You probably learned how to play bingo as a child, but the excitement of being the first one to yell "Bingo!" doesn't end in school. Newer trends like electronic bingo and online bingo open the game to new audiences, while some still prefer a traditional bingo hall with paper cards and daubers. Many like both.

Some believe the key to winning at bingo lies in luck and superstition, while others believe the secret to success is found in advanced bingo strategies and "playing the odds." Whatever your strategy, you'll need to know our basic rules and etiquette.

On this page, we'll explain everything you want to know about bingo!

While bingo became popular in the world early in the twentieth century, the roots of the game stretch back to the year 1530. That's when a state-run lottery called "Lo Gioco del Lotto d'Italia" started in Italy. (Interestingly, even to this day you can still play that lotto every Saturday.) The French picked up lotto in the late 1700s. One version used a playing card with nine columns and three rows, with four free spaces per row.

The caller reached into a bag and picked out wooden chips marked 1 through 90 (1 to 10 for the first column, 11 to 20 for the second, and so forth). The first player to cover one whole row was the winner. These lottery-type bingo games soon became a craze throughout Europe.

Bingo as we know it today was popularized by Edwin S. Lowe, a struggling but enterprising toy salesman from New York. Lowe observed a game called "Beano" at a country carnival in Atlanta, Georgia. The game was called Beano because players used dried beans to mark their cards as the numbers came up. When a player completed a line of numbers, he or she would stop the game by yelling "Beano!," and that player would win a small prize.

Lowe saw that players were captivated by the game. Lowe himself was so spellbound by this new game that he brought it back home and introduced it to his friends. During one game, a lady got so excited by her win that she blurted out "Bingo!" instead of the accepted cry.

And just like that, bingo was born. "Lowe's Bingo" became a sweeping success, and by the mid-1930s, bingo games were popping up all over the country, in part because churches and social clubs quickly realized the fund-raising potential.

Today, most of the world offer legal bingo on some scale. Games range from small enough to fit in a church basement to big enough to pack a 1,800-seat hall. In this article, we'll discuss the basic equipment and rules used in bingo, and give you tips on how to improve your strategy. If you are looking for more places with new players, we'll show you where to look. If you aren't sure who your challengers will be or what kind of prizes can be at stake, check the overview below.

Bingo players come from all walks of life. There is no stereotypical bingo player. Most like to socialize, which is why they go to bingo, and they may also enjoy other competitive group activities, such as bowling, that combine fun and friends. Most regular players are over the age of 45, surveys show, but bingo is being discovered by young people every day as a new way to socialize. And both men and women enjoy playing the game, whether by themselves or with a spouse or friend. The bottom line? Bingo is fun for everyone.

The usual prize at bingo is cash, from £50 or £100 for a simple bingo at a small hall all the way up to £1 million or more in special high-stakes games. But the prize can also be a car, a trip, or even novelty prizes (in New York, one restaurant gives away margaritas to the lucky winners).

The size of the typical jackpot is based on how much money is coming in. Most bingo halls are required to payout at least 50 to 60 percent of the money they take in and online, prizes are even greater as they have less costs involved which are passed on to the players.

A progressive jackpot is a prize that keeps growing from game to game until somebody wins it. The house kicks off a progressive game by "seeding the pot" with an attractive amount of money -- say £500 -- instead of simply setting the jackpot as a percentage of card sales. To win the progressive, a player must have an extraordinary win, such as a blackout (covering every space on a bingo card) in only 49 balls. If no one wins, the house chips in extra money to sweeten the pot even more. The jackpot may get bumped up by £100+ per game over a number of sessions or weeks. Progressive Jackpots online can be in the millions.

If playing offline, sometimes a progressive jackpot gets so big that the bingo hall by law has to cap it, and the prize stays at the same level until somebody wins.

The popularity of big prizes has allowed bingo to expand into more lucrative games. The most exciting new phenomenon in the bingo world is the spread of high-stakes games. There are literally dozens of halls scrambling to set up games that promise to pay £50,000, £100,000, or even £1 million+ to some lucky winner. The jackpots are so high that some hall owners take out insurance policies so they won't go broke!

Some of the super-jackpots are set up to be "step games," where the game pays different amounts depending on how quickly the winner gets a blackout. For example, a blackout in 49 numbers might pay £50,000, while a blackout in only 45 numbers would earn £100,000. Because it's very hard to get a blackout in so few calls, it may be weeks or even months before anybody wins it.

As you can imagine, the odds of winning are pretty slim, so it may be weeks, months, or years before somebody gets that top prize. Then again, somebody could win it on the first game of the first session on the first day it's offered.

