Bingo is a gambling game where players mark off numbers on a ticket that are randomly called out, If a players ticket has the winning combination on, they win. There is a similar game in America called bingo, but there are slight differences. A typical bingo ticket contains fifteen numbers arranged in three rows and nine columns. Each of these rows contains five numbers and four blank spaces, and then each column contains one, two or sometimes three numbers.

The game is run by a caller, whose job it is to call out numbers and check winners and their tickets. The game will usually start with the prizes being announced and the caller will ask for "eyes down" meaning the game is about to start. Various techniques are used to get the numbers whether it is an electronic random number generator, drawing counters from a bag or drawing balls from a mechanical machine. Once a ball has been drawn, the caller with shout out the number and usually use a nickname for the number, such as "knock at the door, number 4". As the numbers are called out, the players use a pen known as a "dabber" to mark off the numbers on their ticket. When all the numbers required to win a game have been called out, the player shouts out "House" or "line" depending on the prize, the caller or an official will the come and check the claim.

There are different winning combinations that you can get in a game, Line, which is when you get a horizontal line of five numbers. Two lines, is when you get any two lines on the ticket and a full house which is where you cover all fifteen numbers on the ticket. When the players first arrive at a bingo venue they buy books of tickets. Players often use around one and six books at a time. In UK bingo halls, playing is divided into sessions for different books.

As in most aspects of life newer technology is being incorporated into the game, in the UK auto validating systems are being used in larger clubs to check winner's claims, this involves a security code printed on the ticket being read out so that claims can be validated quicker. But unfortunately smaller clubs that don't have this system, every number from the winning combination needs to be read out to the caller who has to manually check them, which takes a lot longer. Another aspect of increased technology being used in the clubs is Programmable electronic tickets being used. These are wi-fi handheld terminals that allow players to have more tickets and speed up the claim validation service.

Bingo is an expanding and highly profitable business with loads of companies competing for the money it can make. Two of the largest companies in Britain are Gala Bingo and Mecca bingo. But now there is an increasing number of Internet Bingo companies are starting up and making money from new technology and the popularity of the internet allowing customers to play online bingo. Online bingo is played very similar to how it is in the bingo halls but everything is virtual, one notable feature is the chat functionality that allows interaction between players and the creation of online bingo communities. To find out more about Internet Bingo please visit Fruit Bingo

About the Author

This article was written by Ashley Gilmour on behalf of Fruit Bingo, Play online bingo