Commonwealth vs American Bingo

There’s no doubt that the game of bingo is popular all over the world, and though there are many similarities, there are several important differences between Commonwealth and American bingo. Here, we’ll take a look at the differences between the two games.

How Many Bingo Balls Are There?

Bingo is fun and exciting, no matter how you look at it – and no matter where you play it. But odds are very good that if you’re playing bingo in the United States or Canada, you’ll be playing a game with 75 bingo balls. If you’re playing anywhere in the Commonwealth, you’ll most likely be playing with 90 balls. Thanks to online bingo, both forms of the game are often readily available.

Similar Origins but a Different Outcome

Both Commonwealth and American bingo have interesting histories. The traditional game of 90-ball bingo played throughout the Commonwealth and Europe began with an early 16^th century lottery game where players picked their own lucky numbers. By the 18^th century, cards with pre-printed numbers were appearing. During the 19^th century, the game was further refined, and in 1880 or so, a modern 90-ball game became popular in Germany. Though it wasn’t called Bingo yet, the game was almost identical to today’s Commonwealth bingo.

In the United States, European lottery-style games including bingo’s predecessor, were very popular.  By the early 20^th century, a game called beano, which was almost identical to modern American bingo, was popular at carnivals. These carnival games had 75 balls or tokens to represent numbers, and players had square cards with pre-printed numbers on them.

Commonwealth and American Bingo Offer Fun and Rewards

When it comes to Commonwealth vs. American bingo, there are more similarities than there are differences. You can play both types online, along with other variants including 80-ball bingo, and jackpots and themed games are available. Interesting bingo patterns can be used in both games, and winners either shout “Bingo!” at live bingo venues or click the “Bingo” button in online bingo game rooms. Bingo is fun for all, with opportunities either to socialize or keep to oneself, and in most cases, you can play with multiple bingo cards to increase your odds of winning that big bingo jackpot.

In the past, one important difference between Commonwealth and American bingo was the availability of live bingo halls and other bingo venues. Bingo halls were predominant throughout the Commonwealth, while people living in North America were mainly relegated to firehouses and church basements, where charity bingo tournaments were held. Today, Native American casinos often offer live bingo games on a regular basis, and there are some small local bingo hall. Firehouses, churches, and schools continue to hold charity bingo games, but for those who wish to win large prizes, there are more opportunities to do so at live bingo venues.

Whether you play online bingo or head to a local bingo hall, fun, excitement, and the opportunity to win great prizes and jackpots can be yours. Play more often to increase your odds of winning!