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FEBRUARY 2025

Play Bingo Online - Give it a Go with BETO

Kiwi bingo basics: Cards and prizes explained


BETO's Kiwi Guide to Online Bingo in 2025

Kiwi bingo basics: Cards and prizes explained

Written by: Jasmin Williams | The review was last updated: 03 July 2024 | Fact-check by: Kim Birch

CERTIFIED EXPERT CERTIFIED EXPERT
Jasmin Williams, Chief Content Officer at BETO Pokies™, has been in the English casino industry for over ten years and is a recognized expert in pokies and casino games. About Jasmin Williams

At BETO Pokie, we've got you covered with everything you need to know about online bingo and reviews of top casinos offering these games. Our comprehensive guide breaks down different bingo variants, keeps you up to speed with the latest news, and highlights the best bonus offers going.

This fresh, no-nonsense guide is packed with all the info you need about online bingo and the casinos that host these popular games.

Ever heard of 'Happy Hour' or 'Old Ole' in bingo? No worries if you haven't - these are just some of the quirky terms you'll come across. If you're new to the vibrant world of online bingo, you're in the right spot.

BETO Pokie is here to walk you through the ins and outs of bingo, including all those odd phrases that have become part of the bingo scene.
Think bingo's a modern game? You might be surprised to learn it dates back to the 16th century.

Back then, it was called 'beano', with players marking numbers on cards against those drawn from a sack. Sound familiar?

While technology's come a long way and changed how we play, the core rules and principles of our beloved bingo have stayed pretty much the same since day dot.

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Kiwis Love Online Bingo: Not Just for Nanas Anymore!

Gone are the days when you had to trek to a bingo hall to learn the ropes or try your luck at the big games. While traditional halls still exist, they've been largely overshadowed by online pokies, with a whopping 85% of bingo enthusiasts now opting to play from the comfort of their own homes.

If you're keen to give online bingo a go, whether you're a complete newbie or a seasoned player, there are a few things worth knowing. With heaps of bingo sites out there, each offering different variants, themes, and jackpots, it can be a bit overwhelming at first.

For those new to online gaming and wanting to learn the basics, keep reading our straightforward bingo guide. If you're ready to dive in, have a look at our reviews of casinos offering bingo. You'll find the perfect spot to suit your style, complete with plenty of bonus offers to boot.

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Kiwi Online Bingo: Just Like the Classic Game

Bingo's a classic game where punters get a 5 × 5 card with numbers and letters. Most cards go up to 90, sometimes called Old Ole in Kiwi bingo halls.

The word "BINGO" sits at the top, with each square holding a unique number. When a number and letter are called, players mark their card if they've got it. You can play with multiple cards to boost your chances.

Score five marks in a row - any direction - and you've got yourself a win. Just yell "BINGO" and you're sorted.

While no two cards are identical, it's possible for multiple players to win at once. And here's a bit of news for you - you can actually play Bingo online for real money these days.

Most Kiwis still reckon Bingo's just for community halls and fundraisers, but it's come a long way since then.

Play online housie. learn how to play housie.

Play online housie. learn how to play housie.

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The swift guide to playing Housie

Let's dive into the basics of online bingo, comparing it to the traditional hall experience. We'll help you find your ideal online bingo spot.

Our guide covers:

  • Bingo for newbies
  • Online casino bingo rules
  • Online bingo strategies
  • Top picks for online bingo sites

Bingo's widespread appeal across ages and countries stems from its dead simple rules. Basically, you just listen for called numbers and mark them off your card if you've got them.

That's bingo in a nutshell, but different online variants can tweak things a bit. It's always smart to skim the rules before trying a new game type.

Kiwi bingo fun: Play online for big wins in bingo!

Kiwi bingo fun: Play online for big wins in bingo!

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Keen to play online Bingo in NZ?

Playing online bingo is pretty straightforward, and once you get the hang of it, it can be a real blast - not to mention potentially lucrative! To start, you simply buy one or more bingo cards. It's an easy process done online by choosing how many cards (or plates) you want to play with.

You can let the game pick your cards for you, or at some online casinos, you can select each card individually by clicking on the ones you fancy from the available options. If you're not keen on the cards offered, there's usually a refresh button to get new ones.

Once you've got your cards sorted, the game kicks off and numbers start being called. You can either mark off the numbers yourself by clicking on them, or use the auto-play feature in the game settings to have the software do it for you.

While the auto feature ensures no mistakes are made, most punters prefer to play manually - it's part of the fun and can be quite relaxing. So grab a cuppa, settle in, and enjoy a game of online bingo!

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Bingo sheets for online play: Tips to mark your game cards

At your local bingo hall, you'd typically use a coloured ink dabber to mark off numbers. Back in the day, punters even used beans or plastic chips to cover their cards.

Online bingo's made things a bit easier. Now you just click the numbers on your virtual card with your mouse, and a coloured square pops up to mark it off. Simple as.

