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Four "Do's" and "Don'ts" When Adding "Odds" Games to Your Bingo Program

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 23:27:35 +0000

If you've decided to add some "Odds" games to your bingo program, below are a few "Do's" and "Don'ts" to consider before you begin.

DO make sure you consult a bingo odds chart before you try anything too tricky.

A bingo odds chart will break down all of the statistics and probabilities for you. Want to know how many numbers on average it will take to bingo with a letter "X" pattern with 100 people playing 12 bingo cards each? An odds chart will break this down for you, as well as, most other commonly played bingo patterns.

Odds charts can be difficult to find, so if you'd like some help, contact Wholesale Bingo Supplies and talk to one of our bingo experts.

DON'T make the "odds" game prizes impossible to win.

Bingo players will usually have a feel for how long it will take a person to bingo on their bingo paper on a given pattern, so don't make your "odds" games impossible to win. For instance, don't offer a prize on a bingo coverall if a player wins in 30 numbers or less, because no one will ever win that and your players will know that. If you make the chances of winning too extreme, your players will become disenchanted. Even long shots should hit every now and then, even if it's only once a year.

DO pay attention to your state's or region's maximum legal prize payouts.

However, unlikely, it is possible for a number of "odds" games to pay off during a single bingo session. Make sure that a lucky day for your bingo players doesn't turn into an unlucky day and a rules violation for your bingo. Be sure that your bingo program has no chance to exceed your legal prize payout maximum.

DON'T go crazy trying these games

Our advice with most bingo programs is to go slowly and make some small changes first. Test the waters a little before changing up your game entirely. You want to give yourself some wiggle room in case further changes come to mind.

"Odds" Games Can Add An Interesting Twist to Your Bingo

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 23:26:15 +0000

What are "Odds" Games and why should your bingo consider them?

"Odds" game are known by a number of names, but the basic concept is that you create a bingo game with different levels of prizes that depend on how many numbers it takes for a player to bingo.

For example, you could design a coverall game that pays the winner $500 for the first player who fills their entire bingo card. However, you could add a feature to that game and also pay, say $750, if a player bingos in 50 numbers or less on their bingo paper. You have now created an “Odds" Game. And, if you want, you can add more than one additional pay level to your game. For instance, say in addition to the $750 payout for 50 numbers or less, you add a $1,000 prize if someone finishes their coverall in 48 numbers or less.

Bingo players usually love these "Odds" Games. It gives them a chance to win a bigger than normal prize for a particularly exceptional bingo win. A number of "Odds" Games scattered throughout your bingo program can add a lot of excitement.

These games don’t have to be played on coveralls and don’t have to only be played for large jackpots. For example, you could add a $10 bonus to your regular straight-line bingo games if a player bingos in 6 numbers or less. In fact, "Odds" Games can be played on just about any bingo pattern you want.

Some people may think that these "Odds" Games don’t work at smaller bingo games. But, that’s not true. Often, because of prize payout limits, smaller bingos are where these games can work the best. That’s because at smaller bingos where the bingo program can’t afford to pay out the allowed maximum for a bingo session, "Odds" Games still give the chance to win a big prize.

For example, let’s look at two bingos, one a small community bingo and the other a large bingo at a commercial hall. The small bingo averages about 75 players per session, while the larger bingo averages 150 players. The small bingo can only afford to pay out $2,000 in prizes, while the larger bingo pays out the maximum in prizes their state allows, $3,500.

Through "Odds" Games, the smaller bingo has room in their program to offer a number of large prizes that usually won’t pay off (especially all at once). They can offer a $1,000 prize if a player bingos in 48 numbers, on their normal $400 jackpot game. So, even when someone hits the $1,000 prize, the smaller bingo will still be under their prize limit. The smaller bingos can offer big prizes like larger bingos, but remain within their budget.

However, unless the larger bingo lowers some of their prize payouts, they can’t offer higher paying jackpots for "Odds" Games. This is because if there already paying out the state maximum, then when there’s an occasional winner, they will exceed their legal payout limit.

Bingo "Odds" Games can add some fun and excitement to your bingo game. So, if you think your game has grown a little stale, maybe you should give them a try.

We're Teaming Up with Discount Party Supplies!

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 23:25:13 +0000

Wholesale Bingo Supplies has responded to a number of customer requests, and have teamed up with DiscountPartySupplies.com to provide our customers with a fast and reliable source for party supplies. With 1,000’s of party products, for holidays, birthdays, weddings, and other celebrations, Discount Party Supplies.com has everything you need to host a party.

