Bingo: The Classic Format that Still Holds Strong in Gambling

These days, online casinos are full of flashy slots, slick tabletops, live croupier experiences, and even digital scratch cards. But if your platform is missing bingo, you are skipping one of the original crowd-pleasers that still pulls in serious attention. No full-scale iGaming site feels finished without it.

Most often, when someone says “bingo”, people think of a group of grannies, a buzzing pub where the caller is louder than the DJ, or maybe a retro TV show your uncle still watches. The thing is that the game has had some serious improvements. It is not just a nostalgic pastime anymore. It is a multi-format with a considerable fan base of young punters.

Basics of Bingo

At its core, the game is pretty simple. Punters get a card full of numbers, a bunch of digits get called out, and if a line has all the mentioned symbols, it is a win. At the same time, it is not just about matching numbers. The real victory comes when punters get to yell “BINGO!” loud enough to turn heads. That shout is not just tradition, but an official claim to the prize pot.

Bingo actually has some seriously old-school roots. The game dates back to 16th-century Italy, where it started as Lo Giuoco del Lotto d’Italia. From there, it made its way to 18th-century France, where the upper crust enjoyed it as a classy weekend diversion. Not long after, it landed in Germany, where teachers used it to sneak spelling and maths lessons into a game.

The story behind the transition from “Lotto” to “bingo” comes with a twist. This is where the Americans are added to the format modernisation. Back in the day, participants had beans to cover numbers and yelled “beano” when they won. Edwin S. Lowe, a toy merchant who stumbled into a game one night, misunderstood the winning cry as “bingo,” and ran with it in his further implementations for the crowd.

In the 1930s, Lowe’s version took off in North America. He even roped in a Columbia College professor, Carl Leffler, to create over 6,000 unique bingo card combos to avoid duplicate winners. Lowe later brought the world Yahtzee as well. His brand eventually sold for $26 million.

Whether bingo is played in community halls or on slick online platforms, it has stayed iconic. These days, digital games offer wild themes, chatrooms, and bonus rounds, taking the familiar formula to the next level of modern gambling.

Main Types of Bingo

The game’s widespread popularity has led to the creation of several standard formats. While the core idea to match randomly drawn numbers on a card remains unchanged, different versions introduce unique game lengths, layouts, and win conditions. These variations hint at how to offer adapted experiences to diverse audiences.

The most common types:

1. 75-ball bingo. A classic format is widely used in North America. Played on 5x5 cards with 24 numbered spaces (the centre is a free square), this version divides 75 digits into five groups, each tied to a letter in “BINGO.” Game duration and win patterns can be easily adjusted.
2. 30-ball bingo. This format is often called “speedy” as the version is designed for quick sessions. Played on 3x3 cards with just 30 balls in game, it is ideal for mobile-first platforms or users with limited time. Short rounds keep engagement high.
3. 90-ball bingo. This is the most common type in the UK. Played on a 3x5 layout with 15 numbers, it offers multiple win conditions (one line, two lines, and a full house) to create more chances to reward punters during each session.
4. 80-ball bingo. This fast-paced format uses 4x4 cards with 16 numbers. Winning rows can be horizontal, vertical, diagonal, or of special shapes like the centre square. The structure supports flexible prize setups, including two-, three-, and four-line wins.

A mix of these bingo types, operators can expand their reach across markets and appeal to various user preferences, from fast mobile sessions to more traditional formats.

Popular Bingo Variants

The gambling activity has come a long way from its traditional roots. Thanks to its simple rules and broad appeal, it now exists in all kinds of exciting variants. Beyond the standard versions, there are unique bingo twists that mix elements of lottery, racing, and even strategy. These can help your platform stand out and attract niche audiences who are looking for something fresh.

