Bingo Etiquette & Rules
No matter whether you prefer to play online bingo games or head to your local bingo hall, there are bingo etiquette rules that you should always make sure to follow. Every bingo game should be a fantastic experience and provide a great atmosphere but when some people don’t follow the rules, it can ruin the game for everyone and no one wants that! These are not strict rules that will hinder your game and instead you should find them very easy to follow and they will enhance your gameplay.
Here, we are looking at the bingo etiquette you need to know before going to a bingo hall or playing online.
What are the Rules for Bingo in a Bingo Hall?
If you have never visited a bingo hall, we understand that it can seem quite daunting as there is a lot to take in and you may be nervous if you don’t know what you are, and aren’t supposed to do. We’ve listed below for you all the rules and etiquette that you need to follow when visiting a bingo hall.
Grab a Seat
The first thing you will have to do is grab yourself a seat. Some players will have their own lucky seats that you won’t want to intrude on but there will be plenty of space for you to play and most people there will be friendly and welcoming.
Speak Quietly
Chatter and laughter at bingo is encouraged in between games, but once the game starts, you will need to be aware of how loudly you are talking. Speaking too loudly can disrupt the game which will get you lots of stares in the bingo hall, which no one wants! If you have a question that can’t wait about the game, you can ask quietly but if it’s chitter chatter then maybe wait until the end of the game.
Respect the Bingo Caller
If you want to have a great bingo game, then it is important that you respect the bingo caller as they are the ones who keep the game running smoothly and in a timely order. If you start to fall behind in the game, don’t call bingo loudly enough, are on a losing streak or have another issue, this isn’t their fault, so always be respectful when interacting with them.
Keep up with the Game
Bingo is a fast-paced game and you will need to make sure that you are paying attention to keep up with the rapid pace in which the bingo numbers are called. If you fall behind, you may lose out on a big cash prize.
Check Before Calling Bingo
Before you shout bingo, always ensure that you have double checked your bingo cards as there is nothing worse than someone shouting bingo and disrupting the game only to find out that it’s a false call. You won’t make many friends doing this at the bingo hall!
What are the Rules for Online Bingo?
When you are playing online versus in a bingo hall, of course, the bingo etiquette does change a little for this different environment. However, you will find that many of the rules (find out the rules of the games with our how to play online bingo guide) overlap and most rules relate to the chat area of the bingo rooms. Below, you can find out more about what is expected from you when playing at online bingo sites.
Be Respectful of the Bingo Chat Host
Just as you would be respectful of the bingo caller in a bingo hall, you need to be respectful of the chat host in online bingo games. They are there to ensure the game runs smoothly and if players are being disruptive and rude, they could be removed from the bingo game.
Have an Appropriate Username
Before you start commenting in the bingo chat room, you need to have an appropriate username otherwise this can be flagged and you could be asked by the chat host to change it.
Don’t Impersonate the Chat Host
A big no no in online bingo etiquette is impersonating the bingo chat host. This can get you removed from the game.
Don’t Use CAPITAL Letters
Using capital letters in the chat box is not recommended as it can appear rude. The only person in the game who will use capital letters is the bingo chat moderator and this is to help players distinguish them in the busy chat throughout the game and so that they don’t miss out on important information.
Don’t Promote Other Bingo Sites
Promoting other bingo sites in the bingo chat will get you removed from the game as it is rude and unacceptable behaviour.
Keep It Clean
All language in the bingo chat rooms should be kept clean and inappropriate language will be flagged to keep the game enjoyable for all parties involved.
Don’t Make Complaints
If you have a complaint, you will need to take it to the relevant customer service department which you can usually find on the contact page and tends to be an email address. As bingo is a fast paced game, the chat host won’t have the time to deal with any formal complaints and it will disrupt the game.
What Should I Bring to Bingo?
The great thing about bingo is that the only thing you need to bring is yourself, the bingo player! Make sure you have enough money for your bingo card and some ID and you are all set to go. The venue will provide pens but if you want, you can always bring along your own highlighter if that will help you keep track of the game.
Can Bingo Games be Fixed?
No, bingo is a game of luck and not only would it be bad etiquette to cheat, it would also be illegal. Bingo is a game of luck and chance, so no matter whether you are play online or at a bingo hall, you won’t need to worry about any games being fixed.
Now that you know the right and wrong bingo etiquette at bingo halls and online bingo, you can get started playing! We have a huge range of games here at Swanky Bingo and a fantastic welcome offer waiting for new players who join today.
