Video bingo is a virtual version of bingo that combines elements of slots and traditional bingo. In contrast to online bingo, which is a multiplayer online version of land-based bingo, video bingo is a single player game where numbers matched in lines or patterns on tickets from drawn balls can result in prizes, bonus features, and even jackpots.
Video bingo games are a fun, faster-paced alternative to online bingo, especially if you’re a fan of feature-rich slots. Read on to find out more about how these games are played and the top video bingo titles to explore.
Video bingo rules
Before we check out how to play a round of video bingo, let’s take a look at how the game works. Video bingo games all tend to have a pretty similar layout that consists of four 5×3 bingo cards in the centre, winning patterns along the top, and the ball selection mechanism at the bottom.
Here’s a closer look at the rules of video bingo:
- Based on 90-ball bingo, any numbers from 1-90 are possible on tickets and balls, but only the 60 balls on the tickets will be in the drum for the draw. That means every ball drawn will be a match!
- Drawn ball numbers that match those on the tickets are marked automatically.
- The aim is to mark off as many numbers in the specified winning patterns (15 of them shown along the top) as possible to win prizes.
- Ticket numbers that will create a winning line or pattern if drawn are highlighted.
- Wild balls allow you to mark off any unmarked number.
- Some video bingo games include bonus features, which can be triggered by marking off specific patterns.
- Up to 12 extra balls can be drawn for an additional cost per ball (sometimes they are free!).
- Jackpots may also be available by finding special items in the extra balls.
How to play video bingo
Video bingo rounds run very quickly, often within mere seconds, so it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with how the gameplay goes before you take your first shot. Here’s a step-by-step guide to one round of video bingo:
- Choose your bet: Select how much you want to bet per ticket by picking an option from the Bet Per Ticket menu, usually in the bottom left.
- Start the draw: Hit the Play button on the right to start the ball selection process, which will complete in just a few seconds.
- Choose wild number: If a wild ball is drawn, pick one of the numbers on your ticket to mark it off.
- Play bonus feature: If a bonus round triggers, follow the instructions to complete the feature (this is typically in ‘pick options’ format).
- Pick extra balls: Click on any of the symbols shown to reveal an extra ball for a set price. This price can quickly rise, so keep responsible gaming practices in mind.
- Play jackpot feature: If the jackpot round triggers via the extra balls, match symbols to win a jackpot.
- Winnings will be added to your balance automatically.
Video bingo v traditional bingo
While video bingo is based on the traditional game of bingo, specifically 90-ball bingo, it does differ from its parent in a number of key ways:
- Players: Unlike land-based and online bingo, video bingo is a single player game.
- Numbers drawn: In traditional bingo games, it’s common for drawn numbers not to match those on your tickets. In video bingo, every drawn number is a match because only numbers on your tickets are entered into the draw.
- Patterns: Traditional 90-ball typically involves marking off lines and the full house, while video bingo adds a range of interesting patterns, making it a bit more like 75-ball or pattern bingo.
- Tickets: Traditional 90-ball bingo tickets have a 9×3 layout with blanks, while video bingo tickets are 5×3 without blanks.
- Extra balls: The ability to buy extra balls is unique to video bingo (and Slingo!)
- Bonus features and jackpots: While some online bingo games can have these, they’re usually limited, while video bingo games can have multiple varied features and jackpots.
- Themes: While online bingo games can be played in themed rooms, video bingo games come in a range of fun designs, often inspired by popular slots.
Best video bingo games to try
You have more than 10 video bingo games to explore at PlayOJO, which you can find under More > Instants > Video Bingo. Here are a few of our best video bingo games:
Immortal Romance Video Bingo
Based on the hugely popular slot of the same name, Immortal Romance has a dark and brooding theme, with two bonus features and four fixed jackpots from 50x to 10,000x your bet represented by the game’s main characters. Extra balls may add coins to the lion knocker. Fill it to trigger the jackpot feature.
Thunderstruck II Video Bingo
Drawing on the successful Norse mythology theme from the slot sequel, Thunderstruck II offers 50x to 10,000x jackpots guarded by the gods Loki, Thor, Odin, and Valkyrie. Extra balls may reveal coins that are collected by Thor’s hammer, unleashing the jackpot feature when filled.
Break Da Bank Again Video Bingo
Another slot-based video bingo game, Break Da Bank Again is set inside a bank vault, which holds a 5,000x jackpot. Match numbers in a different array of patterns this time, with one pattern unlocking the Big Vault Bonus and another triggering a shot at the jackpot.
Explore video bingo
Video bingo is a great alternative to online bingo if you’re after a faster-paced single player experience and fancy a shot at bonus features and jackpots along the way. Many players find video bingo games more appealing thanks to the fact that every ball drawn is a match, with pattern creation central to stacking up wins. Most of the top video bingo games are based on popular slots, so check out PlayOJO’s collection and discover some new favourites!