As a customer of Wholesale Bingo Supplies, we appreciate your loyalty and support. And, to show our appreciation, we’re offering you a 10% off coupon good for anything in Discount Party Supplies’ vast party inventory. We know your charity, school, non-profit group or other organization is working hard, and we’d like to support you and your members with a discount on these products.

To take advantage of this offer, simply:

1. Visit DiscountPartySupplies.com

2. Select your products and add them to your shopping cart.

3. During our secure checkout, simply type in “CHARITY10” in the promotion code section.

4. Finish your secure checkout and receive 10% off all of your party products.

5. This offer expires October 31, 2009, so act fast.

In these trying economic times,Wholesale Bingo Supplies is happy to announce some positive business news for us and our customers. Please share this site with anyone who might be interested.

If you have any questions or comments, give us a call or email us at:

Discount Party Supplies

Email: CustomerService@DiscountPartySupplies.com

Be sure to visit Discount Party Supplies often, as new specials and new party products are being added every day.

3 Quick Tips for Dispensing Pull Tabs from Your Ticket Machine

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 23:23:34 +0000

Pull tabs (also known as charity tickets, ripoffs, etc.) are often sold by hand at bingos. However, some bingos will purchase a pulltab dispensing machine to create another selling station, or to help augment their staff. Also, many fraternal clubs and retail locations sell their charity tickets through ticket machines. For these groups that use these machines, here are 3 quick tips to keep your pulltabs dispensing properly.

1. If you mark your pulltabs to help keep your counts correct, make sure that you do not use a permanent marker. Permanent markers can cause pulltabs to stick together causing ticket jams.

2. Some people recommend fanning their tickets to clear dust and other debris from between them. However, fanning the pulltabs can cause more problems than it's worth. Fanning can cause otherwise straight pulltabs to bend enough to create dispensing problems. We recommend that you only fan tickets that arrive bowed or bent, and then only to help straighten them.

3. Pulltabs can arrive bowed. Here's the way we recommend you load bowed tickets in some of the major brands of ticket dispensing machines.

a. Maxim Pull Tab Machines: For Maxim machines, load tickets bow side down (like this "^").

b. Technik Pull Tab Machines: For Technik machines, load tickets bow side up (like this "v").

c. King's Crown Pull Tab Machines: For King's Crown (or Nevada Gold) ticket machines, load tickets bow side up (like this "v").

Follow Us on Twitter!

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 23:20:54 +0000

Twitter has become a networking giant seemingly overnight. It seems you can’t watch the news or listen to the radio without hearing about someone “twittering” their latest thoughts. Well, we hate to be left out…

BingoTweet is our new Twitter account that will keep you informed of all the latest news from WholesaleBingoSupplies, including new products, articles, videos and more. Please follow our posts so you don’t miss out on sales or other exciting developments!

Twitter is a free, micro-blog social networking site. Invented in 2006, it allows users to post short messages of 140 characters or less using the Internet or SMS (Short Message Service). With a Twitter account, you can post your thoughts for your friends or others to follow, and you can follow the posts of individuals, news agencies, sports services or just about anything under the sun.

As always, we at WholesaleBingoSupplies.com try to bring you the latest in products, information and services. If it’s bingo-related and you can’t find it here, you won’t find it anywhere else!

Is Bingo the Next Karaoke?

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 23:20:02 +0000

On any given night in America, in any given city, you’re likely to find an enthusiastic group of bar patrons cheering on a friend or co-worker as they happily stumble through their rendition of a favorite song. Whether it’s Garth Brooks or Michael Jackson, it has probably been sung by millions of people wanting their own piece of the spotlight, even if just for a moment.

It’s karaoke, of course, and it has been a staple of American nightlife since the early nineties. Originally developed in Japan, it is a spectacle that lends itself to the bar scene, with music chosen and performed by the audience. There are some karaoke singers who perform often and with skill, and there are those who may sing that one song they’ve always loved, and never take the microphone again. Regardless, a good time is usually had by everyone in the building.

Over the last year or two, another nightclub fad featuring audience participation is taking hold—bingo! It may not be called bingo, and is sometimes known by variations of the name because of charity laws. Bargo, bango and other names have been seen, but the game remains largely the same.

