If you’re exploring online bingo for the first time and want a low-cost way to begin, penny bingo may be a suitable option.
This guide will explain exactly what penny bingo is, how it works, and what you might expect if you play it on UK-licensed sites. You’ll also find useful information on game formats, ticket pricing, potential prize pools, and how online play compares to traditional bingo halls.
Everything here is designed for beginners, so no previous knowledge is needed. Whether you’re curious about how bingo games operate, or simply want to understand how to play for small amounts, this guide will walk you through it step-by-step. Most importantly, you’ll also learn how to gamble responsibly, with safety features that can help manage your spending.
What Is Penny Bingo?
Penny bingo is a type of online bingo where each ticket costs just one penny (1p). This makes it one of the most affordable ways to take part in bingo games online. You’ll usually find it offered in a 90-ball or 75-ball format, which are the two most common versions of bingo in the UK.
In 90-ball bingo, the game is played with a ticket made up of three rows and nine columns. Numbers range from 1 to 90. Prizes are often awarded for completing one line, two lines, or a full house (all numbers on one ticket). In 75-ball bingo, typically found in some UK rooms and more commonly in North America, players use a 5×5 grid with numbers ranging from 1 to 75. Winning patterns may include specific shapes or full lines.
The key feature of penny bingo is the low cost. A single ticket may cost 1p, but players often have the option to buy several tickets per game, depending on the room’s rules.
How Does Penny Bingo Work?
Penny bingo follows the same rules as standard online bingo games, but with a much lower ticket price. Once you join a bingo room and buy your tickets, the game begins at its scheduled time. You don’t need to manually mark off the numbers—most online platforms use automated software to do that for you.
The game uses a Random Number Generator (RNG) to select and call out numbers. If a number on your ticket is drawn, it’s marked off automatically. You’ll win a prize if your ticket completes a pre-set pattern before anyone else. This could be a single row, multiple lines, or a full house, depending on the game format and room rules.
The size of the potential prize pool varies. It often depends on the number of tickets sold and the specific rules of the room. For example, if 1,000 tickets are sold at 1p each, the total pot would be £10, minus any fees or retained funds from the operator. Each site may have its own approach to distributing these funds—some may offer fixed prizes, while others may adjust based on player numbers.
It’s important to note that all outcomes are random. No system or strategy can predict the numbers that will be drawn. Every ticket has an equal chance based on the numbers it contains. Playing more tickets may offer more opportunities to potentially match patterns, but it doesn’t increase the likelihood that any one ticket will win.
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How To Play Penny Bingo
To start playing penny bingo, you’ll first need to register with an online site that is licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). These platforms are legally required to follow strict standards for fairness, transparency, and player protection.
Once your account is verified, you can add funds using any of the accepted payment methods. Many platforms allow you to set deposit limits, timeouts, or other tools to help manage your gambling activity.
After that, you can select a bingo room offering penny bingo games. Each game will list key details such as ticket cost, game format (e.g. 90-ball), potential prize structure, and when it starts. You can buy as many tickets as the room allows, subject to minimum and maximum limits.
Once the game begins, the software will draw and call numbers at random. You don’t need to do anything manually—your tickets will be updated automatically, and you’ll be notified if you win. Any winnings, if applicable, are usually credited directly to your player account once the game ends.
Game rules and prize breakdowns vary between bingo sites and even between rooms on the same site. It may be useful to review the terms before buying tickets. Some rooms may also feature chat functions or side games, but these are optional.
Best Online Penny Bingo Games
There is no single “best” penny bingo game, as preferences vary depending on what you’re looking for. Some players may prefer large rooms with more participants, while others may choose quieter rooms with smaller potential prize pools and shorter game times.
Many UK bingo sites offer penny bingo games regularly. These may include themed rooms or scheduled sessions throughout the day.
Each room or game can differ in terms of ticket limits, player numbers, potential prize distribution, and available features. Some games may cap the number of tickets per person to keep things fair, while others might allow larger ticket purchases. Reading the paytable and game rules beforehand can help you understand how a particular bingo game works.
Discover The Best Online Penny Bingo Casinos
At Casino Beasts, you can explore a wide range of UK-licensed online casinos, many of which offer penny bingo games in their collection. Each casino is different, with its own set of games, promotions, and bingo rooms.
To find your preferred options, view the casino lists available on Casino Beasts. Before signing up, you may want to look through each casino’s game library and check for any penny bingo rooms, as availability can change.
Game types, ticket prices, and potential prize pools may differ from one site to the next. Reading the rules and paytable is a simple way to see if a casino matches what you are seeking. All results are based on random draws. Play responsibly and within your budget.
