FAQ
BINGO JARGON
WORDS YOU SHOULD KNOW
Any Way
When a bingo game is played “any way” this means that the winning pattern can be completed in any direction!
Bingo Board
A large board at the front of a bingo hall that displays the numbers that have been called during the game.
Blackout/ Coverall
Pattern where you must cover the whole card to win.
Buy In
The fee you must pay to play BINGO
Caller
The person who calls out the bingo numbers.
Dauber
Bingo dauber is ink-filled bottle with a foam tip on it used to mark the called numbers. As a bingo number is called, dab the paper card.
Free Space
The center square of the card or randomly found on strip games. It’s like a Joker – you get to use it on all strip games and only on paper games that are not HARD WAYS
Front Counter Person
aka cashier, they sell pack games. Also, this person is extremely helpful, let them know if you are new to bingo!
Floor Worker (Usher)
This person walks around the hall selling pull-tabs or event tickets to plays! If you win, this person will pay you at the end. They also verify when a player shouts BINGO and will bring winnings to that play.
Hard Way
A pattern that will make a BINGO without using the free space.
Pull Tabs
Side games that are sold on the of floor in limited quantities. Payouts for pull tabs vary by games. Please feel free to ask the Floor Workers to explain the games.
Wild Numbers
aka “free” numbers. These are often picked by the first ball being called on that game. Example: if the first ball pulled is “13,” then all numbers ending with “3” will be marked. You will use this on the paper specials.
**Terms may vary from hall to hall**
Do you have to call BINGO?
Say it loud, say it proud! You have to call BINGO loud enough to get the caller’s attention, and stop the game.
Do you pay sleepers?
No, you must call bingo on the last number called.
What’s included in a Buy IN?
Your initial buy in includes 10 strips games that are played on the program. It does not include the progressive games, pull tabs (flash) or the paper specials.