Bingo is traditionally a friendly, community-based game. Over the years it’s gained a reputation for sociality, with groups of old friends coming together to catch up over a good-natured battle of luck. But like any well-established game, there are a few expectations around how you should behave.
Ultimately bingo etiquette is all about respect. There are other players and real prizes involved after all – so it’s important to be conscientious of the rules and those around you.
If you’re just getting into bingo, or want to refine other aspects of your game, here are some key tips on being a respectful player.
Respecting others in traditional bingo halls
There are lots of ways you can ingratiate yourself with staff and other players when you step inside a bingo hall:
- Don’t speak loudly while games are underway to avoid distracting other players.
- Be respectful of the caller at all times, even when the numbers aren’t going your way.
- Avoid making false calls, checking your card where possible to minimise disruption.
- Respect other players’ seat reservations – some players are superstitious about their chosen seats.
You may also want to learn common bingo calls to join in and contribute to a fun environment. The same principles largely apply to non-traditional bingo venues too – with bingo playing a key role in the recent rise of activity-based hospitality.
Online bingo etiquette
With over one billion participants worldwide and growing, online gaming is a burgeoning market and has helped transform bingo in the 21st century.
Players can now tap into online bingo games from anywhere in seconds. But while things work a little differently here, there are still certain bits of advice to follow:
- Be respectful of other players in chat rooms, including the chat host, even if you have no idea who they are
- Avoid asking for personal details in public bingo chats – take it offline if you strike up a connection!
- Avoid sending too many messages in quick succession or bringing up controversial topics
Gambling responsibly
Finally, don’t forget about the importance of respecting yourself. That means setting personal boundaries, checking in with yourself regularly, and adapting your behaviour if problems arise.
You might set time and spending limits before playing for example to avoid overdoing it. And if you notice yourself feeling stressed or frustrated while playing, it could be time to hit pause. Sites like Gamble Aware have more handy tips and resources to help you look after yourself.
With these tips in mind, you’ll stay on the right side of all bingo professionals and players.