Bingo is a popular game that has been played for centuries and is enjoyed by people of all ages. The game is easy to learn, but for new players, the jargon and slang used in bingo halls and online can be a bit overwhelming. To help you get started, we’ve put together a glossary of common terms and phrases used in bingo games online.
Bingo Board
The bingo board is the electronic or physical board that displays the numbers that have been called in a game of bingo. Players mark the numbers on their bingo cards as they are called out.
Caller
The caller is the person who announces the numbers during a bingo game. The caller uses a microphone or a loudspeaker system to make sure all players can hear the numbers.
Card
A bingo card is a grid of numbers that players use to mark off numbers as they are called out. There are different types of bingo cards, including 75-ball and 90-ball bingo cards.
Dauber
A dauber is a marker used to mark off the numbers on a bingo card. Daubers come in different colors and shapes, and some players even collect them as a hobby.
Early Bird
An early bird game is a game of bingo that starts before the regular games begin. Early bird games usually have smaller prizes than regular games.
Free Space
The free space is the center square on a bingo card. This space is usually marked with the word “free” or a symbol such as a star. The free space is automatically marked off for all players and can be used to complete a winning pattern.
Jackpot
The jackpot is the biggest prize in a bingo game. The jackpot can be a fixed amount or a progressive jackpot that grows over time if no one wins.
Pattern
The pattern is the shape or sequence of numbers that players need to mark off on their bingo card to win a prize. There are many different patterns in bingo, including straight lines, diagonal lines, and blackouts.
Split Pot
A split pot is a game where the prize money is split between two or more winners. Split pots are often used when there are multiple winners in a game.
Wild Number
A wild number is a number that is automatically marked off on all bingo cards before the game begins. Wild numbers are usually chosen at random and can be used to complete a winning pattern.
Wrap Up
The wrap-up is the last game of a bingo session. The wrap-up game usually has a bigger prize than the other games and is a way to end the session on a high note.
Buy-in
The buy-in is the cost of purchasing a bingo card for a game. The buy-in can vary depending on the type of game and the prize money at stake.
On
When a player has marked off all the numbers in a winning pattern, they yell “Bingo!” to alert the caller and other players that they have won.
False Call
A false call is when a player yells “Bingo!” before they have actually marked off all the numbers in a winning pattern. False calls are not allowed in bingo and can result in disqualification.
Bingo is a fun and exciting game that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With this glossary of common terms and phrases, new players can quickly learn the lingo and slang used in bingo halls and online. Remember to listen carefully to the caller, use your dauber to mark off the numbers on your bingo card, and yell “Bingo!” loud and clear when you have a winning pattern. Good luck and have fun!