Some online bingo sites let you pick your own colours, while others keep it basic. A few even offer different shapes - so instead of boring old squares, you might be able to use hearts or stars to mark your numbers. Adds a bit of fun to the game, eh?

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Scoring Patterns in Kiwi Online Bingo

Kiwi punters are spoilt for choice when it comes to winning combos in online bingo. There's heaps more than you'd find at the local betting shop, thanks to all the different casino game variations. But if you played bingo back in primary school, you'll probably remember the classic winning pattern...

The straight-line combo. You know the one - where you score a win by marking off five numbers in a row. It's all about filling in a whole horizontal line on your bingo card.

Online casino bingo comes in a few different flavours. The main differences are how many numbers are on each card and which numbers can be called out.

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Rules of 90-ball Housie explained

This variant of Bingo is a hit at top-notch casinos. Each bingo board sports 15 numbers, laid out in a 9 by 3 grid. Many popular bingo sites dub this the "90 ball bingo". Your game card features a 3-row, 9-column setup.

On your bingo board, you'll find 15 numbers total. The first column houses numbers 1-10, the second 11-20, and so on, with the last column holding 81-90.

During play, numbers from 1-90 can be called by the host or the casino's software. This version of Bingo offers three chances to win, keeping punters on their toes throughout the game.

90 ball bingo games

90 ball bingo games

Single line win
  • Punters aim to cover a full horizontal line on their card.
Two-line combo
  • Players shoot for two horizontal lines. These can be on different cards, but must be on the same board.
Full house
  • You score a win in online bingo by covering all three lines on one board.

The goal is to mark off all numbers on your bingo card. Full house often comes with the biggest payouts or jackpots in online bingo.

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75 Ball Bingo: Kiwi Game Guide

Similar to 90-ball bingo, players in 75-ball bingo mark off numbers on their cards. Each card has a 5x5 grid, with the letters B-I-N-G-O across the top. The columns correspond to specific number ranges - 'B' for 1-15, 'I' for 16-30, and so on.

There's a free space smack in the middle of the card, which counts as already marked. It's a bit of a head start for punters looking to complete their winning pattern.
 

75 ball bingo games. Kiwi bingo action.

75 ball bingo games. Kiwi bingo action.

In 75-ball bingo, you've got a few ways to win, including line wins like in the 90-ball version.

Full House in 75-ball bingo
  • Punters aim to cover all 24 numbers on their card.
Line combos in this bingo variant
  • You can win by covering a full horizontal, vertical or diagonal line.
Special pattern combos

Pattern bingo's a popular twist in 75-ball games. The game host announces a pattern at the start, and players try to cover their numbers to match it. There's heaps of different patterns, from crosses to diamonds.

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Arcade or Online Bingo: Which to Pick?

Whether you're playing online pokies or heading to your local bingo hall, the game's core remains the same. However, online casino games often feature a wider variety of winning patterns. At the start of each round, you'll see the winning pattern displayed, and it's a race to match it on your card before anyone else does.

If multiple players hit Bingo at once, the prize is split between them.

In a physical bingo hall, you'll spot a big clear plastic bowl filled with numbered balls from 1 to 90.

🥇 BINGO BINGO 🥇

At a land-based venue, numbers are drawn one by one and called out over the speakers. Players mark off their cards until someone yells out 'Bingo!' Online, it's much the same, but with a digital twist.

Some bingo halls offer electronic units like the popular 'Traveler'. With these, you only need to input each number once, and the machine fills in all your cards. Online, it's even easier - the auto-bingo feature marks your numbers for you.

While offline and online bingo share many similarities, the online version lets you enjoy a game from the comfort of your couch after a long day at work or uni.

Plus, many online casinos offer promotions where you can play for real money without risking your own cash - a great way for Kiwi punters to get in on the action.

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Top Bingo community in Aotearoa online

Sure, we head to the bingo hall hoping to score big, but let's be honest, it's also about the social side. Many of us have a mate we catch up with every week for a game, while others use it as a chance to meet new people.

Online bingo's not much different. It's got chat rooms where punters from all over can natter away. There's a real sense of community in these online spaces, just like you'd find at your local.

Online bingo's got that mix of fun and friendly competition, with plenty of banter between the big tournaments. You'll find this especially on the larger gambling sites.

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Kiwi Bingo Chat - Fun and Friendly Yarns!

Online bingo chat adds a fun twist that you won't find at your local hall. Most online bingo sites run chat games alongside the main action. Players keep an eye out for specific numbers or patterns, then type a set message in the chat to win 'bingo bucks' or whatever the site calls them. It's a clever way to keep things lively between calls.

These bonus points aren't just for show - you can swap them for free cards or special casino deals. It's a nice little extra that keeps punters coming back for more.

