Online vs Offline Bingo: The Differences & Similarities

Bingo is one of the most popular pastimes on the planet and over the last few years it has seen a significant increase in players, largely thanks to the rise of online gambling sites like 777.

It’s helped a new generation of player begin to love the game, but it is still a game that is semi-split between offline and online players.

On the one hand, players in brick-and-mortar bingo halls refuse point blank to sit at home on their phones and play mobile bingo, while online players can often feel too intimidated to walk down to their local bingo hall.

But why? Aren’t the games exactly the same?

Well, yes and no. In principle the games themselves are exactly the same, aside from odd variation like sling bingo which you won’t find offline. 90-ball bingo plays out exactly the same. But at the same time they are different. That’s why we’ve put together this handy guide to help you understand the key differences and similarities between online and offline bingo…

Gameplay

As stated, the way you play bingo is absolutely the same, when it comes to the rules anyway. The player to complete their bingo card first wins. There’s no confusion in that.

However, what you will find is differences when it comes to participation.

In offline gaming players are required to mark their bingo cards themselves, in online it is done automatically. That’s a blessing or a curse depending on how you look at it.

For new players that are moving from online to offline, there may be teething issues with trying to keep up but at the same time will feel more involved with the game. For players that are moving from offline to online, then you may feel less involved but at the same time it allows you to be more casual and not have to concentrate as hard as you would in a bingo hall.

As well as this you’ll also find online games play out much quicker than offline as there’s no need for players to mark off their card and typically a game can last as little as five minutes.

The Community

There are lively and lovely communities in both online and offline bingo and you can make some great friends in both.

The chat functions in online bingo are great places to discuss what’s going on with your day or what is happening in the world and they are always friendly places.

In bingo halls you do have to enter with a little more caution as there are unwritten rules around bingo etiquette. For instance, you shouldn’t talk to a friend or neighbour while a game is going on, save that for the break.

Additionally, you may encounter a bit of trouble based on where you sit. Regulars at bingo halls sometimes like to have “lucky” or preferred seats, so they may ask politely if you can move to a different chair.

They are things that are easy to navigate though and once you’ve found your feet, people are a friendly bunch at breaks and you can make friends face-to-face, which naturally you can’t with online play.

Cost of Play

Games can vary on how much they cost to play from site to site and game to game, with jackpots usually adjusted alongside that.

What you will find is online games can be much cheaper, with some games available to play from as little as a penny. That’s a bit trickier for offline bingos. Ultimately, games last longer, they require staffing and bingo halls need to pay rent, bills and so on.

That said, you will still find relatively cheap games available to buy in to at your local bingo hall, and you do get more bang for your buck with an evening’s entertainment.