How to organise a virtual bingo night with friends

It has never been easier to organise a free bingo with friends, thanks to the rise of virtual bingo. The flexibility of online bingo is one of its biggest strengths, as you can make your virtual bingo night take whatever shape you want. You don't have to worry about rocking up at a bingo hall and not enjoying the atmosphere, or wishing that they'd play the type of bingo that you and your friends enjoy the most. When it comes to a virtual bingo night, you're the boss!

The rise of virtual bingo

The game of bingo with friends works so effectively in its virtual form, you'd be forgiven for thinking that this is the way it's always been. Of course, virtual bingo was inspired by the game that has filled halls across the world for decades, where players come together in the hope of being the first to win the jackpot.

To be that person, you need to mark off a certain set of numbers before anyone else. Every player has at least one bingo card in their possession for each round. The bingo caller or, in the case of virtual bingo, the computer, draws out one number at a time. If that number is on your card, then you're moving in the right direction.

The method of victory varies across different types of bingo. You might need to complete a line or two, form a particular pattern, or cover your entire scorecard. All of these classic games that used to populate bingo halls have now made their way online, where they've been merged with some new features that give virtual bingo its own distinctive identity.

Everything you need for a virtual bingo with friends

Whether you're playing with your friends in the same location or if you're all staying connected via messaging apps, there are a few things that you'll want to consider as part of your virtual bingo night.

Streaming equipment

Virtual bingo games come with bright colors and detailed graphics, so it's wise to set up a streaming system that lets the game's design truly shine. While part of online bingo's charm is its functionality on a range of devices, a virtual bingo with friends requires a grander sense of occasion than a small smartphone screen. Something as simple as an HDMI cable or a mirroring device (like a Chromecast) can connect your screen to your TV, which will enhance the immersive quality of your virtual bingo night.

A range of snacks

Bingo and snacks go together like cinema and popcorn - there's just something about it that makes it a winning combination. Classic nibbles like crisps and chocolate are perfect, while blueberries and strawberries can provide sweet but healthy options. Whatever you pick for your bingo night, make sure it's something that will help you and your friends to maintain the energy needed to keep up with the excitement of the game.

A soundtrack

Make a playlist specifically for your online bingo night, so that you can bring the right vibe to the evening's entertainment. Does your virtual bingo with friends end up feeling as rowdy as a night on the town? In which case, a playlist full of upbeat jams and classics is the way to go. If your virtual bingo night is set to take more of a relaxed approach, then a soundtrack of some cool jazz could be the perfect accompaniment.

An account at an online bingo site

Make sure that you and your friends have accounts with an online bingo site before the night begins. While it's quick and easy to gain access to a site such as Wink Bingo, completing the necessary admin is not something that you want to be doing as you're getting ready for a night of bingo-based entertainment. Get your registration done in advance, so that you can get straight into the bingo action when the night begins.

The best games for a virtual bingo night

Here's a quick guide to three of Wink Bingo's most popular game genres. Your virtual bingo night might feature a session dedicated to just one of these genres, or it could take you and your friends on a tour of all three.

90-ball bingo

In 90-ball bingo, players traditionally hold a strip of six tickets. With 15 numbers on each ticket, you've got everything from 1-90 somewhere on your card. That means the excitement is non-stop, as you'll always be marking off a number on your strip. There are plenty of opportunities to win; you could claim your share of the jackpot if you're the first to complete a row, a pair of rows, or a full house on one ticket.

75-ball bingo

75-ball bingo is all about being the first to complete a specified pattern. Each player gets a 5x5 ticket, with a free center square leaving you with 24 numbers to watch out for during the round. The chosen pattern determines which of those numbers will matter the most. Common patterns include letters and arrows, but you might play for wackier designs like aeroplanes or turtles!

If your virtual bingo night is the first time at Wink Bingo, make sure you utilize the promotions on offer for new customers. If you deposit a certain amount, you may be eligible for bonus funds to use on a bingo game of your choice. If you're a returning customer, then make sure you check out Wink Bingo's ongoing promotions - you might be able to get a nice little boost to your bankroll for your virtual bingo night!

If you sign up for an account with Wink Bingo, you'll have everything you need in terms of gaming action to make sure that your virtual bingo night is a hit. If you take care of the stream, the snacks, and the soundtrack, then Wink Bingo's diverse collection of bingo games will do the rest.