Bingo vs. Lotto — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 18, 2024
Bingo is a game of chance played with cards and markers, while Lotto involves selecting numbers to match those drawn.
Difference Between Bingo and Lotto
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Bingo involves players marking off numbers on cards as they are called out, aiming for a specific pattern to win. The numbers are randomly selected from a set, typically ranging from 1 to 75 or 1 to 90, depending on the version. Players compete simultaneously, and the first to complete the winning pattern must shout "Bingo!" to claim their prize. The social aspect of Bingo is significant, often played in halls or at social gatherings, where interaction and competition among players add to the excitement. On the other hand, Lotto is a form of gambling where players choose a set of numbers, usually from a larger pool than Bingo, and win based on how many numbers they match from a random draw. The draws are typically held less frequently, such as weekly, and the prize amounts can be much larger, sometimes reaching into millions. Lotto is more a game of individual luck rather than interactive competition, with players waiting for the draw to occur to see if their numbers match.
While both games are based on random number selection, Bingo is more interactive and social, with players actively participating in the game's progression. Lotto, whereas, is more passive, with players waiting for the outcome of the draw. This difference highlights the contrasting appeal of the two games: Bingo as a social and engaging activity, and Lotto as a hopeful gamble for a significant win.
The winning conditions in Bingo require completing a pattern, which introduces a strategic element to the game; players must decide which card's pattern to prioritize. In contrast, Lotto is straightforward, with the win condition solely based on matching numbers, reducing the influence of strategy on the outcome.
The equipment and setting for Bingo and Lotto also differ. Bingo games often require a caller, cards, and markers, and are hosted in a location where players gather. Lotto, however, can be played by purchasing tickets from authorized retailers or online, without the need for a physical gathering place.
Comparison Chart
Gameplay
Marking off called numbers on a card to form a specific pattern.
Selecting a set of numbers to match a random draw.
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Social Aspect
High, with interactive play and communal settings.
Low, primarily individual participation.
Frequency
Can be played multiple rounds in a session.
Draws are usually held weekly or bi-weekly.
Winning Conditions
Completing a specific pattern on the card.
Matching a set of numbers with those drawn.
Prize Amount
Generally smaller, fixed prizes.
Can be very large, often proportional to the number of matches.
Compare with Definitions
Bingo
A social activity featuring a game of chance and interaction among participants.
The annual fair's Bingo night is a great place to meet neighbors.
Lotto
A gambling game that involves selecting numbers to match those drawn at random.
She buys a Lotto ticket every week, hoping for a big win.
Bingo
The moment of winning in the game, marked by completing a predetermined pattern on the card.
She shouted Bingo! and won the round with a full house.
Lotto
An opportunity to win substantial monetary rewards through random chance.
Winning the Lotto changed their lives overnight.
Bingo
An exclamation used to express satisfaction or surprise at a sudden positive outcome.
Bingo! he exclaimed when he found the missing keys.
Lotto
A form of lottery with large cash prizes based on matching selected numbers.
The national Lotto draw happens every Friday night.
Bingo
A game in which players mark off numbers on cards as the numbers are drawn randomly.
We played Bingo at the community center on Saturday.
Lotto
A hopeful gamble, often seen as a dream of sudden wealth.
For many, playing the Lotto is a weekly ritual fueled by dreams of riches.
Bingo
A metaphor for achieving success or finding a solution to a problem.
After hours of debugging, finding the error felt like shouting Bingo!
Lotto
A game of chance with varying rules and prize structures around the world.
In some countries, Lotto proceeds support public projects.
Bingo
A game of chance in which each player has one or more cards printed with differently numbered squares on which to place markers when the respective numbers are drawn and announced by a caller. The first player to mark a complete row or other pattern of numbers is the winner.
Lotto
A children's game similar to bingo, in which numbered or illustrated counters or cards are drawn by the players.
Bingo
A win in the game of bingo.
Lotto
A lottery.
Bingo
Used to announce that one has won a game of bingo.
Lotto
A game of chance similar to bingo.
Bingo
Used to express the sudden completion of an event, occurrence of an idea, or confirmation of a guess.
Lotto
A lottery, typically with an accumulating jackpot, in which participants play numbers of their choice in a random drawing.
Bingo
(uncountable) A game of chance for two or more players, who mark off numbers on a grid as they are announced by the caller; the game is won by the first person to call out "bingo!" or "house!" after crossing off all numbers on the grid or in one line of the grid.
