Tombola vs. Bingo: What’s the Difference?

Contents

What is bingo?

What are the rules of bingo?

Bingo gameplay

What is tombola?

What are the rules of tombola?

Tombola gameplay

The similarities and differences between tombola and bingo

Play tombola and bingo online

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Are there any major differences between tombola vs. bingo? On the surface, these games appear to be quite similar. The latter is popular among various age groups and online players. The former, however, isn’t as well known.

 

Are you curious to discover more about these two games? Keep reading as we delve into the rules, gameplay, and similarities of bingo and tombola.

 

What is bingo?

Bingo is a game of chance that people also call a lottery or a raffle. Playing it is straightforward, and it attracts individuals from all walks of life. It works with cards, counters, and prompts.

 

Players listen for prompts and try to complete the relevant sections on their cards. When they believe they’ve matched it appropriately, they call out BINGO! This phrase signifies they’ve won the game.

 

Bingo is well known and available at many places. Some individuals prefer to play bingo online. Its history isn’t clear, but there’s a consensus it started in Italy. 

 

The game was known as “Lo Giuoco del Lotto d’Italia” and formed part of the country’s national lottery. Back in the 16th century, locals played it weekly. 

 

The gameplay was similar to the 90-ball version of bingo available today. After a while, the game spread across Europe. Countries like Germany and the UK were among the first to play it.

 

It finally made its way to the USA. Locals called it “Beano.” The term “Bingo” occurred by chance when a player called out the wrong word.

 

 

What are the rules of bingo?

The rules of bingo are pretty simple. You don’t need skills in bingo to play this game.

 

Each player has a card or ticket with several blocks. The blocks form part of a grid that has assigned letters and numbers.

 

The numbers on each participant’s card differ. The letters on top of the card typically spell out the word BINGO. Every letter represents a column on the grid.

 

When the prompter says a number and letter, participants must match it to their card. The number called must be in the same column as the letter called. When they correspond, the player can mark off that block on the grid.

 

The player must wait for another letter and number combination if they don’t match. You win when you mark off five numbers in a row, either diagonally, horizontally, or vertically. Some games require a different pattern or number combination to win.

 

Traditionally, players shout the word BINGO! to announce their triumph.

 

Bingo gameplay

You can play bingo in one of two ways: with physical cards or online. Participating in both is similar.

 

First, you purchase your cards, which differ according to the variation you’re playing. The cards can have various amounts of numbers on them. Popular variations include 12,15,16, or 24 numbers.

 

Then, you wait for the host to call out numbers and letters. When these correspond with what’s on the card, you mark them off. The aim is to mark off a complete row before your opponents to win the prize.

 

The host usually draws 75 or 90 numbers to call out. The former is common in the American version of the game. The latter is more popular in Australia and the UK. In standard 75-ball games, the numbers in the columns correspond with specific letters.

 

Most bingo cards have a grid of 5x5 blocks with a blank center slot. When a player completes a row of numerals in the appropriate pattern, they shout BINGO! It signifies they’ve won the session and are eligible for a prize. 

 

What is tombola?

Tombola is somewhat similar to bingo. Many people claim it’s a different version of community bingo or housie. The gameplay follows the same raffle style as bingo. A session typically lasts several rounds. Each of these results in a winner.

 

Tombola, like bingo, originated in Naples as a lottery game. In certain parts of Italy, players use dried beans (fagioli) as markers. For many locals, the tombola game is a holiday tradition.

 

It even forms part of the activities on Christmas. The numbers have a special religious meaning. An example is 25, which marks the birth date of Christ.

 

What are the rules of tombola?

The tombola rules are a little different from bingo. The game typically uses cards with grids and numbers in a 3x9 formation. 

 

The cards have numbers in alternating blocks, similar to the game of checkers. There are blank spaces in between them. Each game typically consists of five rounds.

 

You can win a game of tombola in various ways. You need to be the first person to hit any of these goals in any order: 

 

• Ambo: Complete two numbers in a row.

 

• Terno: Complete three numbers in a row.

 

• Quaderno: Complete four numbers in a row.

 

• Quinto: Complete five numbers in a row. 

 

• Tombola: Complete all the numbers on the card.

 

Achieving any of these objectives earns you a prize. The total pot is split into smaller rewards for each round. The largest prize goes to the player that covers all the numbers on their card.

 

Tombola gameplay

Learning how to play tombola is simple. It’s possible to get multiple rounds and wins in a session. It’s a fun activity for get-togethers and special occasions. Play it for fun or real money. 

 

Each player purchases a card with random numbers scattered across a grid. A host calls out random picks from the group of numbers. Players cross the numbers out on their grid if they have them. 

 

There are different ways to win in tombola by matching specific number sequences. The biggest jackpot goes to the player who crosses off the whole card. The session continues after each small win until someone completes their entire card.

 

The similarities and differences between tombola and bingo

Although there are similarities between tombola and bingo, each game has unique quirks. 

 

Both games originated in Italy and incorporate the use of block-grid cards. They also require a host to call out each number prompt. Another similarity is that winning occurs by marking off corresponding numbers. 

 

There are some differences between the two games. The most obvious distinction is the card’s appearance. A standard bingo card consists of a 5x5 grid of numbers with the word BINGO. A typical tombola card alternates between numbers and empty blocks on a 3x9 grid. 

 

In bingo, the host calls out a letter and corresponding number. A tombola game host only calls out numbers. 

 

Bingo only has one winner per session. A win occurs when a player gets all the numbers in a specific pattern. Tombola has multiple ways to win depending on the specific game rules. The session only ends when a player completes the whole card. 

 

 

Play tombola and bingo online

Even though tombola and bingo date back hundreds of years, they remain popular. The traditional way of playing these games is popular in many countries. One of the trendiest ways to engage in them is to play online. 

 

Who doesn’t want to enjoy their beloved games from the comfort of their home? Desktop users can access their favorite bingo and tombola variants through reputable websites. Mobile players only need a laptop or smartphone with a stable internet connection.

 

Playing online is exciting. There are friendly chat hosts that entertain you between games. They also make the experience more interactive. They keep you up to date about the latest promotions and bonuses.

 

Playing bingo or tombola online is an adventure. There are challenges, promotions, and special games available. Payment options are diverse and secure. Loyal members get regular rewards.

 

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Now that you know the difference between tombola and bingo, you might be tempted to try them. Both games are a fun pastime. They share many similarities, and many people enjoy playing both. Apart from playing them for fun, you can also play for real money rewards.

 

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Our website is licensed, safe, and secure. We host a range of bingo rooms with engaging chat hosts. Join our warm and friendly community to meet like-minded people and engage in topic-directed conversations. 

 

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