HOW TO PLAY
- Teresa Rice
- Apr 5
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 8
Bingo is a classic game in which players mark off numbers on cards as the numbers are drawn randomly by a caller. The winner is the first person to mark off the numbers in the required pattern. Long ago, players marked called numbers with bingo chips. Today, players use ink daubers to mark numbers on paper cards...or they purchase a bingo machine, where all the cards are inside the machine, and the numbers are automatically marked for you.
How to Use the Bingo Machines
Purchase a Bingo Pack
Purchase your bingo pack from the counter, which will include your bingo cards and a receipt number.
Select Your Machine
Hand-Held: Head to the machine rack and pick up an available handheld bingo machine. Check to be sure the battery range shows as full.
OR
Stationery: If you want to use the larger machines (some have built-in TVs), be sure to ask for a stationery machine at the counter. These are usually $1 extra.
Enter Your Receipt Number
Enter the receipt number from your bingo pack. This will link your pack to the machine and load your cards automatically.
Start Playing
The machine will automatically daub (mark) the numbers for you as they are called during the game.
Watch for Alerts
The machine will beep when you're one number away from winning.
If you win, the machine will play music and display the word "WINNER" on the screen.
Automatic Reset and Game Transition
Once the game ends, the machine will automatically clear your cards and advance to the next game. You don’t need to do anything manually – just wait for the next round to start.
This system ensures a smooth, hands-off experience where you don’t have to worry about manually marking your cards—just enter your receipt number, relax, and let the machine do the work! Enjoy the game!
Using Paper Packs
When purchasing paper, you will receive a paper pack with 6 pages. This pack can be used throughout the entire session, with 1 or 2 games played on each page (listen to the caller!)
The columns are labeled B, I, N, G, O, and each column contains a range of numbers:
B: 1-15
I: 16-30
N: 31-45 (the center space is usually a free space)
G: 46-60
O: 61-75
How to Play
Starting the Game: The caller will begin by drawing a ball from the 75-ball pool and announce the number (e.g., "B-12").
Marking Numbers: Players will look for the announced number on their paper cards and mark it if they have it.
Winning Patterns: The objective is to complete a specific pattern on the card. Common patterns include:
Regular bingo (Horizontal, vertical or diagonal line)
Double bingo
Special Patterns (click here to see examples)
Coverall
Calling Bingo: When a player completes the required pattern, they must raise their hand and shout "Bingo!" to alert the caller before they call the next number.
Verification: An agent will come over and verify the card. If the pattern is correct, the player wins the game!
Payouts
The amount of money won during a single game will depend on the card level you won on. Normal payments are as follows:
Level 1 (blue pack): $50
Level 2 (red pack): $100
Level 3 (green pack): $150
Level 5 (tan pack): $200
Aggegrate pay: If there is more than one winner, cash prizes are split between players
Special games: Some bingo sessions pay double or triple pay per game. Special jackpot games, such as coverall, jumbo, progessive, cashball, moneyball, etc usually pay anywhere from $250 to more than $100,000.
Tips for Playing
Pay attention to the numbers being called to avoid missing your winning combination, especially if you are paying paper.
Watch the jumbo bingo board on the wall...it will always show the numbers called and show and example of the pattern you are looking for that game.
Listen to the bingo caller...he or she will always tell you what page you should be on and when to tear off your sheet and move to the next page.
Sometimes, more than one game is played on the same page. If the numbers on the big board do not clear when starting the next game, you must stay on the same page for that next game.