Lotto
A game of chance similar to bingo
Bingo
(uncountable) A similar game or amusement in which participants tick off themed words, phrases or pictures as these are called out, or as they are mentioned, for example during a speech or performance:
Animal bingo (animal pictures), ABBA bingo (titles or lyrics of ABBA songs), buzzword bingo
Lotto
A lottery
Bingo
(countable) A win in such a game.
There were two bingos in the last game, so the players split the prize money.
Lotto
A game of chance, played with cards or tickets, on which are inscribed numbers, and any contrivance (as a wheel containing numbered balls) for determining a set of numbers by chance. The player holding a card having on it the set of numbers drawn from the wheel takes the stakes after a certain percentage of them has been deducted for the dealer. In some systems, lesser prizes are awarded for having some but not all of the numbers selected, such as four or five numbers in a six-number drawing. A variety of lotto is called keno. In another variety, the player chooses the numbers for the card or ticket s/he holds. There may be from three to seven different numbers on a card or ticket. In a modern computerized lotto system conducted by state authorities, the player chooses numbers, or allows the computer to choose numbers at random, which are then printed on a ticket that the player holds until the winning number is selected.
Bingo
A play where all seven of a player's letter tiles are played, awarding a score bonus.
Lotto
A game in which numbered balls are drawn at random and players cover the corresponding numbers on their cards
Bingo
Brandy.
Bingo
Used by players of bingo to claim a win.
Bingo
(informal) Used when finding what one has been looking for or trying to recall, or on successful completion of a task.
Bingo
(informal) Used to declare "You've just made my point!" or "My point exactly!"
Bingo
Just sufficient to return to base (or, alternatively, to divert to an alternative airfield). also written Bingo or BINGO
Bingo
(intransitive) To play the game of bingo.
Bingo
(intransitive) To give the winning cry of "bingo!" in a game.
Bingo
(intransitive) To play all of one's seven tiles in one move in the game of Scrabble, earning a score bonus.
Bingo
To return to base.
Bingo
A game commonly used for low-stakes gambling, in which numbered balls or slips are drawn at random and players cover the correponding numbers on their cards, called Bingo cards, which have square arrangement of such numbers. Each card has a different arrangement of the numbers, and the first player to cover all numbers in one row (horizontal, vertical, or diagonal) is the winner, usually announcing that fact by a cry of "Bingo!"
Bingo
A game in which numbered balls are drawn at random and players cover the corresponding numbers on their cards
Common Curiosities
Is Bingo considered gambling?
Yes, Bingo is considered a form of gambling, although it is often viewed as a more social and less risky game compared to Lotto.
How do you win in Bingo?
You win in Bingo by being the first to mark off the numbers forming a specified pattern on your card and shouting "Bingo!"
What are the odds of winning in Lotto?
The odds of winning in Lotto vary greatly and depend on the number of possible number combinations and the specific rules of the game.
Can Lotto jackpots roll over?
Yes, in many Lotto games, if no one wins the jackpot, it rolls over to the next draw, increasing in size.
Can you play Bingo and Lotto online?
Yes, both Bingo and Lotto can be played online, with various platforms offering different versions and prize structures.
What's the largest Lotto jackpot ever won?
The largest Lotto jackpots can reach into the billions, with specific amounts varying by country and game.
Do both Bingo and Lotto require specific strategies?
While Bingo involves some strategic choices regarding which card patterns to prioritize, Lotto is purely a game of chance with no strategy for selecting numbers.
How often are Lotto draws held?
Lotto draws are typically held weekly or bi-weekly, depending on the specific game and location.
Can children play Bingo or Lotto?
Many jurisdictions have age restrictions for gambling, including Bingo and Lotto, typically allowing only adults to participate.
What is the main difference between Bingo and Lotto?
Bingo is a social, interactive game where players mark off numbers on a card, while Lotto involves selecting numbers to match a random draw.
What types of patterns are used in Bingo?
Patterns in Bingo can include lines, shapes, letters, or a full card, among others.
Are Bingo winnings taxable?
Taxation on Bingo winnings varies by jurisdiction, but they may be taxable as income in some locations.
What's the appeal of playing Bingo?
The appeal of Bingo lies in its social interaction, fun atmosphere, and the excitement of marking off numbers as they are called.
Are there different versions of Bingo and Lotto?
Yes, there are various versions of both Bingo and Lotto, with differences in rules, gameplay, and prize structures depending on the region or platform.
Why do people play Lotto?
People play Lotto for the chance to win large monetary prizes, often viewing it as a small investment for a potential large return.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
