What is 80 ball bingo?

80-ball Bingo is a Bingo variation that sees 10 fewer balls in play than the most-popular version in the UK, 90-ball Bingo. In this guide, we’ll share everything you need to know to get up and running and enjoy this exciting take on the more traditional game.

Introduction to 80-ball Bingo

In the 80-ball Bingo variant, cards are split up into even 4×4 grids, leaving one empty square in the centre of the card. As the name suggests, there are 80 numbers used in the game, and each group of 20 is then allocated its own colour. For example, balls 21-40 may be yellow, 41-60 blue and so on.

These colour groups make it easier for players to spot when their number has been called and to mark it off. To add to the fun, players can also win in more ways than with the traditional 90-ball Bingo.

80-ball Bingo history

80-ball Bingo grew in popularity during the ‘Bingo explosion’, where it was known as ‘shutterboard Bingo’, owing to the fact that the caller or caller’s assistant would place a ‘window shutter’ (a small wooden flap) over the number that was called out. Nowadays, in online bingo, all of that is done by some smart software, leaving the player to focus on their game.

How to play 80-ball Bingo

When playing online Bingo with William Hill, you’ll be able to jump into the next available game straight away. With multiple games happening at once, you can deposit your funds, then join the next available virtual Bingo hall. The longest you’ll wait is a minute or two if a game has just started. You can find all the key information, such as the number of players, potential pay-out and the winning pattern needed, in the ‘info’ bar.

One of the key differences between 80-ball Bingo and other variations is that in 80-ball Bingo the caller will read out the colour prior to the number. So, in this game, you won’t hear the traditional bingo calls (two little ducks etc), but ‘blue 21’ or ‘yellow 30’. This is easier if you struggle keep up with the Bingo lingo!

Each number called appears at the top of the screen, and if a matching number appears on your card you will need to ‘daub’, ‘dib’, ‘dob’ or whichever terminology you use to mark off the number. This will be done automatically when you play online, but you can switch over to manual daubing if you prefer.

If you’re worried about missing a number or marking the wrong one, a winning card is a winning card with William Hill online Bingo, and you are guaranteed a pay-out with a winning card. So, focus on the fun and we’ll take care of the rest!

One of the most-important things to remember with 80-ball Bingo is that the rules can vary dramatically from site to site, with some offering multiple chances to win in each game, and others only looking for one specific pattern. All information about games at William Hill are shared in the information bar which you can view at any time.

80-ball Bingo rules

Most of the time, there are four ways to win 80-ball Bingo. The winning pattern will be announced prior to the start of each game, and you can see all rules and combinations in the info panel. The lines can be horizontal, vertical, or diagonal, and with 80-ball Bingo, there is even a ‘four corners’ variant.

Line

The first way to win is to be the first player to complete a (four number) line in any direction.

Full house

The second way to win is with a full house, which is the first player to mark off all 16 numbers on their card, which pays out the most prize money.

Two lines

The third way to win is with two lines, which, as the name suggests, is when a player marks off two complete lines of numbers in any direction.

Four corners

The fourth and final way to win is with ‘four corners’, which is again what it says on the tin – mark all four corners for a prize.

Depending on the site you use, and the pattern announced before the game, a ‘square’ of four numbers in the middle will also pay out, so check the rules in the info card.

Remember, with online Bingo at William Hill, if you have a winning pattern, the software flags this automatically and you’ll receive your payout – so don’t worry if you miss or don’t see the pattern yourself!

Find out all you need to know about Bingo calls and funny Bingo nicknames.

Key differences between 80-ball Bingo and traditional Bingo games

• There are only 80 balls as opposed to 90
• You can win a prize for completing four corners of your gamecard
• Some rule variations also allow you to win by completing the four central numbers
• The balls are grouped by colour, and the caller will call the colour first

80-ball Bingo game card layout

Cards are split up into 4×4 grids which are filled with numbers, including the centre squares, leaving you with 16 numbers per ticket.

Columns are divided into four colours. The columns are usually coloured;

• 1-20 – Red
• 21-40 – Yellow
• 41-60 – Blue
• 61-80 – White

The price of the card is visible in the bottom left of your card.

Fancy a fun night in, or prefer to mark your numbers with a real dauber? Make your own bingo cards with William Hill’s free online Bingo Card Generator.

Tips for playing 80-ball Bingo

Although playing 80-ball bingo online uses random generation, there are some tips and general strategies you can use to get the most out of your game.

Pick your own cards

Selecting your own card with an even distribution of high and low numbers maximises your chances of winning compared to using the card that the computer randomly selects for you.

Select different numbers

When it comes to 80-ball Bingo, the more random your numbers, the greater your chance of a payout. Therefore, it makes sense to select Bingo cards with greater variation compared to your other cards.

Look out for offers

From time-to-time William Hill will offer special prizes for players. Another offer may involve taking part in any other promotional activities at the time, which will also boost your chances of winning with any free bets you are given.

Have fun

Playing Bingo is all about having a blast and not worrying if your numbers don’t come in. If you find the game stops being fun, or you’re playing to try and win money back or because you feel like you need to play, then reach out to find support. Be Gamble Aware is an independent service designed to help those who feel like their gambling is becoming too much.

Play 80-ball Bingo with William Hill

At William Hill, we’ve got plenty of Bingo action for all types of player. Whether you’re 90-ball traditionalist, or you fancy giving the faster-paced 75-ball and 80-ball bingo games a try, you can sign up (look out for bonuses), deposit, and you’re straight into our exciting online Bingo games.