Published: 13 Jul 2025 | Updated: 26 Dec 2025
A staple of community halls and family gatherings taking place all across the UK, bingo is a game so simple that just about anyone can play it. This simplicity is what made it such a British favourite, but there are actually different variants of this game where you mark numbers off a card until you form a winning pattern. The most popular of these are 75-ball and 90-ball, but there’s also 80-ball bingo and even a speedy 30-ball version. What are the differences between these versions other than, perhaps obviously, the number of balls involved? That’s what we’re here to find out, so hold on to your seats as we take you on a wild ride across the different bingo variants!
The Bingo Basics
Before we actually get into the business of bingo, we should first take a look at the basics of the game. As you might know, bingo is a game where you mark numbers off a ticket. The numbers are drawn at random by a host, typically by using balls held in a cage or blower, who calls out the number on the ball they draw. The tickets feature random numbers in a grid, and the aim is to mark numbers in order to form either lines or patterns. Which of these you need to do depends on the variant you’re playing, so keep on reading to learn more how to score in each game.
75-Ball Bingo
One of the most popular variants in bingo slots UK sites, 75-ball originates from the US. This is why you’ll sometimes find it under the name US or American bingo. This version of the game is played using, yes, 75 balls, while cards feature a 5x5 pattern. The middle position of the grid is automatically marked off as a free space, meaning you get 24 numbers to mark off during your session.
To help make finding numbers easier, the grid’s 5 letters are commonly marked with the letters B-I-N-G-O. As for scoring, this involves forming a horizontal, vertical, or diagonal line on the grid. There can also be different patterns to be formed with the numbers, leading to more chances of winning. Finally, there is the Full House, which is where you mark off all 24 numbers on your ticket. This is known as a Coverall in the US and can lead to you winning a sizable jackpot prize.
90-Ball Bingo
90-ball bingo is the classic British bingo played in many community halls. It’s the most popular version here in the UK, and is also well liked in Australia and New Zealand. It plays differently enough that you might need a 90-ball bingo guide if you’re only familiar with the other versions, but don’t worry we got you covered here!
The ticket in 90-ball bingo features 3 rows, each with 9 columns, making a total of 27 spaces. Each row has 5 spaces filled with a number set in a random space, meaning each ticket has 15 numbers. Tickets are typically sold in sheets of 6, with these tickets holding all the numbers between 1 and 90. Points are scored by marking rows off these tickets, and marking all 15 numbers off the same ticket leading to a Full House. Depending on the game a Full House may involve a progressive jackpot, making it quite desirable.
80-Ball Bingo
Want a bingo variant that sits somewhere between the 75- and 90-ball versions? Then 80-ball bingo should be right up your alley. The columns on the grid are marked in four different colours - red, yellow, blue, and white - with the numbers coming in the corresponding colour. This means the host calls out the numbers with the colour, for example “red twenty!”
Like 75-ball bingo points are scored by marking off vertical, horizontal, and diagonal lines on the grid, but there are also patterns like marking the 4 corners of the card and “squares” of 4 numbers in the middle. Mark off all 16 numbers on the grid for a Full House and the round’s biggest prize.
50-Ball Bingo
50-ball bingo is a niche variant found in some bingo sites that essentially is a speedier version of 90-ball bingo. This means the tickets come in a similar format, only smaller as they feature 10 numbers divided in 2 rows of 5. Each row holds 5 numbers, meaning there are no gaps. The aim here is simple - mark off the numbers on your tickets, with a full line bringing a prize and 2 lines the always desirable Full House.
36-Ball Bingo
Do you like the idea of 50-ball bingo but want it to play even faster? That’s what 36-ball bingo is all about. Interestingly the tickets here are a bit bigger, as you get 12 numbers divided in 2 rows of 6, but the fact the game uses just 36 balls means the pace is turbocharged. The fast pace means tickets are sold individually, and just as well since one can get a bingo at a pretty quick clip. 36-ball bingo sessions typically have a single prize, which goes to whoever manages to get a Full House by marking all 12 numbers off a ticket.
30-Ball Bingo
30-ball bingo is known as “Speed Bingo”, and for good reason - this stripped-down take on 80-ball bingo features tickets with a 3x3 grid, for a total of 9 numbers to mark off with no gaps between numbers. Games are typically won by marking off all 9 numbers, leading to a Full House. The pace is rapid, with sessions lasting all of 2 minutes, with online versions marking off called out numbers automatically to further speed up the gameplay.
5-Line Bingo
Our final bingo variant is perhaps the rarest. Also called “Swedish Bingo,” 5-line bingo is played using 75 balls and features tickets with a 5x5 grid. Winning involves marking horizontal lines on the grid, with all 5 lines marked leading to a Full House. The result is a fast-paced game with plenty of prizes, since marking at least 1 line counts as a win!
So Many Different Bingo Games to Enjoy!
Bingo lends itself well for different styles of game, as the concept of marking numbers off a grid is one that can lead to multiple variants. We have to admit that 90-ball bingo remains our favourite, what with it being the true British classic, but 75-ball bingo has its brash American appeal and the speedier 35- and 30-ball variants are perfect to fit our busy lifestyles. Whichever variant you prefer, you can stand assured that you’ll have a great time playing, and hopefully win a prize as you do! So read up on the different versions and learn what they involve if you want to improve your chances while marking those numbers.
Of course, as fun as bingo is, it's important to keep in mind that you should play it responsibly. Set a bankroll for playing bingo, and stick to it. Only bet what you can afford and never chase your losses - this remains a game of chance, and as such there are no such things as hot or cold streaks. All of this knowledge will help avoid issues relating to problem gambling, allowing for safe and enjoyable bingo sessions.