Kiwi player

Kiwi player's guide to bingo at BETO

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Kiwi guide to getting into Bingo

Before diving into the fun world of online bingo, it's crucial to pick the right casino. With heaps of options out there, don't just go for the first one you see.

We've put in the hard yards reviewing casinos, so check out our write-ups to find the best bingo spots online.

Here at BETO.com, we've done our best to verify the integrity of bingo casinos, focusing on those offering top value to punters and ensuring quick, hassle-free payouts. Key things to consider when choosing where to play online bingo:

License and regulation

This is dead important when it comes to online bingo. In some countries, all online gambling is tightly regulated, which is good news for you as a player – it means you're using a legit, regulated casino.

Gaming authorities aim to ensure online gambling outfits play fair and follow the rules. Every bingo website has to apply for a casino license.

Getting licensed isn't a walk in the park. Each site must prove they're up to scratch. Bingo platforms need top-notch security, solid customer protection, and enough dosh in the bank to always pay out winnings.

Long story short: always make sure any bingo casino you sign up with has a proper gaming license. It's your safety net and ensures the casino sticks to what they're advertising.

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Check out the payment methods at your local pokie site

Most bingo sites offer heaps of payment options. It's worth thinking about what suits you best for putting money in and taking it out.

If you've got a specific way you like to handle your cash, make sure the online casino you choose is on board with that. You'll usually find options like debit cards, e-wallets, and good old bank transfers. Check out the casino's website - they'll have a section on deposits and withdrawals that spells it all out.

Here on BETO.com and in all our casino write-ups, we give you a straightforward rundown so you can find a legit casino that ticks all your boxes.

It's also smart to suss out any fees you might cop when you're moving money around. Sometimes it depends on how you choose to pay, so keep an eye out for that.

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Kiwi bingo networks and player turnout

Heaps of new punters don't bother checking how busy the bingo sites are. It's crucial to suss this out because if there aren't many players, the prizes will be pretty average.

On the flip side, if a site's bustling, the bingo winnings can be way better. This is what we call a bingo network, where several casinos are linked up.

Having loads of gaming platforms connected means you're not just playing with more people, but the jackpots and payouts can be massive.

That's because you've got heaps of people playing Bingo across different countries. So while there's more competition, you could potentially win some serious dosh.

You can easily check all this info in our casino reviews. It's worth having a look before you commit, so you don't end up on a site that's a bit naff. Some punters sign up, chuck some money in, and then realise the site's not up to scratch, which is a real buzzkill.

Use the tools we've got here at BETO to make sure everything's sweet before you put your money on the line.

Play online bingo and win the mega prize pool.

Play online bingo and win the mega prize pool.

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Kiwi support and assistance for your bingo games

Before you dive into playing at an online bingo site, it's worth checking out their support options. While most platforms these days offer round-the-clock live chat, you might find the support's a bit lacking or not in English.

Ideally, you want a bingo site that offers email, phone, and live chat support. Here at BETO Pokie, we regularly put these casinos through their paces with surprise tests. It's all part of our thorough reviews.

We're big on quality and transparency when it comes to the online casinos we review and feature on our website. We reckon Kiwi punters deserve nothing less.

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Pokie Promos and Sign-Up Rewards for Bingo

Online bingo sites can be pretty different from each other, and so can their bonuses and promos. That's why it's a good idea to keep tabs on which platforms are dishing out the best welcome deals and offers.

These bingo bonuses often come as free cards, tournament entries, free spins on pokies, or deposit match-ups. Before you get too excited about these flash welcome bonuses, make sure they're actually available and check what the minimum deposit is to nab the bingo offers. It's always worth doing your homework before signing up.

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Check if the pokie site has Bingo for your mobile

Heaps of online casinos now offer mobile bingo. Most have their own app you can download for free on your iPhone or Android. Some bingo sites even let you play straight from your mobile browser without mucking around with downloads.

When you're checking out a new site, make sure it's easy to use on your phone. The mobile version should be just as good as playing on your computer - no one wants a clunky game when they're trying to have a bit of fun.

Kiwi bingo site reviews online.

Kiwi bingo site reviews online.

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BETO's Bingo Lowdown - Common Kiwi Queries

Got questions about bingo? Here are some of the most common ones we hear from Kiwi punters.

Is playing Bingo legal in New Zealand? Arrow Arrow

Not illegal, mate. Online Bingo's a popular pastime in most countries, and there's nothing dodgy about this fun game. Even Bingo for real dosh is totally above board.

Can you play bingo online in NZ? Arrow Arrow

Kiwis can legally play online bingo for real cash and prizes.

Kiwi guide to bingo basics Arrow Arrow

Kiwi bingo caller draws numbers. Match enough on your card to win prizes or real cash.

What's the price of a Bingo card here? Arrow Arrow

Bingo prices online can vary heaps, from a few cents per card to several dollars or more depending on the site.