There's more to bingo than 90-ball and chatroom banter. If you're looking for something offbeat, here are some of the strangest and most entertaining ways to play.
Jenny Mason
- Your Bingo Guide 👍
Browse our list of UK bingo sites to find where to play, and check the latest bingo bonuses before you sign up.
Ready to Try Something Fun?
Looking for somewhere to play one of these quirky formats? These top-rated bingo sites are a great place to start, and they all offer new player deals:
Bingo Britain offer a wide range of bingo rooms with low-cost tickets, daily free games, and regular jackpot sessions
- British-theme
- Mobile-friendly app
Play Jango Bingo features 90-ball and 75-ball bingo games from Pragmatic Play, delivering reliable performance and easy access on mobile devices.
- Trusted platform
- Quality games
Sun Bingo, powered by one of the UK’s top newspapers, offers a fantastic welcome bonus, exciting promotions, and excellent customer support.
- Excellent welcome bonus
- Exclusive The Sun games
Panda Bingo brings playful vibes, fast payouts, and top bingo action – a bold new site that’s fun from the first click.
- Great choice of payment methods
- 24/7 customer support options
Queens Bingo offers a fun, trusted bingo experience with daily games, exclusive jackpots, and a friendly space where players can enjoy smarter, more rewarding play.
- Exclusive Promotions & Rewards
- Wide range of deposit methods
What Counts as a Fun and Unusual Bingo Game
Not all bingo games fit the standard format. Here's what makes a game feel a bit out there, and why players love the surprise factor.
Fun and unusual bingo games often play with rules, visuals, or the environment.
They might swap numbers for emojis, take place at a rave, or include shout-outs and song clips.
It's not about making fun of bingo, but reinventing it for laughs, social buzz, or just something new.
7 Fun and Unusual Bingo Games Worth Trying
1. 🎤 Drag Bingo
Drag bingo is less about full houses and more about fierce fun. Expect sassy callers, fabulous costumes, live performances and loud laughter throughout.
Events are usually 18+ and work brilliantly as a group night out. Keep an eye on local event listings and venues like comedy clubs and cabaret bars, as drag bingo nights tend to sell out fast.
2. 🎵 Musical Bingo
Instead of numbers, songs play and players mark off titles from a card. It's a brilliant format for pub nights, birthday parties and hen dos, especially with a themed playlist.
Think 80s bangers, TV theme tunes or a specific decade. Some UK bingo sites have also experimented with music-themed rooms, so it's worth checking your site's promotions tab for limited-time events.
3. 📣 Shout Bingo
The caller gives prompts and you shout the answer. It's loud, fast-paced and rewards quick wit rather than luck alone.
Think family quiz meets bingo. This format works particularly well at pub events and community nights where the atmosphere is already lively.
4. ⚡ Speed Bingo
Speed bingo uses 30 or 36 balls, making each game incredibly fast. It's perfect for mobile sessions or a quick game during a lunch break.
Several UK bingo sites offer 30-ball rooms as standard. If you want to try it online, look for rooms labelled Speed Bingo or 30-ball in the bingo lobby. You can read more in our how to play 30-ball bingo guide.
5. 😊 Emoji Bingo
Numbers are replaced with emojis and players mark off patterns based on pictures rather than calls. It's ideal for themed events, socials, or anyone who finds traditional bingo a bit too serious.
Some online sites have launched emoji-style picture bingo rooms. Animingo at PlayJango Bingo is a good example, replacing numbers with animated animal symbols.
6. 🎉 Bingo Raves
Glowsticks, dance-offs, confetti cannons and a live bingo host on stage. Bingo raves blend the game with live music and entertainment, creating something closer to a night out than a quiet game of numbers.
Bongo's Bingo is the most well-known version and tours UK venues regularly. Local imitations have sprung up across the country too, so it's worth searching for bingo rave events in your area.
7. 🔄 Reverse Bingo
Win by being the last player standing. Instead of racing to complete your card, the aim is to avoid having your numbers called.
It flips the usual tension completely and creates a completely different kind of excitement. This format tends to appear at hosted events and charity nights rather than online, but it's well worth trying if you come across it.
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Are These Games Just a Gimmick?
Unusual doesn’t always mean silly. These games can be just as strategic, social, and satisfying, though there are a few pros and cons to weigh up:
Pros
- Fresh format and variety
- Great for laughs or themed parties
- Encourages community interaction
Cons
- May not count towards wagering
- Rules can vary and take getting used to
💡 Tip: Always check the rules before you start playing.
Where to Find These Games Online
While many alternative formats are tied to physical events, some do appear online - if you know where to look.
Sites sometimes host limited-time themed rooms, and Facebook bingo communities often run quirky DIY games.
Emoji bingo and quickfire 30-ball variants are among the most common online.
Tips for Finding Unusual Bingo Games
- Search for themed bingo nights at local halls, bars and event venues
- Follow drag performers, DJs and event promoters who host bingo nights on social media
- Join Facebook bingo groups where players share news about upcoming events
- Check the promotions tab on your favourite bingo sites for limited-time themed rooms
- Search for Slingo games if you want an online hybrid format that blends bingo with slots
Final Thoughts
Whether it’s emojis, reverse formats, or full-on rave nights, bingo has never been more creative.
Tried one of these games already? I’d love to hear about it below in the comments.
Written by Jenny Mason
Fact-checked by Sam Darkens
FAQ
Fun and Unusual Bingo Games FAQs
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Bingo raves are up there with the wildest. Think glowsticks, live DJs, and inflatable prizes - bingo with a twist of chaos.
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Mainly through social platforms like Zoom or Facebook Live, though some bingo sites run seasonal versions in themed rooms.
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Usually 18+ and adult-themed, drag bingo is best enjoyed with friends in a party atmosphere. Not recommended for family nights.
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Instead of racing to win, you try to be the last one to call bingo. It's bingo in reverse and creates a fun twist on tension.
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Sometimes! Look for 30-ball, mystery rooms, or seasonal formats. Buzz and Mecca occasionally run quirky promos.
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It depends. Always check the bonus terms. Some themed rooms may be excluded from wagering.
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Often not, especially if they’re part of temporary events. Standard rooms are safer for meeting bonus conditions.
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90-ball is the classic UK game. Speed bingo uses fewer balls and faster calls — ideal for quick play.
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Yes! From drag nights to musical mash-ups, you’ll find loads on Eventbrite, Skiddle, or at local venues.
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Check Facebook, DesignMyNight, or your local community listings. Many pubs host quirky nights monthly.
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Yes! Tracks are played instead of numbers and you dab matching titles. It’s like bingo meets a jukebox quiz.
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Yes - emoji and picture bingo use images instead. Great for parties or digital events.
