Bingo

From ArticleWorld

A game of chance, Bingo uses 5x5 ‘’cards’’, which are marked, when randomly drawn numbers match what is on the card. The first person to match the predetermined pattern wins. The winner shouts out the word Bingo to let others know they are a potential winner. The numbers are checked, and if they all match, the winner is declared.

Legal gambling

In places that do not allow gambling, Bingo may still be legal. Some regions only allow non-profit organizations to run Bingo games. Churches often hold local Bingo games regularly. In the United States, commercial Bingo games are generally offered at casinos and Indian reservations. The jackpots on these games can be quite large.

History

The origin of Bingo goes back to the 1500’s. An Italian game called Lotto was very similar. As time went on, it became Beano in the United States, as beans were used to cover the numbers. The name evolved into what we know as Bingo today. Modern Bingo is much more sophisticated. Very large games may use television monitors to view several rooms involved. Some are so large, several organizations or locations can play together, linked by a network or by telephone.

Terminology

• Admission packet - The minimum number of cards required to play.

• Bingo board – An electronic board that shows the numbers that have been called.

• Bingo card – The numbered card on which Bingo numbers are marked.

• Bingo marker – Any object, or mark that is used to show what matching numbers have been called.

• Caller – The person drawing, and calling, the numbers.

• Cash-In-Prize – A prize that is determined by the number of players, and thus, the amount of money collected.

• Coverall – A Bingo game where the entire card must be filled.

• Dauber – A sponge tipped marker used with paper cards.

• Free space – The center of the card, a freebie.

• Jackpot - A larger prize awarded for completing the predetermined pattern, within a certain number of calls.

• Money ball – A predetermined number, that when called, doubles the prize awarded to the winner.

• Pattern – An example usually shown on a bingo board, the pattern is the shaped needed to match and win.

• Wrap up – The last game of the day.