Bingo has grown explosively throughout the world has fostered a number of variations in the type and style of how the game is played (see bingo essentials). The game is played in small halls, big halls, in upscale lounges and downtown bars. Most importantly, bingo is played online! Bingo is now embraced by millions of people from around the world, from all age groups and social brackets. Bingo is such a social game that it brings people together.
In North America, bingo is played predominantly in bingo halls that have local affiliations to churches, schools and fundraising causes. These games are usually played in the 75 Ball Bingo format, and typically involve a dedicated Bingo Caller to direct the course of the game. As Bingo's popularity has grown, many bingo halls in Canada and the United States have introduced new technological features such as satellite bingo, which can link many networked bingo halls together in order to increase pot and payout size.
In other parts of the world, cultural differences, name changes and card layout alterations have taken place. In the United Kingdom and much of Europe, the game of bingo has maintained its roots, but has reconstructed the bingo card into a 90 ball bingo format. In this style of the game there is are 3 rows of numbers per ticket and some particularly fun ball calling names. In Australia, New Zealand, and parts of India, a game similar to bingo is played that is known as "Housie". Players match numbers on a their tickets with the ones called by a dedicated Bingo Caller.
Related:
History of Bingo
Origins of Bingo
Bingo Trivia
Contemporary Bingo
Bingo Fundraising