Bingo is a popular American game in which players match numbers that have been randomly selected to numbers appearing on one or more cards in front of them. Bingo is said to have traceable roots in European games of chance from the sixteenth century. Modern bingo derives from a carnival game called “Beano.” In 1929, one Edwin Lowe discovered Beano at a carnival in the South and decided to promote it commercially. He established one of the first board game companies, to be followed famously by others, like Milton Bradley. The name was changed to “Bingo,” purportedly because a friend of Mr. Lowe, when playing the game, got excited and shouted out “Bingo!” instead of “Beano!.” Mr. Lowe obtained a trademark on “Bingo!” Nowadays it can be spelled with a lower case “b.”

Bingo is played in many places in the United States, even where gambling is prohibited. Traditionally it has been a staple for religious fundraisers. The prizes are usually modest, something that might just symbolize winning, but the real objective is to raise money for some worthy cause by selling bingo cards. In Las Vegas, the worthy cause in question is the casino. People play bingo to win money, just as if they were playing roulette or craps. The prizes for winning are cash or its equivalent. Many, but by no means all, Las Vegas casinos offer Bingo as an attraction. Very few casinos on “the Strip” offer the game. It is considered more of a “locals’ pastime,” so look for it in North Vegas, on the Boulder Highway, in Henderson, and in some casinos west of the Strip.

Casinos do not make much money on the game itself (probably less than 5% profit), as the house does not play against the players, as happens in table games. There is thus no “house edge” other than the profit from selling cards, that is, the ratio of funds left over after paying the prizes to the funds taken in from the sale of cards before the commencement of the games.

Bingo venues are usually called “halls” or “parlors.” Casinos that do have a venue will hold many sessions per day, usually of two hours’ duration. Prizes are modest. Jackpots are usually offered only for “coveralls” (totally covered cards). Some Las Vegas casinos will offer a progressive jackpot game once in each session, which links a number of affiliated casinos together. If the prize money seems higher than expected, it may turn out that the bingo operator has linked several bingo venues together via phone or closed circuit television. Though the prizes are indeed higher, the addition of many more competing players (and cards) can reduce substantially the odds of winning.

To join in on a bingo session, just show up to the venue in time for the game to begin. Purchase as many cards as you wish, and find a comfortable place to spread out. Pick up a dauber to mark the cards if you like. Your “spot” should be where you can see a monitor and hear well. The procedure is a little different with electronic equipment, but the end result is the same.