What are the Different Types of Bingo Games?

Bingo's been a British favourite for as long as anyone can remember, and yet most of us only ever play one version of it. Funny that, isn't it? There's a whole world of bingo out there waiting to be dabbed, and once you know what's on offer, picking your next game gets a lot more fun.

So, if you've ever wondered about the different types of bingo and which one might tickle your fancy, you're in the right place. Grab a cuppa, get comfy, and let's run through the lot.

How many types of bingo games are there?

The short answer? More than you'd think. The slightly longer answer is that the number of bingo game types you'll come across depends on where in the world you're playing. In the UK, three big names tend to dominate the scene: 90-ball, 75-ball, and 80-ball bingo.

Each one has its own quirks, its own grid, and its own way of keeping things interesting when you're one number away from a full house. They're the bread and butter of online bingo, and once you've got your head around them, the rest is plain sailing.

Beyond those three, there's a whole supporting cast worth knowing about. 30-ball bingo (sometimes called speed bingo) is the quickest of them all, played on a tiny 3x3 grid with rounds done and dusted in minutes. Linked bingo pools players from multiple bingo sites into one big game, which means bigger jackpots. Irish bingo keeps things simple with a single line played for one prize.

And then there's Slingo, the playful crossover between bingo and slots that's earned a serious following of its own. We'll come back to those in a moment, but first, the headliners.

90-ball bingo: the British classic

If bingo had a national anthem, 90-ball would be it. This is the version your nan probably plays, the one you've seen on telly, and the one that's been a staple of UK bingo games for generations.

The setup is as simple as it gets. There are 90 balls in play, numbered 1 to 90, and tickets come in strips of six with three rows and nine columns. Each row has five numbers and four blank spaces, and the goal is to be the first to mark off one line, two lines, or a full house.

What makes 90-ball such a crowd-pleaser is the rhythm of it. It's not too fast, not too slow, and there are three chances to win in every game. If you want the full rundown, our 90-ball bingo guide covers everything from ticket patterns to jackpots.

75-ball bingo: across the pond and packed with patterns

Hop over to the States, and you'll find 75-ball bingo ruling the roost. It's played on a 5x5 grid with the word 'BINGO' running across the top, and that empty square in the middle is a free space, which is rather generous of them, really.

The twist here is that you're not just marking off lines. Each game has a specific bingo pattern announced at the start, and to win, you need to dab off the shape that's been called. It might be a letter, a diamond, a heart, or one of over 300 patterns that have been dreamt up over the years. Always something different to look out for, that.

If pattern-spotting sounds like your sort of thing, have a read of our 75-ball bingo guide for the full breakdown.

80-ball bingo: the best of both worlds

80-ball bingo is the middle child of the bingo family, and honestly, it's a bit of a hidden gem. Played on a 4x4 grid with 16 numbers per ticket, it sits somewhere between the speed of 75-ball and the familiar feel of 90-ball.

Each column has its own colour, which makes finding numbers a doddle. You win by completing specific patterns, and rounds tend to zip along nicely, making 80-ball perfect for when you've only got a short window to play. Want to give it a go? Our 80-ball bingo guide has all the rules and tips you'll need.

Can't choose? Have all three at once

Here's where things get cheeky. If you're sitting there thinking, "Right, but what if I want a bit of everything?" then we'veJackpotjoy’s online bingo site has got something rather special for you. Our Session Bingo lets you play 75, 80, and 90-ball games all in one go, with 15 games in a single hour-long session.

It's the easy way to sample every flavour without faffing about between games. Everyone gets the same number of bingo tickets, so the playing field stays level throughout.

Other types of bingo worth knowing about

While the big three rule UK shores, there are plenty of other types of bingo games floating about that are worth a mention.

30-ball (Speed) bingo is exactly what it says on the tin. Usually played with 30 balls and a 3x3 grid, it's quick, snappy, and brilliant for when you fancy a fast round rather than a long sit-down.

Linked bingo pulls players from multiple bingo sites into the same game. More players, bigger jackpots, busier feel.

Irish bingo strips things right back. A single line, one prize, no extra patterns to track. Refreshingly simple.

Themed bingo games are everywhere these days. From seasonal calls to engaging designs, themed games keep the classic format feeling fresh, and they're a great excuse to try something new.

Slingo is a clever mash-up of bingo and slots. You spin a reel to reveal numbers, and you cross them off your bingo card as they come up. It's playful, a bit different, and well worth a look if you fancy mixing things up.

So, which type of bingo should you play?

There's no wrong answer here. If you want the full British experience, 90-ball is calling your name. If you fancy something pattern-based and a bit more strategic, 75-ball will keep you entertained. And if you want quick, colourful rounds, 80-ball ticks the boxes nicely.

The beauty of online bingo is that you can flit between them all from the comfort of your sofa. And if you'd rather take the fun with you, the Jackpotjoy mobile app puts the fun in your pocket. It's free to download on both iOS and Android, runs all our 75, 80 and 90-ball games, plus slots, Slingo, casino and live casino too. A few taps and you're in.

Whatever you go for, just remember to set yourself a budget, take regular breaks, and keep things in the fun zone where they belong.

Right then, that's the rundown. The numbers won't dab themselves!

Whether you're a 90-ball regular or curious about the wider world of bingo, Jackpotjoy has a game with your name on it. Fully licensed by the UK Gambling Commission, we bring you a brilliant range of online bingo games, clear bonus terms, and a free mobile app so you can play whenever and wherever suits you. Join Jackpotjoy today.

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