Games are being hosted across the country, in cities like Minneapolis, Chicago, San Francisco and New York. A bar in Minneapolis may actually have cash prizes, as laws were changed two years ago to allow beer sales at bingo charities. Others may have no entry fee, and give out simple prizes of t-shirts or other promotional items, but some have been known to offer prizes as big as a new car. Regardless of the game style, many people seem to enjoy the chance of winning while they relax at their local watering hole.

Karaoke is sure to be around for a long time to come, as it seems to have touched that inner rock star in so many, but don’t be surprised if one day you walk into a local hangout and hear a familiar shout—BINGO!

What Are Charity Game Ticket Games (or Pulltabs)?

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 23:18:40 +0000

Ever play scratch tickets at a gas station or a grocery store? Charity Tickets (Pulltabs) are a gaming instrument similar to scratch tickets except instead of scratching off a fine dust all over your fingers, you simply snap open the die-cut ‘windows’ and see if your symbols match any of the winning combos on the front of the ticket. Typically the window combo you want will be horizontal, but there are occasional tickets that allow for vertical or even diagonal wins as well. Pulltabs are most often sold by nonprofit or charitable organizations at carnivals, bingos, or in club rooms.

There are many styles of games to choose from, though most include instant winners in one way or another. Here’s a quick summary of the most common types of charity tickets:

Instant Win Games

These are self-explanatory. You play, look for a winning pattern, and if you win you can redeem your ticket for your winnings immediately.

Seal Card Games

Seal Card Games are similar to the instant win games, but they include a few cards within the deal that a player can hold on to for a chance to win a bigger prize later on. Players who receive one of these ‘hold cards’ will hold onto it until the tickets are sold out and the caller calls out the winning numbers from the ‘seal card.’

A deal could have one winner or several, depending on the game. Games that offer more than one might have those players with hold cards write their names on the signature list on the seal card.

On a single big winner deal, the dealer will simply call out the number of the winning hold card after the tickets are all sold. On a multiple winner deal, the seal card will have several lines of possible winners, the first with one window, the second with two, the third with three, etc. Only one window can be opened on each line, with the prizes getting better as the odds get more difficult.

Bingo Event Games

Bingo Event Games basically take the instant win games and incorporate them into an actual bingo game. For example, a player who ends up purchasing one of the elusive bingo ball tickets in a deal will hold onto that ticket until the entire deal is sold. Then those tickets can be played as a separate game within the bingo game for yet another opportunity to win big.

One such game that is popular in some areas contains 25 tickets within each deal that have three bingo ball numbers on them. The player who daubs all three numbers on his ticket calls out “Balls!” Just like in regular bingo, this needs to be called out on the last number called! Once “Balls” is called, the game is temporarily stopped until both the winning numbers and the serial number on the ticket can be verified. Then the bingo game continues on as usual.

One Final Note: If you plan on selling pulltabs, be sure that you consult with your state lottery or other regulatory agency for charitable gaming before your organization sells charity tickets. Rules and regulations can vary, and in most states sellers must be licensed. Some states don’t allow them at all.

Bingo Workers are People Too

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 23:17:46 +0000

When you’re looking for volunteers for your bingo, whether it’s someone to work in your concession stand or to greet people at the door, the same rules apply in getting and training your workers, and keeping your workers happy.

1. When considering someone for a position, make sure they understand exactly what needs to be done and what skills they will need for the job. In some cases you might adjust the duties to match a particular person’s assets. Also be flexible to the possibility of modifying a job to suit potential volunteers.

2. You can recruit people from your bingo hall! Just because they’re playing doesn’t mean that’s all they’re interested in—maybe some of them would like to help. This is where your customer service skills will come in handy, because good customer service leads to good customer relations. If you know your customers, you’ll have a good idea of who might be a good recruit for your bingo.

3. Go ahead, talk up the position! You enjoy running your bingo, don’t you? Give your recruits the same outlook! Make the job exciting for them!

4. Most of your volunteers probably have lives outside of bingo, so be as flexible as you can with them. Try to accommodate their availability requirements.

5. Remember your bingo is for a charity. Explain your charity to all of your workers so they know the wonderful cause they’re working for.

6. Thank your workers! A smile and a thank you will go miles with your workers, and regular recognition of a job well done will really show them how much you appreciate their efforts!

7. Communication goes both ways. You can give your workers guidance, but be open to comments and suggestions. Chances are they will often have good ideas that could really help the bingo’s profit.

8. You can’t work on an empty stomach, and neither can your workers. Bingo rules allow for up to $10 in food and drinks for your workers, so make sure you feed them!