Satellite bingo is another way bingo halls can offer larger jackpots. This is a linked bingo game played simultaneously at bingo halls in a certain area. An outside company links the bingo halls by satellite (hence the name of the game!). The prizes in satellite bingo games are often much larger than what individual halls could offer.

If you are interested in going home with some of those sweet winnings, it's important that you understand the basics of the game. In the next section we'll look at the game equipment and how it's used.

Knowing the basics is the key to unlocking the excitement of bingo. If you've played before, you may think you already know everything ... but how much are you missing? The information below will reintroduce you to the bingo equipment and how it's used.

Bingo is basically a game of chance. Players use cards that feature five columns of five squares each, with every square containing a number (except the middle square, which is designated a "FREE" space). The object is to listen for the numbers that appear on the cards to be called. When one is called, the player marks the square. The first person to complete a predetermined pattern of marked numbers is the winner.

The columns are labeled B, I, N, G, and O. Letters always contain a certain range of numbers, as shown below.
BINGO CARD BASICS

Column Letter
Numbers
B 1 to 15
I 16 to 30
N 31 to 45
G 46 to 60
O 61 to 75

The Cards

Bingo players buy cardboard cards or disposable sheets printed with one or more card faces. The type of game cards used varies widely depending on the hall. Some halls still use traditional cardboard "hard cards," or "all-night boards," that can be marked with chips, tokens, or pennies. But most halls today use disposable strips or sheets of paper cards containing a set number of faces, such as six (known as a 6-on) or three (a 3-on).

The process of purchasing cards is called the "buy-in," or, in other words, you pay money up front to buy cards to be used during a specific session. Sometimes the buy-in is for single-face, stand-alone cards, but, more often, the buy-in is for tear-off, disposable sheets of paper containing a number of card faces. Expect to spend anywhere from £1 to £20 for a minimum buy-in. Online, it can be less than this.

Some of the more popular calls are:
Legs Eleven for B-11
Sweet Sixteen for I-16
Two Little Ducks (Quack, Quack) for I-22
Any Way You Can Get It for O-69

The Caller

A person known as the "caller" picks the numbers from a basket or blower and announces them to the players. It's also the caller's responsibility to announce the pattern of the game before calling the first ball. There are literally dozens of patterns from which to choose, and the pattern call changes from game to game. The two most common patterns are straight-line bingo and coverall, or blackout.

Straight-line bingo: In the simplest version, a player gets "bingo" with a five-number straight line stretching from one end of the card to the other. The line can be vertical, horizontal, or diagonal. The straight line may include the free space, in which case the player would only need to have four numbers called.

Coverall: Also called blackout, coverall is a typical jackpot game. The goal is to cover every number on the card within a certain number of calls. In a 49-number coverall, a coverall must occur within 49 calls, or else the game is over and nobody wins.

The Numbers

The caller selects each ball at random, sometimes from an electrically operated blower machine similar to what's used to call state lotteries, or else from an old-time mechanical or manually operated cage. The blower may have a trap that automatically catches one or more balls at a time while the machine is running. A rush of air blows balls into a chute, then the bingo caller selects the first one and announces the letter/number combination to all of the players.

There are often 75 balls in the machine, and each one is printed with a letter from the word "bingo" and a number from 1 to 75. All of the balls are essentially the same size, shape, weight, and balance, so that during the bingo game, each ball has an equal chance of being pulled.

Once a number is called, the ball may be displayed on a closed-circuit television system with monitors around the room. Then, the corresponding light on the big overhead scoreboard is activated. The scoreboard, which may also display a lighted diagram of the pattern in play, is there so players can keep track of numbers already called. Some halls still have an old, nonelectric tote board that serves the same purpose.

After the numbers are announced and put on the scoreboard, you need to know how to mark your cards.

The Daubers

As each number is called, players scan their cards, and if they have the number, they mark it with a token or a dauber (a special penlike ink stamper). The easiest way to mark a disposable paper card is to use a dauber. Daubers have become an essential tool of the modern bingo player. To use the dauber, players simply remove the cap and press the wide, foam-rubber tip firmly on the square containing the called number, producing a large, round color smudge. The advantages of the dauber are that it's quick, permanent (nobody bumping the table is going to send your chips flying), and easy to see, so you can ignore marked boxes and concentrate on the rest of the card.

Dauber trends: For dauber ink, it's purple -- that's according to BK Entertainment, a bingo supply company that sells more than 40 billion bingo cards a year. Daubers typically contain 21/2 to 4 ounces of ink, which is offered in a variety of colors, including blue, red, green, magenta, teal, and, of course, purple. That's enough colors for a six-pack, which some players in fact do keep with them -- one for each game in a session. The trend is now toward bolder, richer colors, such as bright orange. New fast-dry inks are available to keep players from messing up their hands and shirtsleeves. Wondering what to get your favorite bingo aficionado? Dauber four-packs make a thoughtful present!

