What Do You Shout When You Win a Game of Bingo?

Picture the moment: your heart is racing, your bingo card is almost full, and you're waiting for just one more number. The bingo caller announces it - you've won! But what do you shout?

Whether you're playing in a lively bingo hall or from the comfort of your home with online bingo, announcing your win is part of the fun. Traditionally, players shout "Bingo!", but you might hear other exclamations too, like "House" or "Line". Some players even come up with their own unique winning phrases.

But are there actual rules about what to say? Does the way you shout differ depending on whether you're playing land-based or online bingo? Let's dive into the history, tradition, and etiquette of bingo calls, so the next time you win you'll know exactly what to do.

Why do we shout at bingo?

At Jackpotjoy, a round of bingo is just a few clicks away, with hundreds of different online bingo games available to play on your mobile or computer. Before the rise of online games though, players would head to bingo halls to take part in this classic game. These venues, some seating thousands of players, were full of excitement and anticipation.

With so many people competing for the same prizes, there had to be a clear way for winners to announce themselves - hence, the famous bingo call!

Bingo is a game of speed, so winners must call out quickly. Whether you're playing for a one-line win, two-line win, or a full house, shouting your success ensures the game stops at the right moment. Otherwise, the caller may move on, and you could miss out on your prize.

What do you shout in bingo halls?

Many players assume that "Bingo!" is the only way to claim a win. While it's definitely a popular choice, it's not the only option. Here are some common winning calls you might hear in a bingo hall:

Line

If you're playing 90-ball bingo, you might win by completing a single horizontal line.

Two Lines 

A two-line win is another milestone in a 90-ball bingo game.

House 

When you've marked off every number on your ticket, it's time to shout "House"—this means you've won the top prize!

Here or Yes 

Some players opt for shorter, punchier shouts to grab the caller's attention.

Silent signals

Some prefer to raise their hand instead of shouting, but calling something out is the safest way to ensure you're noticed.

Interestingly, there are no official rules about what you must shout to claim a win. As long as you make it clear, you can call out whatever you like (within reason, of course!).

What do you shout in online bingo?

In online bingo, you don't actually need to shout at all - your wins are recorded automatically. But that doesn't mean players don't celebrate! Many online bingo games, like those on Jackpotjoy, have live chat rooms where players interact, congratulate each other, and share their excitement and fun.

When a player wins, they often type celebratory messages in the chat. Some common online bingo shouts include:

• "Bingo" – Just like in bingo halls, many players stick to the classic winning call.
• "OMG" or "Woohoo" – Excited reactions are always welcome in the chat.
• Abbreviations and chat lingo:
  
  • "WTG" – Way to go!
  • "GG" – Good game.
  • "TY" – Thank you (often used to thank the chat hosts or fellow players).

Some players even admit to shouting out loud at home when they win - whether they're in their kitchen, on the sofa, or even out in public. Ever yelled "Bingo" in the middle of a supermarket? If so, you're not alone!

When should you shout bingo?

Timing is everything in bingo. If you're playing in a bingo hall, you must shout as soon as you win. If you wait too long, the game may continue, and you might miss your chance to claim a prize.

With online bingo, there's no need to worry - our automated systems at Jackpotjoy ensure your win is counted instantly. However, if you enjoy the community aspect of bingo, why not join in and share your excitement in the lively chat?

Commemorating twenty years of wins

Bingo wins, casino wins, slot wins… we love them all at Jackpotjoy. In fact, we’re currently celebrating our twentieth year of creating winners here on the site! In honour of our birthday, we’re treating members to a whole host of features and promotions, from new bingo rooms, such as Superlinks 75, to exclusive offers and deals! 

Head over to our promotions page to get stuck into the festivities and take advantage of all the latest promotions we have to offer.  

Learn more about the wonderful world of online bingo over at the Jackpotjoy blog, where you'll find how-to-play guides and fun insights.