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Bingo is a game. More specifically it is a game of chance. In playing bingo, numbers are drawn and called out and you need to match the numbers called to your bingo card. Bingo cards are numbers in grids. There are 5 columns; each column represents one letter in the name 'B-I-N-G-O'. The first person in the game to have his numbers blacked out which is consistent with the provided pattern has to yell 'BINGO!' in order to be the winner. The winning card will be verified by the organizers. If it is a legitimate win, then the winner is entitled to the prizes (if it's a real gambling game). If it's not then the winner can have bragging rights.

Objective of the game

The main objective of the game is to complete the pattern set in a certain game in the shortest time possible, before anyone else beats you to it. Before the bingo game, the host will lay out the pattern for the said game. Popular patterns can be horizontal, vertical, x-style, box or a black out, in which you need to have all numbers in your card called out.

The Bingo Card

The bingo card is a matrix of numbers which are divided in 5 columns, each column corresponding to the letters in the word B-I-N-G-O. The B column has numbers from 1-15, I column: 16-30, N column 31-45, G column 46-60 and O column 61-75.

In the card grid, the middle number is always free.

Bingo Equipment

Most bingo halls have blowers and flashboards. The blowers keep the bingo balls and with a push of the button will automatically release one ball for the host to call out. Some blowers are connected to a computer which enables the viewers to see the bingo ball instantly as it is being called out.

Playing the Game

The first thing to do before you start playing a bingo game is to have your card. You can have one or multiple cards at once. Remember than increased number of cards will ensure you an increased chance of winning also, but keep your number of cards at a manageable level.

1. The host will first reveal the pattern for the game before the bingo game starts.

2. Then the host draws a ball and calls out the letter of the ball and the corresponding number.

3. After he calls out the ball, check your bingo cards if you have the said letter and number combination and mark it.

4. The host will then repeat the drawing and calling of numbers until someone wins and completes the pattern.

5. The person with the winning bingo card has to yell 'BINGO!' to let everyone know that she has the winning card. If someone is declared the winner, the game ends and the card is verified by the authorities.

Another game starts after. The next game can have a different pattern or increased prize money depending on the bingo game. Important tip: Never yell bingo whenever your pattern is not complete. It can be irritating to the other players and disrupts the game.