How to Play 75-Ball & 90-Ball Online Bingo - A Rules Guide!
The most common bingo game versions are 75 balls (5x5) and 90 balls (3x5). In real life, 5x5 bingo is the most popular!
Whether you want to play bingo in real life or online bingo (3x5), you’ll find quick answers here!
What is Bingo? (a.k.a Housey in India)
Bingo is a "number game" where you match and mark numbers. Bingo cards are usually 5x5 grids, totaling 25 squares. Each square has a number, with the center square typically marked "FREE," counting as already marked.
Before the game starts, players get a card printed with 24 unique numbers, and each card’s number arrangement is different.
Then, the host begins randomly calling out numbers. If you have a called number on your card, mark it with a circle or a bean.
The game continues until a player successfully forms a line, shouting "Bingo" to win!
💡In the US, bingo typically uses numbers 1-75, while European countries use 1-90.
How to Play Bingo? (75 balls, 5x5)
- Step 1 - Get a Bingo Card.
The bingo card you receive is usually a 5x5 grid, with the center square marked as "Free Space." - step 2 - Listen to the caller.
The host will randomly draw and announce numbers aloud, like "B-7" or "G-54." - step 3 - Mark your card.
When the called number matches one on your card, quickly mark it off. - Step 4 - Complete a Line and Shout Bingo for Victory.
The first player to connect five numbers in a line - horizontal, vertical, or diagonal - wins by shouting "Bingo"!
Bingo Card Number Distribution Rules
Before we start, let’s take a look at the number distribution rules on a standard bingo card:
| Column | Letter | Number Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | B | 1–15 |
| 2nd | I | 16–30 |
| 3rd | N | 31–45 |
| 4th | G | 46–60 |
| 5th | O | 61–75 |
Online Bingo Rules (90 balls, 3x5)
Online bingo games offered by entertainment platforms mostly feature a 3x5 grid with a total of 90 numbers, from which 30 are randomly selected as the draw numbers.
Each card has 3 rows x 5 columns (totaling 15 squares).
What’s special is that online bingo offers various line patterns beyond the traditional horizontal or vertical lines.
Completing different difficulty patterns can yield odds of up to 1000x or even 1500x and above!
Online Bingo Game Steps
- Step 1 - Join a Platform with Online Bingo. (e.g., VEGAS11)
- Step 2 - Click the Card Games Lobby. (Bingo is usually in this category)
- Step 3 - Search Bingo.
- Step 4 - Select your preferred Bingo game and enter. (e.g., Bingo Adventure or Lucky Bingo)
- Step 5 - Choose the number of cards. (usually 1-4 options)
- Step 6 - Set your bet amount. (min and maxi vary per game)
- Step 7 - Click START, and the system will automatically draw 30 winning numbers.
- Step 8 - The system auto-pays out winnings and distributes prizes.
Read More: Online Lottery Tickets in India | Price, Prizes, Buy Here
Beyond the Line: Common Bingo Winning Patterns
Bingo’s most classic way to win is by completing a straight, horizontal, or diagonal line,
but to boost excitement and variety, online bingo games have added challenging line patterns, offering players higher payouts.
Here are some common bingo line patterns for you to take on:
Common Bingo Winning Patterns
- Four Corners: All four corner numbers on the bingo card are marked off.
- Letter X: Both diagonal lines are marked off, forming a big "X."
- Postage Stamp: A 2x2 square in the top-right or top-left corner of the bingo card is marked off.
- Large Frame / Small Frame: All numbers on the outer edge or inner border of the bingo card are marked off.
- Plus Sign: The horizontal line and vertical line through the center are marked off, crossing at the "Free Space" to form a "+" sign.
- Blackout / Coverall: All numbers on the bingo card (including the Free Space) are marked off. This is the hardest and usually offers the highest prize!
Come to Jaldi Five and test your luck online, Letter X, and more high-prize patterns are waiting for you to conquer!
Popular Bingo Variations in India
- Tambola: The king of Indian bingo! Cards have 15 numbers (1 to 90). Common winning ways include Jaldi Five, Top Line, and Full House.
- Bollywood Bingo: Perfect for party vibes! Numbers are replaced with movie names, star names, or classic dialogues—imagine marking off "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai" instead of B-14!
- Festival Bingo: Seen during Diwali, Holi, or Navratri, with cards designed around festival themes. Prizes might be sweets, candles, or bangles, creating a festive mood!
- Zoom Bingo: Exploded in popularity post-pandemic! Hosted on Zoom, with cards sent via email, ideal for virtual parties or family catch-ups!
Traditional Bingo vs Tambola
"Bingo" and "Tambola" (also called Housey in India) are both thrilling number games with similar core gameplay, but they differ in numbers, card layouts, winning patterns, names, and regional flair.
Traditional bingo leans toward a classic, clear-cut gaming feel, while Tambola is like "Bingo + Indian party" rolled into one—complete with auntie jokes, festive goodies, and sometimes even DJ music!
A Tambola card has 3 rows and 9 columns. In each row, 5 numbers between 1 to 90 are placed randomly.
So total 15 numbers on the ticket, and the rest of the boxes are left blank to add randomness.
A Bingo card has 5×5 grid. Each column is labelled with the letters B-I-N-G-O, and every column has numbers from a fixed range.
This setup helps players find the right spot quickly on the card when a number is called - like "O-75".
More number games: Kalyan Matka Guessing Tips: Fast, Free, and Working!
Pro Tips to Win at Bingo
Bingo may look easy, but with a few smart tricks, you can handle even the fast-paced Indian style like a pro.
- Sit close to the caller so you won’t miss any numbers.
- Use a bright marker to avoid confusion.
- Play with multiple cards (if allowed) for more chances to win.
- Don’t shout “Bingo” unless you’re sure!
Smart Lingo for Bingo Beginners
Every Indian Bingo game has a bunch of special terms. If you don’t know them, it’s like watching a foreign drama by mistake - super awkward!
The following basic terms will help you understand the game flow instantly and easily join in the fun with everyone.
- Caller – The person who announces the numbers.
- Dab/Dabber – Marker used to mark called numbers.
- Full House – When all numbers on your card are marked.
- Jaldi Five – Tambola term for marking any first five numbers.
More number games: Dear Lottery India Guide – Win ₹1 Crore with Just ₹6!
Every New Players Ask Things About Bingo
Can I play Bingo online with friends?
Yes! You can host games on Zoom or use apps like Vegas11.
What does a standard Bingo card look like?
It’s a 5x5 grid labeled B-I-N-G-O, with numbers from 1–75. The center space is usually free.
What’s the difference between Bingo, Tambola, and Housey?
In India, “Housey” is often used to refer to Tambola, a 90-number game with 3x9 tickets.
While Bingo and Tambola are related, their rules and card formats differ.
What happens if I call “Bingo” by mistake?
In casual games, people will just laugh and tease you a bit—maybe ask you to dance!
But in formal games, calling Bingo falsely can disqualify you from the round. Always double-check before shouting.
