How to Play Bingo

I’m new to bingo or we have never played here before.  How do we do this or what do we need to buy?

We hear the above often and we are ready to assist you in enjoying a game that costs very little to play but the payout can be big in excitement, socially and in CASH!  It may be confusing but we will try to simplify it for you here.  Also, see the Basic Bingo Guidelines and Decorum below the questions and answers.

• Q1. How much are computers?

  Computers are $10 for loaded and $20 for Double Action. These are 2-session prices.

• Q2. How much is paper?

  A 12-On paper pack is $1 and you can buy as many packs as you desire. Game 3 of each session is an optional game for paper players. A 3-On can be purchased for $2 each. Game 4 offers a Double Action paper option and is $2 each as well.

• Q3. How do I use the computer?

  It is automatic.  When the balls are announced by the caller a signal is sent via Wi-Fi to all the computers in the bingo hall.  All of your cards that have the number announced by the caller are automatically marked for you in the computer.  Your best card is always displayed in the upper left of the screen.  The computer also lets you know when you only need 1 ball to win and ultimately the computer will notify on the screen when you have a winner.  Then you yell Bingo!

• Q4. Is it easy to play 12 cards on paper?

  Absolutely!  Most novices can play 12 to 24 cards easily.  The interval between our ball calls is about 35 seconds so you will have plenty of time to look for the number called and daub it with your ink dauber.  Right after the caller announces a ball he/she will place another ball in the ball camera that is transmitted to several TV’s in our hall.  This allows you to stay ahead of the game by daubing your paper as soon as you see this image and before the caller announces that ball.

• Q5. How much money can I win?

  The amounts vary during a session of bingo.  We normally play 4 games per session.  Two of them award $500 and two award $750 to the bingo winner.  If there are multiple winners the cash prize is split amongst the winners.  Pulltab prizes vary more significantly and there are fewer players so your chances of winning are greater than regular bingo. Cash prizes range from $100 up to $1,500 per event tab.  Some pulltabs offer multiple chances to win various amounts.

• Q6. What are pulltabs and when are they played?

  Pulltabs are another version of bingo that requires the balls to be called to determine a winner.  When play a daub pulltab you mark them with your ink dauber just like your paper cards.  When all of your numbers are marked then you loudly yell Bingo!  Other pulltabs are called horse races or derbys.  You don’t have to mark numbers in this bingo event.  The caller will announce the winning number between 1 and 15 and you simply have to raise your pulltab if you have the winning number. These event pulltabs are very popular and are sold out quickly when they are offered on the floor.  Buy a few and test your luck.

• Q7. Is every pulltab I buy a playing ticket?

  No.  Similar to scratch-off lottery tickets, not all pulltabs are playing or winning tickets.  The ones that are non-playing can be thrown away.  If you are not sure what to keep or what to throw away just ask one of your floor workers.  There are certain pulltabs that you are guaranteed to get a playing ticket and your salesperson will let you know when these are available.  Try some “all-plays” the first time you play pulltabs.

BASIC BINGO GUIDELINES AND DECORUM

• It is the player’s responsibility to get the caller’s attention when declaring a bingo. Yell loudly enough so the caller can hear you.  If the caller does not hear you and calls another number you may have to split the prize fee with other winners.
• Computers are Auto-Daub. Just monitor the pattern, your number needed to bingo and yell bingo when the computer reflects WINNER across the screen.
• Paper Players can daub the number in the TV monitors as soon as the ball is displayed.
• If the ball in the monitor will give you a bingo do not yell bingo until that number is verbally called by the caller.
• If you have a bingo but fail to declare your bingo before the next number is called you may have to split the prize fee. This is commonly referred to as sleeping a bingo.
• You do not have to have the last number called to have a valid bingo.
• Once a bingo is closed by the caller no other calls for bingo will be accepted as a valid bingo.
• Employees on the floor sell paper and pulltabs. They also answer questions for you about bingo and pay your cash prizes.  If you want to buy additional paper or pulltabs simply hold your arm in the air with a dollar in your hand.  Our employees will come to you as soon as practical.
• Employees are primary paid via tips—just like in a restaurant. Tips are not required but very much appreciated.  If you win a bingo feel free to tip your worker or caller when you are paid your cash prize.