In the next section, we'll look at the basic rules and etiquette to prepare you for almost any bingo game.

What happens when somebody gets the bingo card pattern? The customary way to announce that you've won is simply to yell "Bingo!" loud enough for the caller to hear. Once bingo is called, an assistant (sometimes called a floor walker) will come to the table right away to verify the bingo.

The floor walker will call out the winning numbers for the caller to verify or, in fancier setups, will simply call out an identification number on the card, which the caller punches into a computer that automatically verifies or rejects the bingo. Depending on where you play, the winning bingo card may be posted for the remainder of the night so other players can inspect it. Disputes are not that common -- either you bingo or you don't -- but when discrepancies pop up, the bingo manager usually has the final say.

If two people call bingo on the same number, the jackpot is split evenly between them. Likewise, if three people call it, the house divides the pot three ways.

Common Rules

Since no two bingo halls operate exactly the same way, it's a good idea to read the posted rules thoroughly before the session begins. Be sure to look for special handouts; any extra printed rules for the night supersede what is posted.

Whatever you do, don't try to alter a bingo card! It's not worth it, and no experienced bingo manager or caller will fall for it. Many, if not most, halls will be happy to make an example of anyone caught cheating, prosecuting to the full extent of the law. Play it safe by following the rules and being honest. Below are some common rules you may encounter:
In most halls, players must be 18 years of age or older.
Some halls prohibit alcoholic beverages, while others will sell beer along with soft drinks. Outside food and drinks are usually frowned upon, since most establishments want you to buy their hot dogs, chips, and soda.
During special high-stakes games, management may prohibit players from entering and leaving the hall.
Reserving specific cards may not be allowed.
Typically, people are not allowed to sit and watch while friends or relatives play; each seated person may be required to have their own buy-in. Some halls may require seated players to have an attendance ticket in plain view while they play.
If a player has bingo, it's up to him or her to stop play before the next number is called by announcing "bingo!" loud enough for the caller to hear. It's important to know that bingo must be claimed on the most-recent number called. If the caller has already started announcing the next ball, it's too late to call bingo. Likewise, as soon as the caller closes the game and drops the balls for the next game, any missed bingos become invalid.
One practical point: Bring a photo ID in case you hit the big one. For large jackpots, players might have to produce ID as well and fill out earnings and tax reporting forms on the spot. Also, the hall may reserve the right to publicize winners or winning cards.

Bingo Etiquette

Bingo players are a friendly lot who will be more than glad to talk you through any bingo problems you might have. But don't forget that you're on their turf. Miss Manners doesn't have much to say about bingo specifically, so here are some tips to follow to avoid stepping on any toes as you make your way through the bingo hall.

Pipe down. The most important of all unwritten rules. You'll notice that regular players pipe down instantly as soon as the caller gets down to business.

Watch out for lucky seats. Some players are very particular about where they sit. If you grab a seat that happens to be a lucky one, you might be asked to move. It's a good idea to go along with the request.

Don't be a parrot. Some people have a habit of repeating numbers as they are called. This might help them concentrate, but it can be very distracting for other players. Try to keep talking and extra noise to an absolute minimum while numbers are being called.

Keep kids quiet. Most people will understand if you have to bring the kids, but they won't tolerate rambunctious youngsters running around and yelling while they are trying to concentrate. Bring an activity or three to keep your children occupied while you play. Sometimes, the hall may offer "fun" bingo cards to keep the kiddies occupied.

Don't take out your frustrations on the caller. Occasionally, players on a losing streak have been known to express their displeasure by yelling "change the caller" or making other derisive or sarcastic comments the caller can hear. Chill out! The caller can't control destiny. If there is a genuine caller problem, try saying, "Louder, please" or "Slow down, please" loudly but politely. If that doesn't work, take the problem to the bingo manager.

Think before you call bingo. Calling bingo stops the flow of the game. If it's a false bingo, regular players might get exasperated with you, particularly if they've already started crumpling up the last game's paper sheets in frustration.

Only smoke in the designated areas. Smoking and bingo are inseparable in the minds of many enthusiasts, and in fact, bingo halls may be the last indoor establishments in America that welcome smokers. But for some players, cigarette smoke can ruin enjoyment of the game or even make them feel sick, especially in a poorly ventilated hall. Try to respect the nonsmoker's space.

