Bingo Rules
Basics:
Bingo is played in halls. Bingo
rules and payouts and play variations vary from place to place. Bingo brochures
detailing particular games, rules and payouts are usually available at each
respective location.
Basically, players buy cards with numbers on them in a 5 x 5 grid corresponding
to the five letters in the word B-I-N-G-O. Numbers such as B-2 or 0-68 are then
drawn at random (out of a possible 75) until one player completes a 'Bingo' line
with five numbers in a vertical, horizontal or diagonal row on one of their
cards and wins the prize.
The numbers are announced quickly, so you must pay careful attention to the
numbers that are called and mark them quickly and accurately on your card(s).
The caller keeps calling numbers until one or more players claim BINGO. Then the
game stops and the numbers are verified. If there is a winner, the prize is
awarded and a new bingo game begins with new cards. If there is more than one
winner, the prize is split among all the winners.
In Las Vegas many variations including 'Letter X', 'Six Pack', 'Coverall' and
'Indian Style Papoose' Bingo are offered. Additionally, some places offer
special progressive payouts as high as $10,000.
When playing online, your bingo cards are randomly selected for you. Most online
games give you 3 or 4 cards. Other games let you take more.
Every online bingo game has a caller or a display board for the bingo numbers.
The game pattern is also displayed. Some games automatically mark the numbers on
your card for you.
