Bingo slot machines, or Class II machines, can be found at Native American casinos nationwide. Despite what the name might imply, these games aren’t slots but electronically-automatized versions of bingo.
The difference between Vegas-style slots (Class III) and other types of machines is somewhat technical and boils down to how each type of machine generates numbers for its game outcomes.
With this in mind, this page aims to help you better understand these games, where you can find them, their pros and cons, and whether they’re worth your time.
What Are Bingo Slot Machines?
In short, bingo slot machines are slots synched up with a big house bingo game. When you spin the reels, you are actually playing a fast game of bingo against one or more other players in the casino.
You can easily spot these machines. They are the ones with a 5×5 bingo card and a display of drawn numbers somewhere on the screen. The rest of the device looks like any other slots game.
Bingo slot machines are considered Class II games because of the player against player bingo element and predetermined wins per round.
Slots in most other commercial land-based casinos, such as those in Las Vegas, are Class III machines.
Class II Slots vs. Class III Slots
The class designation for casino games comes out of the 1988 Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA). It established three classes of games to regulate the gaming income of tribal gambling centers.
Class I is for ceremonial or social games with minimal prizes.
Class II lumps together player vs. player games, like bingo, and card games where gamblers aren’t playing against the house, like poker.
Class III is essentially all other “Vegas-style” casino games, such as blackjack, roulette, craps, and video poker.
Bingo Slots Are Born
As time and technology progressed, the tribal casino operators wanted to make their class II bingo games more popular since the bingo hall setting was dated.
Gambling tech experts eventually devised the bingo slot machine, combining bingo’s gameplay with the look and excitement of slots while still abiding by IGRA.
Anatomy of a Bingo Slot Machine
A lot goes on with a bingo slot machine. Most of them have two displays plus the slot reels; everything changes each time you spin them.
There are three main things to watch when playing one of these games. If you sit at a machine for a while and pay attention, you’ll start to see how everything interacts.
Reels
Since wins are predetermined, the reels on some machines are just for show and don’t really matter.
On newer video bingo slots, animated reels go through the motions to illustrate the amount you won.
Drawn Numbers
Part of the screen shows drawn numbers for the specific round. Balls get pulled digitally, and the draw happens quickly.
The numbers match up to the card to create winning patterns.
Patterns
Some machines flash bingo patterns on the screen and tell you what pays what.
Other games have a massive list of wins depending on the specific bingo you hit, similar to a paytable.
How To Read Bingo Patterns on Class II Machines
Patterns on the bingo slots cards are just like winning patterns in any other bingo game. You’ll see straight lines, geometric shapes, animals, and plenty of different combinations.
On the game’s screen, you might see flashing cards with pattern names, payouts, bet amounts, and the number of drawn balls that you have to cover your card.
Some machines use a numbered code corresponding to a particular bingo combination and a pay table. The infographic below shows you how to read one type of pattern.
Hitting a Winning Pattern
When you press spin, you will see numbers light up on your card as they get drawn, some cover the pattern, and others don’t.
When you see all of the numbers in the pattern covered, you win the predetermined payout.
Note: There is a space on the machine indicating your wager that you can change based on the machine’s limits. Some patterns will only hit and payout at specific bet levels, so you may need to up the stakes to access all possibilities.
Does This Help You Beat The Game?
Despite some superstitious beliefs, knowing how to read the patterns or trying to pick the right card at the last second doesn’t actually help you win.
You can’t predict which balls will come up in a draw.
Knowing the patterns only tells you whether or not you will get a payout when the round is over and how large it will be.
Playing Slots and Bingo at Online Casinos
Bingo slot machines are a unique and ingenious combination of two fan-favorite betting games.
Online casinos have class III slots and electronic versions of bingo that run on random number generators. Unlike their class II counterparts, you’re playing against the house.
Playing slots or bingo at one of the real money online casinos below is like playing in Las Vegas from the privacy of your home. You can even place bets and spin reels from your mobile phone or tablet.
| RANK | ONLINE CASINO | BINGO GAMES | BONUS | START |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
DuckyLuck Casino |
BINGO GAMES 11 | BONUS 500% up to $7,500 | Play Now |
| 2 |
Bovada Casino |
BINGO GAMES 7 | BONUS 125% up to $3,750 | Play Now |
| 3 |
SlotsandCasino |
BINGO GAMES 11 | BONUS 500% up to $7,500 | Play Now |
| 4 |
Cafe Casino |
BINGO GAMES 7 | BONUS 350% up to $2,500 | Play Now |
| 5 |
BetUS |
BINGO GAMES 1 | BONUS 150% up to $3,000 | Play Now |
Try Online Slots and Bingo for Free
Try the game demos below to get a taste of what it’s like to play at an online casino. Both of these options are available at Wild Casino.
Online Slot Game
There are hundreds of real money slot machines available at online gambling sites. Click “Play Now” to try Leprechaun Frenzy.
Online Bingo Game
Real money online bingo offers fast-paced pattern matching gameplay. Click “Play Now” to try Go-Go Bingo for free.
Bingo Slots Pros and Cons
Class II bingo machines bring a Vegas-style slot experience to many counties and states where Class III machines are strictly prohibited.
The main trade-off for this increased geographic availability is that these games don’t exactly play like slots and have a higher variance in quality, diversity, and returns compared to Las Vegas casino slots.
Below, I’ll detail the pros and cons of bingo slots so you can draw your conclusions.
Pros
- Legal Flexibility: Native American casinos operate under different regulations than commercial casinos, allowing them to offer Class II machines where traditional slots might be restricted.
- Availability: These machines can be found in states where Vegas-style slots aren’t allowed.
- Unique Experience: Bingo slots combine elements of bingo with traditional slot machines, providing variety.
- Social Aspect: These machines can sometimes involve more social interaction and community play.
- Comparable Jackpots: Some bingo slots offer jackpots and progressive prizes similar to those in traditional slots.
Cons
- Complex Rules: Bingo slots have different underlying mechanics which might be confusing for players used to traditional slots.
- Lower Transparency: The way outcomes are determined can be less transparent than in traditional slots, which are usually based on random number generators (RNGs).
- Variable RTP: The return-to-player (RTP) percentages might vary significantly from those of traditional slots, potentially offering lower long-term payout rates.
- House Edge: Depending on the game, the house edge might be higher compared to Vegas-style slots.
- Limited Selection: The variety of bingo slot games might be more limited compared to the vast array of Vegas-style slots available in traditional casinos.
Should You Play Bingo Slots?
Bingo Slots are worth trying if you want a similar experience to traditional slots without booking an out-of-state trip to Atlantic City or Vegas.
Sure, the gameplay might feel awkward, the game titles a bit off-brand, and the RTP % could be better, but you can still have a blast at your local Native American casino—which is what really counts.
Still, if you only want to play Las Vegas-style slots without making travel arrangements. The good news is that plenty of legit online casinos deliver hundreds of Class III titles anywhere you go.
