Editorial note: this guide is general information about how bingo, competitions, lotteries and gambling work in the UK. It is not advice, and it does not describe any specific promotion offered by Fortune Games. Rules, prices and regulations can change, so always check the operator’s current terms.
What is the National Bingo Game?
The National Bingo Game is a linked bingo game played at the same time across many UK bingo clubs, so players in different venues compete for one shared prize. Run by the National Bingo Game Association since 1986, it lets a single full house win a national prize on top of the usual club prize. It is played most days at participating clubs and is one of the oldest linked games in Britain.
How a linked national game works
Participating clubs receive the same set of numbers to call within the same time window, so everyone is effectively playing one game. When a player completes a full house, their number of calls is reported centrally. The national prize goes to whoever nationwide claims a full house in the fewest calls, with regional prizes and an ordinary in-club prize awarded too. Because thousands of players take part across the country, the top prizes can be far larger than a single club could fund on its own.
Where and when you can play
The game runs at participating licensed clubs most days of the year, and the association also supports the bingo sector’s chosen charity. Exact game times, ticket prices and prize levels are set by the operator and have changed over the years, so the best source is your local club’s current session list. As with all UK bingo, you must be 18 or over, and the draw is overseen under Gambling Commission rules to keep it fair across every venue taking part.
Frequently asked questions
How is the National Bingo Game different from normal bingo?
It is played simultaneously across many clubs with the same numbers, so you compete nationally. A full house can win a shared national prize on top of the usual in-club prize.
Who wins the national prize?
The player anywhere in the country who completes a full house in the fewest calls wins the national prize, with regional and in-club prizes also awarded in the same game.
How long has it been running?
Since 1986. It is run by the National Bingo Game Association and is one of the longest-running linked bingo games in Britain, played at participating clubs most days of the year.
How big are the prizes?
Prize levels are set by the operator and have changed over the years, with headline jackpots reaching tens of thousands of pounds. Check your local club for the current amounts.
Related guides: How to play bingo · What is a bingo jackpot? · What is a bingo network?
18+ only. Gambling should be fun, never a way to make money. Please play responsibly and only with money you can afford to lose. If gambling is affecting you or someone you know, free, confidential support is available 24/7 from the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133, run by GamCare. You can also visit BeGambleAware (begambleaware.org) or self-exclude from UK-licensed online operators through GAMSTOP (gamstop.co.uk).