Understanding the Unique Concept of Stand-Up Bingo

Stand-up bingo, which is also sometimes called stand-up sit-down bingo, is a variant of the game that was popularised in Ireland. Whilst the basic principle of the game is very similar, Irish bingo rules differ in a very key way.

It’s an exciting and energetic form of bingo with each round completed quickly, creating a fast-paced form of this popular classic.

If you’re thinking of giving it a try, we’ve got everything you need to know right here, from answering ‘what is Irish bingo?’ to how to play online.

What is Stand-Up Bingo?

Bingo has existed since the 16th century, though it has evolved quite a bit over the centuries. The standard rules were created by Edwin Lowe in the 1920s, a toy manufacturer who played the game at a fair and saw its potential as a commercial product.

In most modern versions of bingo that derive from Lowe, you purchase a card with a series of numbers on it, take a seat, and listen out for the numbers announced by the bingo caller. The winner is the first player to cross off all the numbers of their card.

In stand-up bingo, the mechanics are turned upside down. You start by purchasing a ticket that contains a number and then stand up. The round begins with all players standing with the bingo caller then announcing numbers in a similar fashion as in the standard game.

If your number is called, you sit down and you’re out of the game for this round.

This version was popularised in Ireland during the mid-20th century. During the 1950s and 1960s, local community groups used bingo as one of their fundraising activities by hosting bingo events.

The game was also used to promote and teach the Irish language since it would incentivise players to remember the numbers.

This stand-up variant was cheaper and easier to run and created a more community-focused format since players could share in the experience as they watched more players be eliminated and cheered on the remaining ones.

The Rules of Stand-Up Bingo

Stand-up or Irish bingo rules are very similar to the traditional game, except instead of using a dabber to mark a card, you use your legs.

You start the game with a ticket that contains a number. Some venues may allow you to buy more than one ticket for each round.

Everyone begins standing up, waiting for the bingo caller to pick a number. When they announce the outcome of their selection, any players with that number on their ticket will sit down.

Sitting down means you are out of the game for that round.

The winner is the last player standing. Unless there are two (or more) players left and then they all sit down at once, in which case, they will share the prize.

There are no ‘lines’ or ‘houses’ in stand-up bingo, you simply get a single number on the ticket. Once the number is called, that ticket loses.

What is the main difference between Stand-Up Bingo and Standard Bingo?

The main difference between the traditional variant of bingo and the Irish stand-up bingo game is that players win by not having their number called in the Irish version, whilst victory is achieved by matching all the numbers on your card in the standard game.

The process of standing up and sitting down is novel and creates a unique playing experience but it isn’t actually pertinent to the game. Instead, this is merely a very obvious visual way to show who is left in the game still.

This mechanic makes stand-up bingo an entertaining affair, especially when you play with friends. It’s also an amusing concept the first time you see an entire bingo hall stand up in unison and wait patiently for numbers to be called.

Stand-up bingo games run much faster since one number is all it takes to knock you out of that round. In comparison, standard bingo games can drag on for a while if no one matches a line or house for a while.

Play Bingo Online at Pink Casino

As you’ve probably already guessed, you can’t play stand-up bingo online, but you can find plenty of other epic bingo games here at Pink Casino.

You’ll find a range of different bingo options, including live dealer bingo games like Live Mega Ball and Vegas Ball Bonanza, and video bingo games like Thunderstruck II Video Bingo and Break Da Bank Again Video Bingo.

If you’re interested in trying other unique variants of bingo, then Slingo might be your cup of tea. These games combine the best elements of bingo and slots into one awesome package.