How to play tambola on a video call
- Start a WhatsApp, Zoom, Google Meet or FaceTime call so everyone can see and hear each other.
- The host opens Team Housie on a phone or laptop, enters a name and taps Create game.
- Share the invite link in the family WhatsApp group, or read out the 4-digit code. On a laptop, share your screen so people can scan the QR code.
- Each player gets their own unique ticket on their own device, with no printing or photos of tickets.
- Start the game. The computer calls each number aloud with its traditional call, ticks off wins automatically, and shows a live leaderboard.
Tip: if the call’s audio is busy, have everyone keep their own Team Housie sound on, so each player hears the numbers from their own device.
Do I need a tambola app?
No. Team Housie is a website that works like an app: open it in Chrome, Safari or any modern browser on Android, iPhone, iPad or a computer. There is nothing to download and no account to create, which matters when half the family won’t install another app. Tap your browser’s “Add to Home screen” if you want an icon to come back to.
Great occasions for online housie
- Diwali, Holi and Christmas: a festive family tambola when relatives live in different cities or countries. See themed tambola ideas.
- Kitty parties: let members who can’t make it join from home, while everyone in the room plays on their phones.
- Birthdays and anniversaries: a virtual party game that grandparents and kids can both play.
- Reunions: school and college groups scattered across time zones.
- Weekend game nights: a quick round or three between friends.
Prizes for a family tambola
Each game plays six prizes: First Line, Second Line, Third Line, Four Corners, Full House and Second Full House. For prizes, try a small UPI transfer from the host, a gift voucher, the right to choose the next movie, or simply bragging rights in the family group. New players can read how to play tambola first.
Everyone in the same room?
You can still play on phones, or go old-school: print tambola tickets and use the tambola number caller on a speaker.