Bingo Etiquette: The Dos and Don’ts of Playing
In-Person Bingo Etiquette
Though these unspoken rules can be found in any setting where bingo is played, the details differ from a bingo hall to online bingo sites. If ever you find yourself in a bingo hall for some bingo fun, be sure to follow these customs.
- Arrive Early: One of the basic rules to bingo is something you should have down for any occasion; get to your seat early to settle in and buy your tickets. Arriving late can disrupt others.
- Respect the Caller: This one goes a long way, a bingo caller is your ring master in the hall and must be respected. Once the game starts, keep quiet. In fact talking over the caller could lead to missed numbers and hurt your own chances of winning.
- Use a Quiet Voice to Chat: If you must speak then keep your voice low. Whispering is fine, shouting is not.
- Don’t Touch Other Players’ Bingo Cards: Another important rule when playing bingo is to respect your fellow players and never intrude on their game. Even if you're trying to help, it's best to keep your hands to yourself.
- Celebrate Quietly: And finally, once you've gotten your Bingo and won, you may celebrate, a win is exciting after all. However, a wild celebration can annoy others who came close. So, keep your celebrations quiet and considerate.
Online Bingo Etiquette
While you may not be next to a caller or other players during an online bingo session, there are still a few rules you have to follow even on bingo sites.
- Be Friendly in Chat: The fun and excitement of a bingo hall is brought to online rooms in the chat. And these bingo rooms are a community—say hi, thank the chat host, and keep it positive.
- No Spam: Though it is good to participate and excitement brings fun to everyone, repeating messages or typing in ALL CAPS is distracting.
- Avoid Sensitive Topics: Online Bingo rooms are the few spaces on the internet where those from all walks of life come together; it is a place of play and community. Politics, religion, and arguments don’t belong in chat.
- Congratulate Others: The chat remains lively even after a win or loss, so it’s good sportsmanship to say “WTG” (Way to Go!) or “Congrats” when someone wins. A sore loser ruins it for everyone.
- Don’t Gloat: Winning is great, and celebration comes with it, but bragging can come off as rude. A sore winner is worse than a sore loser if you ask me.
Why Etiquette Matters
Etiquette helps maintain the fun, relaxed vibe that bingo is known for. Especially in online bingo, where tone doesn’t always translate, it pays to be kind and respectful. Remember—everyone’s here for a good time.
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