9. Some of your workers may need transportation to and from your bingo. Offering a ride may keep a worker around longer.

10. Finally, the best way to recognize a great team is to show them to your customers. Take pictures of everyone and turn them into a collage. Post it in front of your hall with a big “Thank You” heading.

'Lighting Up' to Go Up in Smoke

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 23:16:18 +0000

With a smoking ban possibly around the corner in many states, it’s important that you start thinking now about how to make your bingo hall as welcoming as possible to customers who smoke. We all know that many bingo players smoke, and player retention should be your absolute first priority.

What can bingo halls do now to keep their regulars coming around in the future? A few simple steps can help make sure your devoted players are still chomping at the bit to yell ‘Bingo!’ in your hall.

1. Educate the Smokers at Your Bingo

If a smoking ban should pass in your area, be sure that the smokers at your bingo understand exactly what's going to happen. Talk to them about what will and won't be allowed. Most importantly, let them know how important they are to your bingo and what steps you will be taking to make them as comfortable as possible. Explain to them that, if they have any suggestions on how to better accomodate them, you'd be pleased to hear them.

2. If Allowed, Create a Comfortable Smoking Area Outside Your Bingo Hall

Make your smokers as comfortable as possible within the confines of the law. They will appreciate a place that makes them feel welcome.

If you can legally create an enclosed smoking space, then do so, and don't skimp. If possible, consider adding amenities that address heat, air conditioning, and the overall comfort of your bingo players. Find a way to let your smokers order food, drinks, additional bingo paper or other bingo supplies from the smoking area. Without being unnecessarily extravagant, make your smoking area as lavish as possible.

If the rules don't permit an enclosed smoking area, then at least make sure there is a covered space, such as a gazebo, available to them. Smokers aren't going to want to stand in the rain. You should also purchase a couple of outdoor ashtrays (some of which can hold up to 14,000 cigarette butts), and a covered trashcan or two for those who want to throw away their empty cigarette packs and drinks.

Make sure your smoking area is well-lit and away from the entrance to your bingo. You also want to add some outdoor speakers, so your players can hear the bingo caller and any announcements. Be sure that they can easily know what’s going on so they won’t miss out on any of the bingo fun!

3. Consider Changing Your Bingo Program

In order to accomodate your smokers, you may want to take a look at your bingo program and make a few simple changes. You likely will want to add a few additional short breaks to give your smokers a chance to light up between games.

Also, some locations have discovered that a few short games here and there played for smaller prize amounts will allow your smokers an additional chance to step out for a smoke without missing much. In any event, get some feedback from your bingo players who smoke so that you understand when some breaks will be needed.

4. Try to Have Fun With It

Let your bingo players know that you care. Perhaps you can hold a few "Last Days of Smoking Parties". Enlist the bingo players who don't smoke and encourage them to keep their smoking friends coming back. If possible, give out some additional prizes or offer concessions discounts. Whatever it takes, let your bingo players know you care.

5. Clean it Up!

Now that bingo players can no longer smoke within your bingo, you might as well make it extra clean and comfortable for all your players. Welcome in the new rules with some "spring cleaning" to give your location a fresh appearance. Wash everything down—walls, tables, chairs, windows—and get rid of any tar or smoke buildup. White vinegar or a mix of hot water and Simple Green® can help with that.

One remedy we've heard about to help remove that smoke smell is to put out bowls of white vinegar or baking soda after your session is over to absorb the smell overnight. You may want to avoid using air fresheners because a lot of people have sensitivities to them and won’t be able to enjoy your games.

You can replace the ceiling tiles and give your ceiling a brand new look, and liven up the area with some new artwork as well. Keep in mind what you’ll be doing for any upcoming holidays to decorate!

Overall, what you’re doing is trying to remake the room into an area where non-smokers and smokers alike can enjoy your bingo. Give them the place where they can really have fun! And last, but not least, always make sure to keep your smoking area clean, to give your players a comfortable environment and keep them coming back!

Conclusion

A smoking ban can be devastating to a charity bingo. If nothing is done to accomodate your smoking bingo players and make them feel welcome, your bingo will suffer. These players (and even many of their non-smoking friends) will simply stop coming.

To prevent this, you must get ahead of the problem. You must work hard, especially in the initial stages of any smoking ban, to keep bingo players coming back. Don't give them the opportunity to leave your bingo. Make them feel welcome, make them know you care, and allow them to continue to have fun at your bingo.

