Bingo Terminology: Complete Guide from A to Z

New to the wonderful world of bingo? Or perhaps you've been dabbing away for years but still find yourself scratching your head at some of the lingo flying about? Either way, you're in the right place! Before you dive into our fantastic online bingo games, let's get you clued up on the bingo terminology that'll have you chatting like a seasoned player in no time.

This bingo glossary is your go-to resource for understanding the language of the game. So, let's crack on and explore the common bingo terms you'll encounter on your bingo journey!

Your essential bingo dictionary

From absolute beginners to those who've been playing since time immemorial, everyone can benefit from brushing up on their bingo dictionary. So, let's crack on and explore the common bingo terms you'll encounter on your bingo journey - from A to Z.

A is for Admission

Admission refers to the minimum number of bingo tickets you need to purchase to join a bingo session. Think of it as your golden ticket to get in on the action. No admission, no game - simple as that.

B is for Bingo Balls

Bingo Balls are the numbered balls used in traditional bingo halls to randomly select which numbers are called during the game. Each ball has a unique number on it, and they're drawn one at a time from a machine or cage.

In 90-ball bingo (the most popular format in the UK), there are 90 balls numbered 1 to 90. In online bingo, while there are no physical balls, the Random Number Generator (RNG) simulates this random selection process to ensure fair play. The balls are the heart of the game - without them, there'd be no numbers to call!

C is for Caller

The Bingo Caller is the person who announces the numbers during the game. They're the voice behind the action and often add a bit of personality to proceedings with traditional bingo calls and witty banter. In online bingo, there's no physical caller (unless you’re tuning into our live bingo shows) - instead, a Random Number Generator (RNG) ensures all numbers are called fairly and randomly, keeping everything above board.

D is for Dabber

A Dabber (or dauber) is the ink-filled marker traditionally used to mark off numbers on your bingo cards in physical bingo halls. In online bingo, this happens automatically thanks to the auto-dabbing feature, but the name's stuck around as a charming nod to bingo's roots.

E is for Early Bird Game

An Early Bird Game kicks off before the main session starts. It's perfect for warming up and getting yourself in the zone before the bigger games begin.

F is for Four Corners

Four Corners is a popular bingo pattern where you need to mark off all four corner numbers on your card to win. Dead simple, but brilliant when those corners line up.

G is for Game Board

The Game Board shows you all the important information about the current game: prize amounts, patterns needed to win, and how many players are involved. It's your at-a-glance guide to what's happening.

H is for House

In British bingo, House means you've marked off all the numbers on your card. Shout "House!" and you've bagged yourself a full house win. You're quids in!

I is for Inside Square

The Inside Square refers to the numbers in the centre of your bingo card, excluding the outer edges. Some games require you to complete this specific pattern to claim victory.

J is for Jackpot

The Jackpot is the top prize available in a bingo game, typically awarded for completing a full house within a certain number of calls. It's the big kahuna, the main event, the prize that gets everyone excited.

L is for Line

A Line is when you've completed a horizontal row of numbers on your card. In 90-ball bingo games, which are hugely popular in the UK, there are usually prizes for one line and two lines before the full house.

M is for Minimum Buy-In

The Minimum Buy-In is the smallest amount you need to spend to participate in a particular game. Different games have different minimums, so it's worth checking before you jump in.

N is for Number of Players

This tells you how many people are playing in your current game. More players generally means bigger prize pools, but also more competition for wins.

P is for Pattern

A Pattern is the specific arrangement of numbers you need to mark off to win. Beyond the standard line or full house, patterns can include shapes, letters, or creative designs that keep things interesting.

Q is for Quick Pick

Quick Pick is when the system randomly selects your bingo cards for you. Saves time and takes the pressure off choosing.

R is for RNG

RNG stands for Random Number Generator, the technology that ensures all numbers are called fairly in online bingo. It's what keeps everything above board and totally random.

S is for Session

A Session is a scheduled period of bingo games, often lasting an hour or two. Sessions typically include multiple games with different prizes and patterns to keep you entertained throughout.

T is for TGI

TGI means "To Go In" - it's the number of calls left until the next game begins. Essentially, it's your countdown to the next round of fun.

U is for Unique Numbers

Unique Numbers are those special digits that only appear on your card, and nobody else's in that particular game. Having unique numbers can work in your favour when you're looking for that win.

V is for Variance

Variance in bingo refers to how frequently wins occur and how large they tend to be. High variance games might have bigger prizes but less frequent wins, while low variance games offer more regular, smaller wins.

W is for Wild Number

A Wild Number can substitute for any other number on your card when completing a pattern. It's like having a joker in your back pocket; absolutely brilliant when it comes up.

W is also for Wager

Your Wager is simply the amount you're staking on a particular game. In bingo, this is usually the cost of your cards.

X, Y, Z - The Missing Letters

Here's the thing about bingo terminology: it doesn't quite cover the entire alphabet. There aren't any standard bingo terms beginning with X, Y, or Z. In online bingo, you might spot an X button to close windows or exit games, but that's about as close as we get. Sometimes the best bingo dictionary is an honest one, and honestly? These letters just don't get a look-in when it comes to the game!

Bingo terminology tips for absolute beginners

Now that you've explored the full glossary, let's recap the essential bingo terms every newbie should focus on first. If you're just starting - whether you're playing on our mobile bingo app or desktop - these are the terms you'll encounter most frequently:

House is your ultimate goal in most bingo games. It means you've marked off every single number on your card; that's your big win!

Line refers to completing a horizontal row on your card. In 90-ball bingo, you'll often win prizes for one line and two lines before someone bags the full house.

Dabber might sound old-fashioned, but you'll still hear it mentioned. It's what players use to mark their cards in traditional bingo halls, though online it all happens automatically.

Caller is the person (or, in online bingo, the system) that announces the numbers. No caller, no game.

Pattern tells you exactly what arrangement of numbers you need to mark off to win. Sometimes it's a line, sometimes it's four corners, and occasionally it's something more creative.

These five terms alone will get you through your first few games without breaking a sweat. Once you're comfortable with these basics, the rest of the bingo terminology will fall into place naturally as you play.

Wrapping up your bingo dictionary

There you have it - your comprehensive guide to bingo terminology. While there aren’t common bingo terms for every letter (sorry, X, Y, and Z), you're now armed with the essential bingo glossary that'll have you navigating games like an absolute pro.

Understanding these terms isn't just about sounding knowledgeable; it genuinely supercharges your playing experience. When you know your dabbers from your daubers and your lines from your houses, you can focus on what really matters: enjoying the game and potentially landing some cracking wins.

Fancy diving deeper into bingo culture? Check out our guide on what bingo calling numbers mean to discover the charming nicknames and rhymes that make traditional bingo calls so memorable.

Ready to put your newfound knowledge to the test? Head over to our online bingo page and see how many of these terms you spot in action. Before you know it, you'll be using this bingo terminology like a native speaker. Happy dabbing!

Ready to experience the joy of online bingo for yourself? Play bingo at Jackpotjoy today and discover our fantastic collection of bingo games, exciting prizes, and a welcoming community. Put your new bingo terminology knowledge into action and join the fun!

All offers mentioned correct at the time of writing but may be subject to change.