bingo (game)

A type of game in which players mark called numbers on printed cards and form certain patterns to win. There are two versions:

• In the American version of bingo, cards each have 24 (out of 75) numbers arranged on a 5x5 grid with the center square marked "free" and considered filled. The 75 numbers are grouped into columns marked B, I, N, G, and O. An infinite number of winning patterns can be formed.

• In the British/European version of bingo (also known as Housie), cards each have 15 (out of 90) numbers arranged on a 9x3 grid, with the 12 haphazardly-placed, unoccupied blank spaces considered filled. Only three patterns can be considered as winning patterns: line, double line and "full house" (all numbers on the card filled).

Japanese refer "Bingo" (ビンゴ) to the American version and are more familiar with it.