Your first visit to a Bingo hall can feel pretty daunting, and with so much more to discover than just the beloved game, there’s no doubt you’ll enjoy getting swept up in the buzzing Bingo atmosphere. There are some things you’ll want to bear in mind before you go that’ll help you make the most out of your visit, so we’ve put together a short list to get you well on your way.
Read on to discover everything you need to know about visiting a Bingo hall.
Before the game
As you walk through the doors of the Bingo hall, it’s likely you’ll be greeted by an array of singing slot machines, refreshments and excited players. There’ll be a main desk or staff members hanging around to guide you and offer you advice as you purchase some tickets. Each ticket will display a unique grid of numbers for the game, usually consisting of numbers between one and 90.
Sometimes regular players are superstitious about their seats, so watch out for these ‘lucky seats’. If you do find yourself in one of them, it’s considered good Bingo etiquette to just find another seat, even though, of course, the seat really has nothing to do with gameplay.
Once you’re settled, it’s time to start playing!
Playing the game
Bingo is a relatively simple game. Once the game kicks off, a caller or digital board will pick a number at random. If you have these numbers on your card, just mark them off with your dabber. The game can be quite fast paced, but keep going and you’ll be a dabbing pro in no time!
To win, you’ll be the first to mark off all your numbers in either a single line, two lines, or across the entire grid – the full house! At this point, you’ve got to call “Bingo” or “house” to get your card verified so you can collect your winnings.
What to wear
If it’s your first time visiting a Bingo hall, many things can be daunting, but you’ll be glad to know that most halls don’t have a dress-code. Some players like to make a night of it and get a little dressed up, whilst others enjoy playing the game in their jeans and a t-shirt. Always check the website of the hall you’re visiting though – just to make sure.
Five top tips and tricks to really make the most out of your visit
There’s more to a Bingo hall than just Bingo – there’s food, refreshments, Slots and socialising – so why not make a day of it? With these top tips you’ll soon be ready to embark on your Bingo hall adventure and become the next dabbing pro!
- Know when to speak up
Firstly, you should know that it’s an unwritten rule that players should be quiet during the games and avoid speaking at the wrong moments. Some players like to repeat the numbers as they are called. This is also advised against as it can be distracting for other players.
- Respect the staff
One of the most important parts of playing Bingo at a Bingo hall is to respect the caller. Remember they are only doing their job, and Bingo is a game of chance, so taking your frustration out on them will get you nowhere.
- Play the minimum
As a beginner, you should start off by just playing the minimum for each game. This will prevent you from purchasing more cards than you can keep up with, and establish a pace that works well for you.
- Arrive early
It’s recommended for new players to arrive at least an hour before the games are set to begin, so you have plenty of time to familiarise yourself with the hall, the items you may need to purchase, and prizes. If you’re unsure, always talk to a supervisor who will guide you through everything you need to know about your visit.
- Sign up to the loyalty programme
if there is one, sign up to the Bingo hall’s loyalty programme. You can often earn rewards whilst you play, which can be spent on food, drinks after they’ve accumulated over time.
If you fancy the thrill of live Bingo, but don’t want to travel, then you can play Paddy Power Bingo online, from the comfort of your own home! The games are hosted live by a real human dealer and even come in a variety of themes, such as Deal or No Deal Bingo, that you just wouldn’t find at a Bingo halls. What’s more, much like a brick-and-mortar Bingo hall, online casinos offer a selection of slot games available in the virtual lobby to keep you occupied before you enjoy your next game.
What’s more, if you decide to stay in and play Bingo at an online casino, you don’t even have to change out of your pyjamas to enjoy the thrill of the game!
