Like Bingo:
- Lucky 7 shares Bingo’s simplicity and number-based gameplay.
- It provides quick results and a thrill for players.
Where to Play: Lucky 7 is often available in casual party games and online platforms.
Spin the Wheel
What It Is: Spin the Wheel is a fun and interactive game where a wheel with numbers or prizes is spun to determine winners.
How to Play:
- Players choose or are assigned a section of the wheel with numbers or prizes.
- The wheel is spun, and the section where it stops determines the winner.
Why It’s Like Bingo:
- Spin the Wheel involves randomness and anticipation, similar to waiting for numbers in Bingo.
- It’s exciting and offers multiple winning possibilities.
Where to Play: Spin the Wheel is popular at parties, fairs, and online gaming platforms.
Crossword Lotto
What It Is: Crossword Lotto is a game where players scratch off boxes to reveal letters and complete words, similar to a crossword puzzle.
How to Play:
- Players receive a card with letters hidden under scratch-off boxes.
- The goal is to complete words to win prizes.
Why It’s Like Bingo:
- It involves marking off matches and aiming to complete a pattern.
- It’s luck-based but engaging for word lovers.
Where to Play: Crossword Lotto cards are often sold at lottery retailers.
Final Thoughts
If you enjoy the excitement, simplicity, and thrill of Bingo, the games mentioned above are excellent alternatives to explore. Games like Keno, Lotto, and Slingo bring fresh twists to number-based challenges, while variations like 90-ball and 75-ball Bingo stay true to classic Bingo gameplay.
Whether you’re playing in a bingo hall, at home with friends, or online, these games provide hours of entertainment and the same sense of anticipation that makes Bingo so enjoyable. Try out a few of these games and discover your next favorite way to play!