14 of the best games like bingo

The thrill of shouting "Bingo!" is unparalleled. But sometimes, a little shake-up can breathe new life into our gaming nights. If you've been seeking alternatives to traditional bingo or fresh twists on the classic, our list has got you covered. From games that mirror the essence of bingo to innovative adaptations, let's dive in!

1. Keno

Keno is like the solitary cousin of bingo, bringing together the best of bingo and lottery. Players get the freedom to select their favorite numbers from a board. As the numbers are drawn, the excitement builds up, echoing the familiar anticipation we love in bingo.

How to Play:

1. Players choose between 1 and 10 numbers from a board of 80.
2. A machine or software draws 20 numbers at random.
3. Payouts are determined based on how many of the player's chosen numbers match the drawn numbers.

2. Lotto

Lotto is the granddaddy of games of chance. It retains the essence of bingo but combines it with the luck-based draw of a lottery. Each draw is an exciting event, with participants eagerly waiting to see if fortune favors them.

How to Play:

1. Purchase a ticket showcasing a set of numbers.
2. Numbers are drawn randomly during a scheduled event.
3. Match the drawn numbers with those on your ticket to claim various prizes.

3. Music Bingo

For audiophiles, Music Bingo is a melodious retreat. Swapping out numbers for song titles or artists, it redefines bingo for music lovers. As beats drop and rhythms play, players reminisce and hope to recognize tunes from their card.

How to Play:

1. Players get a card with various song titles or artist names.
2. A DJ or software plays snippets of songs randomly.
3. Recognize the tune and mark it off your card. Secure a line of recognized songs and win!

Learn more about music bingo in our guide.

4. Slingo

Imagine bingo and slot machines had a child. That's Slingo for you! It’s an enticing blend of spinning reels and marking off numbers, making each spin a thrilling experience.

How to Play:

1. Start with a 5x5 bingo card and a set of slot reels below.
2. Spin the reels to reveal numbers or special symbols.
3. Match the numbers with those on your card. Achieve lines or specific patterns for varying rewards.

5. Educational Bingo

Who said learning can't be fun? Educational Bingo morphs teaching and entertainment, making learning sessions engaging. Whether it's math problems or historical facts, this variant brings knowledge to the gaming table.

How to Play:

1. Cards are filled with questions, answers, or educational concepts.
2. A caller announces answers or hints.
3. Players mark the corresponding question or concept on their card. Match rows, columns, or diagonals to win.

6. Tambola (Also Known As Housie)

Tambola is a social game, much like the community essence of bingo. It's all about buying tickets, matching numbers, and cheering for oneself or friends as they approach a win.

How to Play:

1. Players purchase tickets featuring rows of numbers.
2. A caller draws and announces numbers randomly.
3. Players mark off the called numbers on their ticket. Different winning patterns like lines or full houses determine winners.

7. Buzzword Bingo

Office meetings can be, well, yawn-worthy. Enter Buzzword Bingo. Armed with cards filled with typical office jargon, players secretly mark off words as they're uttered, turning mundane meetings into undercover fun.

How to Play:

1. Every participant gets a card loaded with popular office buzzwords.
2. Listen keenly during meetings.
3. When a buzzword from your card is mentioned, discreetly mark it. Get a line and enjoy a silent victory.

8. Pokeno

Pokeno is where the strategy of poker meets the simplicity of bingo. Players juggle between forming poker hands and marking off their cards, ensuring every game is packed with decisions and excitement.

How to Play:

1. Players aim to form poker hands on their Pokeno cards.
2. A dealer draws playing cards from a standard deck and announces them.
3. Players cover the drawn card's equivalent on their boards. The first to achieve a specific poker hand wins.

9. Raffle Draw

Raffle Draws are the epitome of suspense. With minimal effort, they offer the chance for grand rewards. Each ticket holds potential, making every draw a heart-pounding event.

How to Play:

1. Players buy raffle tickets, each with a unique number.
2. During the draw, numbers are chosen at random.
3. If your ticket's number is called, you emerge victorious!

10. Story Bingo

Stories have the power to transport us to different worlds. Story Bingo is a testament to this magic, where players navigate tales and mark corresponding images or words on their cards.

How to Play:

1. Each player gets a card filled with themed images or words.
2. A storyteller crafts a narrative, integrating elements from the cards.
3. As items or themes are mentioned, players mark them. Complete a line and you've not just enjoyed a tale but also won!

11. Ice Breaker Bingo

Ever walked into a room full of unfamiliar faces and craved a magic trick to break the ice? Well, Ice Breaker Bingo is that trick. A perfect blend of networking and gaming, it replaces traditional numbers with intriguing personal facts or experiences. Ideal for team building events or social gatherings, it's all about discovering shared experiences or fun facts about each other.

How to Play:

1. Each participant receives a bingo card filled with statements like "Has traveled to 3 continents" or "Loves pineapple on pizza".
2. Mingle and converse with others, trying to find people who match the statements on your card.
3. When you find someone with a matching experience or fact, they sign off on that square. Secure a line of signatures and you've not just won but also made new connections!

12. Scavenger Hunt Bingo

Combining the thrill of a scavenger hunt with the structure of bingo, this game is bound to inject excitement into any party or outing. Players rush to find items or complete tasks on their bingo cards, racing against the clock and each other.

How to Play:

1. Players get a bingo card filled with items to find or tasks to complete, such as "Find a red leaf" or "Take a selfie with a statue".
2. Set a time limit and let the scavenging begin!
3. As players find items or complete tasks, they mark them on their cards. The first to complete a row, column, or diagonal shouts “Bingo!” and claims victory.

13. Math Bingo

Numbers have never been this fun! Math Bingo transforms mundane arithmetic problems into an exciting challenge. Whether it's simple addition or complex algebra, players brush up on their math skills while having a blast.

How to Play:

1. Players are handed cards filled with answers to potential math problems.
2. A caller announces math problems one at a time. For instance, "What's 8 times 9?".
3. Solve the problem and mark the correct answer on your card. Complete a line, and voilà, you're not just a math whiz but also the game's winner!

14. Dice Bingo

Rolling dice takes center stage in this variant. Players have cards with numbers, and they aim to strike off as many numbers as possible based on dice rolls.

How to Play:

1. Players get cards filled with numbers between 2 and 12.
2. Players roll two dice and sum up the numbers.
3. They then strike off the resultant sum from their cards. The goal is to be the first to form a predetermined pattern using the struck-off numbers.

In Conclusion...

From the heart-pounding anticipation of Keno to the camaraderie of Ice Breaker Bingo, the world of games extends far beyond the classic bingo halls.

These alternatives and fresh twists on the beloved bingo not only ensure you have a diverse gaming arsenal but also cater to different moods, settings, and gatherings. So the next time you're looking to spice up your game nights, remember this list and venture beyond the conventional. Whether you're an educator, a seasoned party host, or just someone looking to mix things up, there's a game waiting for you. After all, variety is the spice of life... and game nights!