BINGO

 

With roots dating back to 16th century Italy, Bingo has grown and developed into one of the world's most popular games of chance. Bingo, as it is known today, was popularized by a toy salesman named Edwin S. Lowe who brought the game, then called Beano, from a Georgia carnival to New York where it became a sweeping success. Bingo halls can now be found in communities across the country and is enjoyed by people of all ages. Winners typically receive a small cash prize but Bingo jackpots can include cars and trips. Traditionally, when a player completes their Bingo card and wants to announce their win, they shout Bingo.

 

Best Casinos to Play Bingo Online

 

 

Bingo Game Information

 

Bingo is now legal in 48 states and over 100 Indian reservations in some capacity. Its popularity has caused the game to be played in traditional Bingo halls as well as electronically and online. The basics of Bingo and the rules are the same whether it's played in a church or online casino. Typically, players first purchase a Bingo card made of cardboard or paper, if playing in person. The prize for a Bingo game is usually 50% to 60% of the total revenue from Bingo card sales. The remaining money is profit and goes to the house, which has made the game a popular fundraiser for social groups and churches.

After Bingo cards are purchased, players ready themselves with a method of marking off the numbers on their Bingo card. If paper Bingo cards are used, markers and pens work well but if the cards are reusable like those made of cardboard, something like plastic chips are often used. After players are seated and ready, the caller begins to draw numbers from a Bingo cage.

A Bingo cage resembles a ball constructed of wire so that the numbered balls inside can be seen. As the caller rotates the Bingo cage, the numbered balls inside are mixed and eventually one ball is automatically selected and falls from the cage. After a ball is selected, the caller identifies the number and announces it to the players who then mark their Bingo cards. The game continues with the caller rotating the cage and announcing numbers until somebody shouts Bingo. At this point the player will bring their marked Bingo card to the caller for authentication and, if the win is confirmed, a new game begins.

If there are two winners, they split the winnings. Occasionally a player will falsely claim a win due to improperly marking their Bingo card or calling too early and the original game simply continues. This is referred to as jumping the gun or a false alarm.

 

Bingo Rules

 

The rules of Bingo are quite simple and allow people of all ages to enjoy the game. The most common Bingo cards have 25 numbers total and are randomly arranged with 5 numbers in 5 columns. The word BINGO is printed at the top of the card and under each letter there is a column of 5 numbers. Often, the numbers are arranged as follows:

In the B column - between 1 and 15
In the I column - between 16 and 30
In the N column - between 31 and 45
In the G column - between 46 and 60
In the O column - between 61 and 75

The balls inside the Bingo cage are printed with numbers as well as a letter: B, I, N, G, or O. When a ball is selected from the Bingo cage the caller will first announce the letter and then the number. A caller might select a ball and announce to players that B-15 has been chosen. Callers usually select balls from the Bingo cage slowly and repeat each number several times before moving on.

Players will first look for the letter called and then search the column of numbers under that letter to see if their Bingo card should be marked. Every player will have the letter that is called but only a few players will have the number. Most cards have at least one free space, usually in the center of the card, which everybody marks off. Occasionally Bingo cards will have more than one free space or free spaces will be arranged in a random fashion. As players begin marking their cards, they hope to complete a predetermined pattern that will allow them to win the game.

The simplest pattern that is often used in Bingo halls is the straight line. If a player marks his or her card so that a straight line forms with 5 numbers, be it a vertical, horizontal or diagonal line, they win the game. There are several other Bingo patterns in use such as the complete card, in which all of the numbers on a player's Bingo card must be called in order to win. Other Bingo patterns include the triangle, railroad tracks, outside diamond and the outside frame, in which all the numbers on the outside edges of a card must be called.

No matter what pattern is being used, the game ends only when a player claims Bingo and their card is verified.

 

Bingo Strategy

 

Despite its popularity, little strategy has been developed for playing Bingo. Participants do not have to be well versed in the game, practice is not helpful, statistics need not be learned and options for Bingo players end with the purchase of cards. Bingo is considered by most to be solely a game of luck. Some players like to purchase a single Bingo card where as others like to play with several Bingo cards. Players are usually allowed to purchase as many cards as they like. The odds of winning increase with each additional Bingo card, but the risk likewise increases as more money is spent on the cards.

It could be worth investigating which Bingo hall, casino or web site offers the highest payout for equally priced Bingo cards as jackpots vary between sources. Jackpots tend to be higher on weekends for the same initial card price. The only real skill needed to enjoy Bingo is the aptitude to mark cards properly and concentrate while numbers are called. The lack of skill necessary to play Bingo is partially responsible for its popularity among people of all ages.


The game of Bingo has grown from humble beginnings to extreme popularity in the United States and abroad. Different versions of the game have grown along with its popularity so that all people of all ages can enjoy what Bingo has to offer.