Tambola: Online Tambola with Friends
Tickets out, eyes down. A number every few seconds; the first valid claim takes the prize.
Card & casino · 2 to 16 players · about 15 minutes · free to host, nothing to download, TV optional
About the game
Eyes down: the numbers 1 to 90 come out of the drum one at a time, the caller adds a little line for each, and you race the room to mark your ticket and claim the prizes. Tambola, also called Housie, is a favourite at Diwali parties, family gatherings and office events, and this version runs for 2 to 16 players in about 15 minutes.
Bigger rooms are better, since more tickets means closer races for each prize. The TV makes a fine caller’s board, but you can skip it: on a video call or without a TV, everyone picks "Just this screen" and the calls come to their own device.
How to play
- Your ticket has fifteen numbers in three rows of five. Watch the called numbers and tap matching ones on your ticket. You can still mark a number that was called earlier.
- When you complete Early Five (any five marked), a row, the four corners (the ends of the top and bottom rows) or a full house, tap that prize’s claim button. The game checks your marked numbers. Claim a prize you do not hold yet and that prize is closed to you for the rest of the game.
- Each prize goes to its first valid claimant and scores points: Early Five 15, each line 25, Four Corners 20, Full House 50. The game ends when the full house is claimed (or every number is out), and the most points wins.
Open a room for Tambola. No app, no accounts, free to host.
Tips to play well
- Only marked numbers count. If you missed a call, find it on the board and mark it before you claim, or your claim will fail and the prize closes to you.
- The full house ends the game, but it is not always the winner. Early Five and a line already make 40 points, nearly a full house’s 50.
- Every column on the ticket holds one decade (1 to 9, then 10 to 19, up to 80 to 90), so when a number is called, look straight at its column.
- Computer players claim within a couple of seconds of holding a prize. With bots in the room, claim the instant your prize lights up.
Host settings
- Seconds between numbers: 5 to 16 seconds, default 9. Shorter makes it frantic; longer suits young players.
- Prizes: Early Five, lines, corners, house (the default); Lines and house; or Full house only.
- Mark my ticket for me: Off by default. Turn it on and called numbers are marked for you, so it all comes down to claiming fast.
Questions people ask
Do we need someone to be the caller?
No. The game draws and calls every number itself, so the host plays too. The host can also skip ahead to the next number.
Can we choose our own numbers or tickets?
No. Every player gets a fresh random ticket for each game, laid out the traditional way.
Is Tambola good for a family video call?
Yes. Grandparents and children can join from their own devices with the four letter code, and nobody has to share their screen. Guests never pay or sign up.
What is the difference from Bingo?
Tambola uses 90 numbers and a three row ticket with several prizes. Our Bingo uses 75 balls, a 5 by 5 card you build yourself, and one winning shape.
Similar games
- Bingo: Build your own card square by square, then race the room to the shape. 2 to 16 players, about 10 minutes.
- Ludo: Roll a six to come out, race round the board, and knock anyone you land on all the way home. 2 to 4 players, about 30 minutes.
- Speed Wits: A word puzzle built out of type on the TV. Everyone races to type what it says; the quicker you are, the more it is worth. 2 to 16 players, about 10 minutes.
Guides
- 27 New Year's Eve Games for Family, Adults and Video Calls (With a Countdown Plan to Midnight): 27 New Year's Eve party games for families, adults and video calls, with resolution prompts, countdown ideas and a running order to midnight.
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- Diwali Party Games 2026: 26 Ideas for Family, Card Parties, Kids, Office and Online: 26 Diwali party games for 2026: family classics, card party games with play chips, kids games, office ideas and online games, with ready-made prompts.
- Party Games: 62 of the Best Party Games for Any Group, Room and Mood (With a Chooser): 62 of the best party games, sorted by group size, energy, setting and props, each with players, time, what you need and how to play.