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BINGO
BINGO

BINGO STRATEGIES

Bingo is a game of pure chance, with no strategy needed to play. Are there any ways to gain an edge? Here are some common questions about how to play the game.

Does it help to play multiple cards?

Playing multiple cards increases your odds to win, but also increases the cost to play.

If there are 100 Bingo cards and you increase the cards you play from 1 card to 5, your odds go up from 1 in 100 to 5 in 100.Your cost of play also increased by 5 times without any guarantee of winning. Whether it’s worth it is up to you, and may depend on your budget.

Tip

Go ahead and play a few more cards for the fun of it, but not because you think it will guarantee a win.

Four Bingo cards with a dauber.

Does avoiding crowds help my chances?

People sitting at two sides of a table. One side shows more people and a large dollar sign. The other side shows fewer people and a smaller dollar sign.

Yes, but there’s a catch. Here’s how it works: There are more players in peak hours, from Thursday to Sunday evenings, which means lower odds of winning, but much higher prizes if you win.

Fewer players in off-peak hours means better odds, but smaller prizes. Choose your play time based on preference: a better chance of winning small vs. winning big.

Do certain patterns help my chances?

An X pattern bingo card equals a horizontal bingo card

Since the balls are always drawn at random, the odds that the numbers on your card will be called are exactly the same as every other card. Different patterns are simply designed to create fun and variety.

Does more experience give me an edge?

Two daubers: one adorned with gold medals and the other without.

Whether you're an old hand at Bingo or new to the game, the level of experience makes no difference to the chance to win. Odds are the same for every card. But if you're practiced at the game, you may be less likely to miss a chance to yell Bingo!

Should I start with fewer cards?

Daubing selections on a Bingo card.

If you’re a beginner and find it a challenge to keep up with the speed of the calls, you may be playing too many cards. Try not to play more cards than you can manage.

You won’t want to miss out on a single number or a completed pattern for a Bingo!

Stay Focused

A cup sitting in a saucer, filled with a hot beverage and imprinted with the word Bingo.

Be sure to pay close attention to the caller and the screens to catch the numbers as they’re called.

Tip

Remember to take breaks – at intermission – to help keep up your concentration.