Get your cards
Buy paper bingo cards for the session. Each card has five columns: B, I, N, G and O. The center space is free.
New to bingo? Start here.
See a game. Mark a card. Get ready to yell Bingo!
Learn the basics at your own pace, then try a sample card and an event pull tab. Games, prices, and house rules vary from hall to hall, so listen to the caller wherever you play.
Try a bingo cardBingo basics
How a game works
Listen and mark
The caller announces a letter and number, such as B-7. Find it on your card and mark it with a bingo dauber.
Complete the pattern
The caller tells you the winning shape for that game. When you complete it, yell “Bingo!” loudly before the caller starts the next number. Staff will check your card.
Learn by trying it
Practice on a bingo card
Tap the numbers to mark or unmark them. The FREE center space starts marked. Pick a game, then use “Show me how to win” to see one possible winning card.
Your practice card
Practice card only. In a real game, mark only called numbers and follow your hall's rules. The last number needed for a win must be called before you claim Bingo.
Choose a game and tap squares to practice.
Game examples
Pick the game you want to try
These are examples, not universal rules. The caller's announced pattern and your hall's program decide what wins.
A second way to play
How pull tabs work
A pull tab is a separate ticket. Some tickets pay instantly; an event ticket uses numbers called later. Read the instructions on the actual ticket before playing.
Try an event pull tab
This real ticket has five “either/or” pairs. In this practice example, one called number from each pair must be marked to win. Try 6, 17, 36, 47, and 63.
Real either/or pull tab
Opened ticket photo · interactive practiceTap a number on the photo after it is called. Each pair has a top or bottom choice.
Ready to start
Press Next number, then find and tap it on the ticket.
Watch for one called number in each of the five pairs.
Different tabs, different rules
Ask staff which pull tabs are available, what they cost, and how that ticket wins. Open the windows, follow any called numbers, and keep your ticket until staff verifies a possible win.
Other pull tabs may need a row, a blackout, or another combination. The printed instructions for that particular game decide.
This is an example only. It has no cash value.
Your first visit
What to expect at the hall
Choose your cards
Ask the cashier about session packages, paper cards, electronic options, and daubers. Start with an amount you can follow comfortably.
Find a comfortable seat
Choose a place where you can hear the caller. If you prefer a non-smoking area or need help seeing the display, ask staff what is available.
Listen before each game
The caller announces the card color and winning pattern. Rules, prizes and pull-tab announcements vary, so follow instructions at your hall.
Follow the calls
Mark your card when a number is called. Some monitors may show upcoming numbers, but a displayed number does not count until the caller announces it.
Yell Bingo clearly
When you have the announced pattern, call “Bingo!” loudly before the next number so staff can verify your card.
Get ready for the next game
On paper sheets, move to the next game when instructed. Watch for the next card color and listen for any special rules.
Plan your visit
What might bingo cost?
Pricing is different at every hall. As an illustration—not an advertised price—a hall might sell a small paper package for $6 and an electronic package for $25. Some games or pull tabs may cost extra. Check the current program or ask the cashier what is included before you buy.
Plain-English glossary
Bingo lingo
Common questions
Before you play
Do all bingo halls play the same way?
The basics are similar, but schedules, prices, patterns and house rules differ. Listen to the caller and check the posted rules at the hall you visit.
Do I have to buy pull tabs to play bingo?
No. Pull tabs are a separate game. Ask staff what is being sold and how that ticket wins before buying.
What if I am unsure whether I won?
Call Bingo promptly when you believe your card matches the announced pattern. Staff will verify it. For pull tabs, keep the ticket and ask staff to check it.
Can I play with more than one bingo card?
Yes, many players do. Start with a manageable number so you can follow the calls comfortably.