A look into the world of Bingo terminology

Bingo has changed throughout the years, but there are some standard phrases that you’ll need to know for most Bingo games, especially if you’re a beginner.

The terms range from what you’d hear at a land-based venue, versus Bingo online, but a lot of them can be used within both. So, find out if there’s any new terminology that might take your Bingo games to the next level!

Bingo lobby

When playing online Bingo, the lobby is where you can see all of the Bingo games that can be played. From here, you can pick a room to enter, and also purchase advanced tickets for upcoming games.

Pattern

When you’re set with a Bingo card and dauber, you may be wondering what you’re looking for. You’re searching for patterns, which are the shapes you need to mark on your card, if called out.

The simpler patterns are horizontal, vertical, or diagonal lines. By creating patterns, you will win a certain prize based on where you’re playing – it’s common to shout “Bingo!”, but only if a successful pattern has been formed.

Caller

This is the person, or machine, that calls out the Bingo numbers in a game. You’ll see the wheel being spun to produce a ball – all happening in a randomised way. Remember to listen carefully, so you can mark off the correct numbers on your card.

Dauber

A dauber comes in the form of an ink-filled bottle or pen with a foam tip to mark off the appropriate numbers on your card. There are other names for it, like dabbers, but the aim stays the same – to form lines with the dauber, if possible.

Split pot

This happens in a Bingo game where the successful player splits the sales of the game (the pot) with the house or Bingo hall.

Card minding device

These are computerised or electronic devices that are connected to equipment used to carry out a Bingo game. Used online, it allows players to store and mark their Bingo cards.

Free space

In the middle of a Bingo card there is a free space that isn’t assigned to any number. It’s free in every game, yet still counts towards any successful patterns that you are making.

“Eyes down”

The caller will say this when the game is about to start – it’s time to look down at your ticket to try and make successful patterns!

Money ball

This is a number that may be drawn before the game begins, that could double a player’s prize if Bingo is hit on that number.

90 ball

There are a wide variety of Bingo game types – many people quickly establish a favourite, both in-person and online, but this is one of the most popular. These numbered games refer to how many numbers the game is played with. So, 90 ball games have three rows of nine numbers to mark off.

—

With some common phrases that are used within the world of Bingo, listen out for them in your next game of the chance-based classic!