As soon as you start playing bingo, it may seem like entering an alien world. While initially it might be hard to understand all the unfamiliar terminology used during bingo games, eventually everything will become clear.
Here at BingoPenn, we’re here to help you understand the lingo used in online bingo games and will have you speaking like an expert in no time. Follow this guide and you’ll soon be speaking like an experienced participant!
Game rules
Bingo is a fast-paced card game in which players mark off numbers and letters on their bingo card when called out by a caller. Each player keeps a master tally card that’s checked when a number appears on any card; and once all numbers have been marked correctly on one tally card by all players playing simultaneously, that player is declared the winner of the game.
Prizes may be awarded for various activities in a game, such as completing a pattern or reaching a certain number of consecutive calls. These prizes could include money or tickets for subsequent games.
Bingo calls often have an interesting history behind them; some boast humorous backstories while others simply make the game more entertaining for both callers and players alike. For instance, “two little ducks 22” refers to how two small ducklings look similar to numbers 2 and 22 respectively while “legs eleven 11” rhymes with 11. These calls add another level of entertainment for both participants and callers alike.
Rules of conduct
Bingo players face many rules that affect them during a game of bingo, from those regarding who can enter and exclude others to how prizes are distributed and awarded. A licensed organization must post these regulations prominently where the game is taking place.
The licensing authority establishes the rules of conduct for bingo games. These regulations define how bingo should be run and prize distribution. They must also be displayed prominently at any venue hosting bingo activities.
Rules of conduct dictate that all participants in a bingo game be physically present on the premises where it’s being conducted – including children and family of the licensee as well as disabled individuals who require reserved seating.
Prizes
Prizes awarded in bingo games depend on gaming regulations and are typically determined by how much cash has been put in by players. Prizes offered may be a fixed dollar amount or percentage of total wagers placed – this may be determined by state law or gambling regulations.
As soon as a session begins, one number is known as the lucky number; when someone hits bingo on that number within a predetermined number of calls within that session, they win money from the cookie jar. Prizes may also be available for certain patterns like four of a kind or two pairs.
Bingo offers more than prizes; its atmosphere is enjoyable and inclusive as well. Wooden tables and vintage vehicles serve as food carts. Bingo halls are filled with friends and acquaintances that have become lifelong fans of the game; you might hear people singing out their queen song loud and proud or dancing like they have been Tasered; all part of the experience!
Variations
Bingo comes in various variations, each determined by local gambling laws. Some variations offer additional prizes for completing a specific pattern while others feature progressive jackpots that grow with each session until won. Blackout bonuses or specific number calling jackpots could even trigger one or both jackpots!
Some bingo calls use rhymes to distinguish the different letters from each other, like ‘Doctor’s Orders’ (9), which refers to a laxative prescribed to soldiers during World War II or Sunset Strip’ (77) – an old TV show. Some callers also employ wordplay such as ’60’ which rhymes with frisky or ‘White Twit’ (10), which references 10 Downing Street.
Some bingo halls go further by providing an immersive bingo experience through “chat games” and chat comps. These are separate from the main game and designed to simulate the social side of live bingo nights; such as dance-offs, twerking or even on-stage appearances.