About Online Bingo

In its simplest form, bingo is played by a minimum of two people. One person draws balls or counters printed with the numbers 1 to 75 or 90 randomly. The other player has a card printed with numbers which they cross off if their number is called. When they have crossed off all their numbers they shout 'Bingo' to declare that they have won. It can be played by any number of people.

Bingo type games have existed for hundreds of years; bingo as we know it today descended from Lo Giuoco del Lotto d'Italia, the Italian National Lottery which began in the 1500's. This has been held weekly ever since to raise funds for the Italian government.

In the 1800's educational Lotto games became popular all over Europe, and the game was taken to the US in the early 1900s. Originally known as 'Beano' it reputedly changed it's name when an excited player yelled 'Bingo' by mistake.

The game spread all over the world and in the UK became popular in both huge bingo halls and as a fun fundraising game. Then it hit the internet!

Unlike balls used in regular bingo halls, online bingo sites use a random number generator. Online bingo halls usually offer online casino games as well as the bingo, but the actual bingo play works almost exactly like playing online poker or online casino games, with everything being virtual.

Playing bingo online, players can make use of optional features which make playing the game easier, such as auto-daub. Auto-daub automatically marks off the numbers on cards as they are called, so players don't have to. This means that if you lose your internet connection or cannot stay at your computor untill the end of a game, you can still win as the computor will mark your card for you and call 'Bingo' on your behalf.

One notable feature of online bingo is that many include chat forums. Many successful online bingo sites such as Astrobingo, foster a sense of community and interaction between players. You can celebrate your wins with your other online friends as well as chat about that days events or even have a moan about your other half!

Some bingo sites will also let you join in chat games, where you can win extra prizes. Popular chat games include Odds and Evens, Dodgeball, Roulette, At the Races, Birthday Bingo, Lucky Gem and Bullseye. The games will be hosted by the Chat Monitor (CM), who will also make you feel welcome to the site and help you celebrate your wins.

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