Online and Offline Bingo: How They Differ
Bingo is one of the most popular games in the UK, and it’s easy to see why! With its simple format, generous cash prizes and fun, sociable atmosphere bingo has been a hit ever since it landed on our shores back in the 1960s.
Bingo was traditionally played in bingo halls up and down the country, and visiting them remains a popular past-time for many. However, with the rise of the internet a whole new audience has discovered bingo from the comfort of their own homes.
In this article, we’ll be discussing the key differences and similarities between bingo halls and online bingo. Read on to find out more!
Location
The major difference between online and offline bingo is that online bingo can be played wherever you have an internet connection, whereas offline bingo is played in bingo halls.
Before the internet was invented, the only way to play bingo was to go to a bingo hall. Bingo is a sociable game, and many players loved (and still love) going down to the bingo hall to meet up with friends. However, one potential downside is that players are often required to be silent while the bingo caller is reading the numbers out. This doesn’t leave too much room for chatting!
With online bingo, you can be as loud – or as quiet – as you like. Online bingo games are fully optimised for desktop and mobile use, so you can play at a time and place that suits you. You could be on the bus, or in your PJs – that’s the beauty of online bingo!
Gameplay
Many players prefer online bingo because it offers a fast-paced gaming experience with plenty of opportunities to win. Online bingo uses random number generators (RNGs) to select numbers, resulting in a faster bingo game. The RNGs are computer-generated and completely fair, reducing the chance of human error while creating a more efficient game.
Offline bingo, on the other hand, moves at a much slower pace because the numbers are called out manually by a bingo caller.
It’s estimated that online bingo is on average three times faster than offline bingo, which makes it ideal for those looking for a lively gaming experience with more chances to win prizes.
Variety
Variety is the spice of life – and of online bingo! Offline bingo typically takes one of two forms, depending on which part of the world you live in. In the UK, 90 ball bingo is the most popular. It’s played on a rectangular 9x3 grid and there are usually three prizes up for grabs.
In the US, 75 ball bingo is the game of choice. This version has fewer balls and is played on a 5x5 grid. It’s also known as pattern bingo, as usually you have to mark off a specific pattern to win.
However, online bingo offers much more variety than just 90 ball and 75 ball bingo. At Slingo we have a huge range of bingo games and themed bingo rooms. Head back to the 80s with Boom Box Bingo, or speed your way to victory with Zoom Room 30 ball bingo. With a 3x3 grid and only 30 balls, games last just a few minutes – giving you more chances to win in a shorter time period!
Socialization
One of our favourite things about bingo is the chance to interact with other players. Many people love going to bingo halls to meet their friends and catch up on the week’s gossip.
Although online bingo doesn’t involve meeting people face to face, it’s still a great way to interact with others – all from the comfort of your own home.
At Slingo, all our bingo games have a live chat room so you can communicate with other players in real-time, as well as with your bingo host. The chat rooms are always lively and welcoming, and we even play bingo chat games where you can win exclusive freebies and awards!
If you’re new to online bingo, make sure you check out our guide to bingo chat rooms to learn some of the common abbreviations and ‘bingo lingo’ you’ll come across when you play.
Promotions
Another perk of online casinos is that they offer a range of exclusive bonuses and freebies that you won’t find in bingo halls. As we already mentioned, additional prizes can be won in the bingo chat room games, such as free tickets to the next game.
Other bonuses players may be able to take advantage of include sign-up bonuses, deposit bonuses and more, giving you even more chances to win a prize.
At Slingo we also run regular games with huge jackpot prizes, such as Jackpot Room Bingo and Super Heavy Weight Bingo. Make sure you stay updated with the latest Slingo news to find out about our latest promotions and special offers!
Discover Bingo Online at Slingo
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