Notable game variations:

1. U-Pick-Em Bingo. Participants choose their own numbers rather than playing with randomly generated cards. This version blends the format with a lottery-style feel to offer a more personalised and strategic experience.
2. Death Bingo. A reverse-style game changes the rules in a different direction. The last participant to complete their card wins. This keeps participants locked in longer and adds suspense, especially in competitive rooms.
3. Bingo Bonanza. A turbo-charged take on 75-ball bingo offers participants the chance to start with 43 numbers already marked. The jackpot grows the longer the game lasts. This is ideal for participants who chase quick thrills with escalating rewards.
4. Blackout Bingo. Also acknowledged as “coverall,” this version requires participants to fill the entire card to win. It results in more extended gameplay and is often paired with growing jackpots to keep things interesting.
5. Horse Racing Bingo. This game combines the mechanics of both formats. Each card square represents an event or condition. As these terms are met, squares get marked and create a thematic, game-like experience for small groups.

These variations are great add-ons to traditional offerings and help online casinos keep their array diverse. Whether you target speed players, social gamblers, or themed content fans, these types can boost engagement and retention substantially.

Bingo Beyond Gambling

While the format is now a staple of the iGaming world, it actually started out as something much more community-driven. Long before it hit digital platforms, churches and charities used bingo to raise funds while giving people a fun, social experience. By the mid-1930s, tens of thousands were playing bingo in church halls across the United States.

Even today, charity games play a significant role in many regions. In places where gambling is heavily restricted or outright banned, bingo often flies under the radar, especially if it is hosted by a non-profit. In some states, events like these can be run without a full gaming licence, and even younger players may be allowed to take part.

For operators, this all highlights just how versatile and recognisable the bingo format is. Whether you are running games for real money or planning to add a free-play community version, the format can easily connect with audiences beyond the typical gambling crowd.

Top Bingo Providers to Consider

The format is not just a nostalgic add-on anymore. It is a major revenue stream for operators to expand their reach. Modern gameplay mechanics, mobile support, and gamified elements have evolved and make up a format that has become a key part of many online casinos. If you want to offer bingo that is anything but basic, there are a few standout providers on the radar.

Red Rake Gaming

The studio is based in Spain and has been active for over a decade. The producer is registered by the UKGC and MGA, which are two of the most respected names in iGaming regulation. Their portfolio of 95+ titles is introduced in 16 languages, supports mobile and PC play, and comes equipped with built-in marketing tools like promotions and bonus features.

Red Rake’s bingo lineup includes six video titles, including Disco Nights, World Football, and The Gold of Poseidon. Each game mixes in bonus rounds, multipliers, and extra-ball features to keep punters engaged and sessions dynamic.

Evolution

The brand is recognised for its dominance in the live casino space. However, the team also knows how to make exciting bingo content with real-time interaction. Evolution is licensed in a long list of top-tier destinations and has won multiple rewards for its creative approach to live gaming.

Their headline bingo product, Mega Ball, combines fast-paced number draws with a real host and a random multiplier mechanic that hits at the end of each round. It is a perfect crossover between bingo and TV-style game shows.

Wazdan

A well-established organisation has a presence in nearly every major European jurisdiction. Beyond slots and poker, they offer a compact but polished bingo selection backed by powerful promotional tools like cashback and competitions.

Their standout title, Extra Bingo, keeps things minimal with 80 numbered squares and a gamble feature that lets participants double their winnings. It is a simple game, but it works well for users who enjoy low-stakes sessions.

Belatra

The organisation has been in the game since 1993, making it one of the longest-running names in the industry. The company offers a wide variety of gaming content, including several crypto-ready and multi-language-supported bingo options.

Operators who work with Belatra also get access to helpful engagement tools like localised jackpots and in-game tournaments. This makes it easier to promote bingo products alongside other formats.

Caleta Gaming

The Brazilian producer brings a colourful and creative flair to bingo content. The studio regularly updates its portfolio with one or two fresh game launches per month and stays on trend with what punters are looking for.

Their catalogue includes 20+ video bingos such as Catch a Fish, Bingo Fada da Fortuna, and Bingo Samba Rio. Caleta’s content is designed for maximum user interaction with features like bonus wheels, free spins, and extra balls.

