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.
