Bingo is largely a game of chance, but the same can be said about poker, billiards, and even chess to some extent. That doesn’t stop players from coming up with strategies to increase their odds of winning. If you’re exploring different ways to enjoy this game, you’ll also come across variations like bingo slots online, which mix slot-style features with traditional bingo for extra excitement.
If you’re planning to play online bingo against other players for real money, you need to learn how to win by relying on statistically sound tactics. This article covers two well-known bingo strategies that can put the odds in your favor.
We’ll also share a few tips on how to prepare for games and manage your expectations. Bingo is a great pastime with the bonus chance of winning money, but you won’t become a bingo master overnight.
The Best Bingo Strategies
The goal in bingo is straightforward: mark numbers according to specific patterns on bingo cards. Having more valuable patterns than your opponents allows you to win the round.
Before diving into strategies, it’s important to understand the most common bingo patterns and know which ones apply in your online bingo game. There are many variations, but here are the main ones.
Basic Bingo Patterns:
- One line
- Two lines
- Full House (also called Blackout)
- Four corners
More Complex Patterns:
- Letter X
- Pyramid
- Outer edge
- Arrow
This list is not exhaustive. Depending on the game, not all patterns will score points. Online bingo games may also feature unique patterns inspired by slots or card games.
Many online bingo tournaments add boosts or bonuses that bring extra strategy into play. The winning tactics depend on what that specific game offers, but generally, they help you collect more patterns.
Instead of covering every variation, let’s focus on bingo in general. Understanding the two strategies below will improve your performance across most online bingo games.
The Granville Method
The Granville method is also used in stock trading as a way to predict price movements. Created by financial analyst J. Granville, it focuses on balancing different types of numbers across your bingo cards.
The idea is simple: the more evenly distributed your numbers are, the better your chances of hitting winning patterns.
For a standard 75-ball American bingo, distribution can be checked across these categories:
- High vs. low numbers: Aim for an even split above and below 37.
- Odd vs. even numbers: Ideally, have a balanced mix of both.
- Final digits: Try to spread out the ending digits (0–9) as evenly as possible.
This works because in theory, all bingo numbers have the same probability of being called.
Even though online bingo apps sometimes add mechanics that change probabilities—such as color bonuses or number-swapping features—the main Granville principle still applies: strive for cards with balanced, evenly spread numbers.
The Tippett Method
Another popular winning approach was developed by British statistician L. Tippett. This method relies on the concept of the normal distribution.
In a truly random 75-ball bingo game, numbers tend to cluster around the median, which is 38.
The trick lies in game length:
- In longer games, numbers closer to 38 are more likely to appear.
- In shorter games, numbers at the extremes (1 and 75) are more likely to show up.
So, according to Tippett:
- For long games, choose cards with numbers closer to 38.
- For short games, pick cards with more numbers near 1 and 75.
As with Granville, online features may change things, but Tippett’s insight is valuable when choosing games or cards.
5 Tips for Winning at Online Bingo
Using a strategy will improve your chances statistically, but you also need the right mindset, timing, and platforms. Think of these as “meta-strategies” for real-money bingo.
1. Choose the Right Bingo Site
There are dozens of great bingo apps that pay real money. Each has different rules, buy-ins, payout thresholds, and player bases. Jumping straight into high-stakes tournaments is risky.
A smarter move is to test free games first across different apps. Learn the rules and practice implementing strategies. The best bingo sites aren’t always those with the biggest jackpots—sometimes smaller games give you better winning odds.
2. Practice Regularly
Not all sessions need to yield huge profits. Experienced players hone skills in mini-groups to optimize strategy. Only steady play will see you improve.
And keep in mind—bingo is supposed to be entertaining. If making money online is all you're after, there are less demanding ways.
3. Play during Off-Peak Times
You might be brilliant, but when you always compete with stronger players, chances are you'll end up losing. Online bingo is competitive, with the likes of apps attempting to balance out matchups, but timing still comes into play.
Off-peak playing means less but often weaker competition, so there's less competition for an edge.
4. Purchase Multiple Cards
Mathematically, the more cards mean statistically larger chances to win by covering up for larger number combinations.
However, certain platforms will demand larger stakes for additional cards, so balance the books thoughtfully. Small casual games are better with numerous cards; high-risk tourney games risk less.
5. Be Aware of Limits
Your limit is three or four, but five or six will get you all over the place. In online bingo apps, mistakes will incur hefty penalties so steer clear.
Determine limits for both personally and finances. If this is but an extracurricular activity with bingo, maintain the buy-in conservative with the outlook similarly balanced.
End
There's no surefire recipe for winning all the bingo games. With trial-and-error, the best strategy for you will unfold. Granville- with Tippett strategies combined with steady practice and wise decisions provide the solid ground.
It's time to play—and possibly hit the jackpot in South Africa's online bingo market.