How many numbers are on a 90-ball bingo ticket?

Fifteen. A 90-ball ticket has three rows of nine columns, each row holds exactly five numbers, and the remaining twelve spaces are blank. There is no free square, unlike the 75-ball card.

Why do 90-ball tickets come in strips of six?

Across the six tickets in a strip, every number from 1 to 90 appears exactly once. A player holding a full strip therefore marks something on every single call, and one spare strip doubles as a master sheet for checking a claim.

Is housie the same game as 90-ball bingo?

Yes. Housie is the name used in Australia, New Zealand and India for the same 3x9 ticket and the same one-line, two-line and full-house prizes. In Italy the game is called tombola and is traditionally played at home at Christmas rather than in a hall.

Can you play 90-ball bingo without a machine?

Yes. With a screen, our free online 90-ball bingo caller does the drawing and keeps a board of every number called. Without one, draw numbered balls or slips from a bag and read each number aloud. Keep one spare printed strip beside you and tick the numbers off as they are called, so you have a record to verify the winning ticket against.

How do you check a winning 90-ball ticket?

Compare the marked numbers with the numbers called. Tickets from our generator make it quicker: each strip of six carries one check code, and typing it into "Check a card" on our online 90-ball bingo caller shows all six tickets with the called numbers marked and each ticket's complete lines counted, so one line, two lines and a full house are all checked the same way. The host still decides whether that wins the prize being played.

How to Play 90-Ball Bingo (Housie)

90-ball bingo, widely known as Housie in Australia and New Zealand or Tombola in Italy and Southern Europe, is the dominant version of the game outside of North America. It is the standard format played in bingo halls across the United Kingdom and is famous for its unique ticket layout and three-stage winning structure.

If you are used to the 5x5 American grid, 90-ball bingo might look a bit different at first, but it is just as easy to learn and offers three chances to win in every single game!

The Ticket Layout (The Strip)

Unlike the square grid of 75-ball bingo, 90-ball bingo is played on rectangular tickets.

3 Rows & 9 Columns: Each individual ticket has a grid of 3 rows and 9 columns (27 spaces total).
15 Numbers: Each ticket contains exactly 15 numbers (5 per row) and 12 blank spaces.
The Strip: Tickets are usually sold in "strips" of 6. A full strip contains every number from 1 to 90 exactly once. This is the best way to play because it guarantees that every time a number is called, you will be able to mark it off on one of your tickets.

How Numbers are Arranged

The columns are organized by decade, making it easy to find your numbers quickly:

Column 1: Numbers 1–9
Column 2: Numbers 10–19
Column 3: Numbers 20–29
Column 4: Numbers 30–39
Column 5: Numbers 40–49
Column 6: Numbers 50–59
Column 7: Numbers 60–69
Column 8: Numbers 70–79
Column 9: Numbers 80–90

How to Play: The Three Stages

A standard game of 90-ball bingo is played in three stages, meaning there are three winners per game. The game continues with the same tickets until the final prize is won.

Stage 1: One Line

The first goal is to mark off all 5 numbers on any single horizontal line on one of your tickets. The first player to do this shouts "Line!" or "Bingo!" and wins the first (usually smallest) prize.

Stage 2: Two Lines

The game continues for the second prize. The goal is now to mark off all the numbers on any two lines on the same ticket. These lines must be on the same individual ticket, not spread across your strip.

Stage 3: Full House

This is the grand finale! The game continues until a player marks off all 15 numbers on a single ticket (all three lines). This is called a "Full House" and awards the biggest prize of the game.

Tips for Success

Play a Full Strip: As mentioned, playing a strip of 6 tickets ensures you never miss a number. It keeps you engaged in the game on every single call.
Watch the Board: In a noisy hall or a busy party, it can be easy to miss a call. Keep an eye on the master board if one is available.
Use a Dabber: Because 90-ball is fast, using a specialized bingo dabber (ink marker) is much faster than using a pen or pencil.

Ready to Play?

You don't need to go to a bingo hall to enjoy Housie. You can host your own game at home!

Generate Tickets: Use our free 90-ball bingo card generator to create professional-quality strips.
Print: Print them out on standard paper.
Call: Open our free 90-ball bingo caller on a laptop or TV: it draws the numbers 1–90, announces every call and keeps the board for you. A bag of numbered chips works too. Playing with friends who live elsewhere? See how to host 90-ball bingo on a video call.
Check a Claim: Every strip from our generator prints one check code, and its six tickets are numbered 1–6. When a player calls out, type their code into "Check a card" on the caller: the strip appears with the numbers called so far marked and the complete lines on each ticket counted, such as "Ticket 3 · 2 lines". The same check works for one line, two lines and the full house.

Whether you call it Bingo, Housie, or Tombola, it’s a game of luck, speed, and excitement. Good luck!