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.
