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Each player is armed with at least one game card to play bingo, though many players, serious bingo fanatics, play as many as 15 cards or more. Bingo cards are purchased individually for each game, or included as part of the admission price, or even sold as part of a package covering multiple games. The most important information about the card is that they contain the numbers, which may or may not turn out to be the winning numbers.

Before the beginning of the game , the caller will announce the type of bingo game to be played. Then, numbers are drawn one at a time and the number will be announced across the hall. During this time, a hush may fill the hall as players compare the announced numbers against the numbers that appear on their cards. Winning combinations are examined and weighed by the anxious participants as each new number is drawn and called.

The game continues and a growing buzz electrifies the hall as winning numbers fill each player’s card. Soon, several cards edge just one number away from victory. The tension builds as another number is called, a few players creep forward in their seat, then suddenly, as one more number is called, BINGO! is screamed across the hall.

This is how the winner declares that he is the winner of the game. However, there may be more than one winner for each game. It does not matter who calls bingo first as the prize is not given out on a first come first serve basis. Players claiming bingo get their card verified by the caller and if the numbers are correct, the game is over and the prizes are handed out. In the event of more than one winner, the prize will be shared equally among the winners.