First-time and infrequent bingo players can get in sync with a game quickly by following the playing tips of seasoned players mentioned in the next section.

It's time to learn what seasoned bingo professionals already know. The game is steeped in ritual, rules, and special game variations. A first-timer is bound to get bewildered without some sort of guidance. The following are a variety of pointers that will help you get in the groove quickly.

Arrive early. It's common practice for regular players to arrive at the hall one or two hours before the session begins. This gives them ample time to get their favourite seat, prepare their cards (by fastening them down or predaubing spaces not needed for the pattern), grab a snack, set up their good-luck trinkets, play some pull-tabs, or gossip and play gin rummy with other regulars.

This is also an excellent opportunity to learn more about the best or worst games in town. As you meet people, you'll get to hear war stories and find out about the popular places in town to play bingo. Take what you hear with a grain of salt, though. People might make broad statements about a certain hall just because they went one time and lost. Or they might say, "I love that hall -- I won six times!" However, it's wise to also ask that person just how much they have lost there!

Be prepared. Bring tape or a glue stick. Slippery tables can be a pain when you're trying to concentrate on your cards. A roll of adhesive tape should solve that. Likewise, a glue stick might be a good investment.

Sit close to the caller. The faster you get information, the better. By sitting near the caller, you may be able to sneak a peek at the next ball as it pops out of the chute. This is a totally acceptable practice, so feel free to take advantage of it. However, be aware that you can't call bingo until after the number is announced by the caller.

Stay alert. Stay on your toes, because if you cover the pattern on B-7 but don't yell "bingo" before the next number is called, you lose. For somebody who has spent all night at the tables, it's a personal tragedy to "sleep a bingo." (Somebody who hollers "bingo" after the next number has been called is known as a sleeper.)

Keep your wits about you. Some bingo halls serve alcoholic drinks along with the usual assortment of snacks and refreshments. Enjoy in moderation, if that's what you like, but always remember that alcohol can impair your judgement. Don't rely on your bingo judgement to be the best under the influence of alcohol. Y

Speak up. Don't be afraid to call the caller. If it seems like the caller is whizzing through the numbers, you may be playing too many cards. But the caller could be new, or he or she may simply be tired and hoping to get the game done quickly. If you know you can play six faces comfortably but you're having trouble keeping up, don't be afraid to speak up.

Know the rules. If someone gets a bingo unfairly (for example, they don't call bingo loud enough for the caller to stop the game but they are awarded the pot anyway), citing the rules may mean the difference between you having a chance to win and the game ending right there.

Get some exercise. A lot of people say exercise makes them sharper and better able to concentrate. Exercise also combats the dreaded "seat spread" caused by excessive bingo snack consumption. Be warned, however, that a brisk walk around the parking lot probably won't cut it. Researchers in Victoria, Australia, found that six minutes of aerobic exercise had no effect on how mentally sharp bingo players were compared with their pre-exercise scores.

How to Hone Your Mental Skills

A big surprise to bingo beginners is how often they have to slap their forehead because they missed a chance to fill in a square on one of their cards. For bingo "professionals," however, missed calls are kept to a minimum thanks to a combination of concentration and mental skills that become second nature from repeated play. Below are a few tips to try out.

Ignore the numbers on the left side of the square. By reading the numbers on the card backward, you may save a little time. For example, if the number called is B-12, scan the right-hand side of the B column for 2's. When you see one, glance to the left for a 1.

Pay attention to the pattern. It can be tricky to keep up with the caller while remembering to check for the pattern. It's not unusual at all for a beginner to get bingo and not realize it, simply because their card is so daubed up that they don't even see the pattern. Predaub all the squares you don't need. Don't forget that in certain games, many of the spaces don't matter.

If the game pattern is picture frame (all the squares along the four edges of the card), try predaubing all the inside numbers to help you mentally block out the rest of the card and concentrate on the important spaces. That can mean a lot of daubing in a 12-card game of little diamond (the four squares immediately up, down, left, and right of the free space), but the slight edge you gain from predaubing might allow you to comfortably track additional sheets.

Eventually, as you develop the mental skills that come with repeated play, you may find you don't get any benefit from predaubing. You may be able to simply visualize the pattern as your eyes dart from card to card.

Rely on backup. If you're still having trouble keeping up with complicated patterns, consider bringing a yellow highlighter to mark the daubable spaces.

Now that you know some basic rules and how to keep up with seasoned players, where can you play bingo?

Well - we recommend that you play online. It lets you play where ever and whenever you want. It also generally has better promotions, jackpots and prizes than the old fashioned bingo halls. Whatever you decide is right for you, have fun and good luck!