Bingo is played with 75 numbered balls, cards of 5 rows × 5 columns (25 squares including a FREE center), and the letters B-I-N-G-O at the head of each column. The first player to complete a pattern (line, column, diagonal or full house) shouts “BINGO!” and wins the prize. Here's how to play in 5 steps.
Each card is a grid of 5 columns × 5 rows = 25 squares. Columns are labeled with the letters B-I-N-G-O, each covering a range of numbers:
FREE center square (square N3, meaning row 3 column N): it is automatically marked — a wild. So 24 numbers + 1 wild per card. Every card is unique: no two players share the exact same combination of numbers.
Bingo accepts 4 main patterns. Announce the rule before each game to avoid disputes:
5 numbers in a row. The fastest pattern.
5 numbers in a column. Note: column N has 4 numbers + FREE.
5 squares on a diagonal (4 numbers + FREE center). 2 diagonals possible.
All 24 numbers marked. The main prize of the game, longer to reach.
Variants: some games use special patterns — T, U, X, cross, frame, BINGO letters. The caller announces the pattern at the start of each game.
Several variants of classic bingo exist:
BingoShow handles all 4 formats natively — you choose when creating the session.
Bingo is a collective game of chance of American origin, derived from the Italian loto. The classic format uses 75 numbered balls (1 to 75) and cards of 25 squares organized in a 5×5 grid, with the letters B-I-N-G-O heading each column. Players mark off the numbers drawn at random. The first to complete a winning pattern (line, column, diagonal or full house) shouts “BINGO!” and wins the prize.
Bingo is the American format (75 balls, 5×5 cards, diagonals valid). Loto is the traditional French format (90 balls, 3×9 cards, horizontal lines only). The win conditions differ too: bingo is played in a single round, loto in three (line, double line, full house). See our detailed comparison.
5 columns × 5 rows = 25 squares. Letter B heads column 1 (numbers 1-15), I column 2 (16-30), N column 3 (31-45), G column 4 (46-60), O column 5 (61-75). The center square (N3) is FREE — automatically marked. So 24 numbers + 1 wild square per card.
The 4 classic patterns: (1) Horizontal line (5 numbers on a row), (2) Vertical column (5 numbers on a column), (3) Diagonal (2 possible diagonals through the FREE square), (4) Full house (all 24 numbers). Variants exist: T, U, X patterns, or letter shapes. Announce the rules before the start.
Three methods: (1) Traditional cage with numbered balls — the caller draws by hand, announces “B-7” or “O-65” etc., (2) Automatic computer draw — random algorithm, faster, screen display. BingoShow offers both modes. See our automatic draw page.
As soon as you complete a winning pattern (line, column, diagonal or full house according to the announced rules), shout “BINGO!” out loud. The caller stops the draw and verifies your card (you read out the numbers, the caller checks they were drawn). If correct → you win the prize. If wrong → the draw resumes.
Minimum 2 players (but not very fun with 2). Ideal: 10-50 players for family or seminar entertainment. For charity or parish events: 100-500 players. No upper limit — BingoShow handles up to 500 cards per session on the Pro plan, unlimited on Premium.
A classic round (until the first BINGO on a pattern): 5-10 minutes. If the round runs all the way to full house: 15-25 minutes. A bingo evening strings together 3-8 rounds with different patterns and prizes. Faster than French loto (which takes 12-20 min per round with its 3 stages).
Yes, under the same conditions as the loto associatif (Article L322-3 of the Code de la Sécurité Intérieure): organized by a nonprofit, restricted circle, prizes not redeemable in cash, modest entry fee. Mandatory town hall declaration 1 month in advance. See our authorization guide.
BingoShow generates the cards and handles the draw. All you have to do is shout BINGO!
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