Boldplay

The organisation was founded in 2019 in Gibraltar and quickly earned a solid name in the premium gaming space. Their growing portfolio features 80+ titles across branded slots, jackpots, scratch cards, bingo, and mini-games, all built using HTML5 for smooth cross-device performance.

Their games are certified in multiple markets and support an impressive range of 24 languages and 267 currencies. Operators will also find Boldplay’s back office especially handy, with integrated marketing tools and demo access that make onboarding and testing a breeze.

Pragmatic Play

This iGaming heavyweight has been producing high-quality content since 2015 and now holds licences from multiple respected regulators, such as the MGA and UKGC. The studio covers everything from slots and tables to scratches and virtual sports and boasts a huge portfolio of 200+ games.

Its bingo collection includes nine modern variations that combine the charm of classic gameplay, updated mechanics, and engaging visuals. Built-in marketing tools and cross-selling instruments like jackpots and live dealer tie-ins suit any operator’s ecosystem.

Skilrock

The group is backed by the legacy-rich Sugal & Damani company to bring nearly half a century of gambling experience to the table. The supplier delivers offline and virtual solutions like slots, sports, lottery systems, and, of course, bingo.

Skilrock supports a wide range of currencies and localisations, and its catalogue of 70+ titles includes fully customisable activities. Operators can even request bespoke development, which is ideal for standing out in crowded markets.

Eurasian Gaming

This Malta-based studio has been changing the niche since 2018. Eurasian Gaming offers a solid lineup of slots, fish hunting activities, and video bingo, all with modern features like portrait mode, fast play, and instant bonus buy-ins.

A Curacao licence and certifications in key markets like Spain and Italy allow the studio to grow fast. Popular titles like Hot Fruits and OngBak have already caught operators’ attention with their performance and user retention metrics.

Greentube

As part of the Novomatic family, the team has decades of experience and a rock-solid reputation in European markets. Their portfolio spans 400+ titles, including legendary slot series and a growing range of bingo and table games. All software is connected via their omni-channel tech for land-based, mobile, and online sync.

For operators, Greentube offers the NRGS platform. It is a full-service suite for player tracking, promotions, and retention. Their responsible gaming tools and licensing in Western Europe make them a trusted choice for regulated markets.

Salsa Studio

Latin American roots and a strong presence in Europe allow the creator to focus on culturally tuned content with peculiar visual design and modern mechanics. The team is based in Buenos Aires and adapts its output to suit user preferences in target markets. This is a massive plus for operators who aim at regional resonance.

Thanks to responsive HTML5 builds, Salsa's bingo and slot titles support multiple currencies, languages, and platforms. The company also researches gameplay behaviour, so its titles are pretty and designed to keep users coming back.

The Main Things about the Long-Standing Format

Bingo might be one of the oldest gambling activities, but it still holds massive value for modern operators. Its adaptability, social elements, and broad audience appeal ensure high engagement and revenue levels. Whether you are running a startup or scaling an existing platform, this format deserves a place in your content lineup.

Key takeaways about the gambling activity that has adapted through the years:

• Bingo supports multiple variants, from quick 30-ball rounds to classic 90-ball gameplay.
• Themed and regional versions like U-Pick-Em or Horse Racing Bingo present creative twists and deeper engagement.
• The format has strong non-gambling roots, which makes it perfect for hybrid projects, social platforms, and community-based offers.
• Leading providers like Pragmatic Play, Red Rake, and Caleta Gaming offer bingo games with flexible integration options and modern promotional tools.
• HTML5-powered design ensures smooth play on desktop and mobile gadgets for high retention rates across all demographics.
• Bingo is perfect for casual and low-stakes audiences to expand the user base beyond high-rollers and hardcore gamblers.
• Regulatory flexibility in some markets allows the format to function even where other gambling products cannot.

Therefore, bingo is not just surviving, it is evolving. If you are looking to diversify your platform and leverage the timeless format that still delivers results, now is the perfect time to explore the content options.