Bingo Paper (3ons)

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 23:14:46 +0000

3on Bingo Paper is bingo paper that contains 3 bingo faces aligned either vertically (up and down) or horizontally (side to side). The 3on paper comes in packs of 1000 sheets, and each sheet contains 3 bingo faces. 3on paper is case paper which means that every sheet in a pack comes in the same color such as blue, red, green, purple, or some other typical color.

Unlike 1on bingo paper which is rarily used for commercial games (outside specialty bingo games), 3on bingo paper is often used for commercial games. This is because it allows the serious players to play more faces at one time than a 1on would. This doesn't mean that this paper isn't used for informal gatherings and family events as well. Quite the contrary. 3on bingo paper is used frequently for both styles of games.

As its name implies, 3on bingo paper contains three bingo faces or bingo cards (as its name implies) allowing for a bingo player to have 3 plays. If used in a commercial game, they are often sold separately from a game's regular bingo books and sold as extra jackpot sheets to players who want a greater chance to win a large jackpot.

As we said, this style of paper lends itself both to commercial and informal games or family gatherings. This is because of its simple design and ease of use. 3on's are great additions to a commercial bingo's regular books, but at the same time are simple enough for a home game. Novice players at informal events won't be overwhelmed when playing 3 faces, and 3 faces isn't too small for serious players as to be irritating. Whether it's a family game or a serious game with novices, everyone should be able to play at least one sheet of 3on bingo paper.

If your looking for a slightly smaller cut of bingo paper than a 3on and you're having a simple, fun, informal gathering, you may want to go with a 1on bingo sheet instead. If you are looking for the next largest common cut of bingo paper, you may choose to go with a 4on bingo paper, a 6V (vertical) bingo paper, or a 6H (horizontal) bingo paper instead.

Bingo Paper (1ons)

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 23:13:01 +0000

Bingo paper comes in various cuts, colors, and shapes. One of the most common forms is called 1on bingo paper .

1on bingo paper is a case paper which comes in packs of 3,000 sheets. Each bingo sheet is a single face or card and is usually the same color. Unlike bingo paper that is a contains multiple bingo faces (for example, 3on bingo cards contain 3 plays), 1on bingo paper only allows for 1 play per sheet, hence the name 1on.

This style of paper is especially common among informal games or family gatherings. This is because of its simple design and ease of use. 1on's consist of a large number of sheets that can be played at any groups' pace. Whether it's a family game or a serious game with novices, everyone should be able to play at least one sheet of 1on bingo paper.

On the other hand, most commercial bingo hall style games won't use 1on paper because serious bingo players found at these locations will generally want to play large numbers of faces per game. These players are used to playing 12, 18, 24, 36, or more faces per game. Therefore, a bingo manager at a commercial hall will usually opt for a larger style of bingo paper sheet to satisfy their players.

If your looking for a slightly larger cut of bingo paper than a 1on, the next larger common cut of bingo paper is a 3V (3 vertical, up and down) or a 3H (3 horizontal, side to side). While 2ons exist, they are pretty unusual and harder to find.

For more information on bingo supplies and bingo paper, please visit our home page or read our other bingo supplies articles.

Make Sure Your Bingo Players are Getting the Right Message When They Call

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 23:11:25 +0000

When bingo players call your bingo hall what do they hear? Does the phone ring over and over with no one answering? Or, does your answering machine pick up with a quick "leave a message at the beep and we'll get back to you"? If your bingo hall handles phone calls similar to this, you may be losing players and not taking advantage of an opportunity to gain new ones.

When bingo halls call your bingo, they're looking for information like how much your jackpots are, or what's this week's special on bingo supplies . They aren't looking for a ringing phone or to leave a message. Take the time to leave an informative message and be sure to keep it up to date.

Your bingo's answering machine message should:

1. Thank the caller's for calling and immediately talk about the highlights of your bingo. For example, start your message by saying, "Thank you for calling Bob's Bingo Hall where all of our nightly games include a $1,000 jackpot!"

2. Be sure to list the hours and days when your bingo hall is open and make sure that this information is always up-to-date. Nothing upsets a bingo player more than showing up for bingo only to find that their bingo hall is no longer open that night.

3. Welcome new players and if you have food and other attractions, be sure to talk about it. If you have a bingo paper special, let them know about it.

4. Thank them for calling and tell them to leave a message if they have questions or need further information about your bingo. Tell them someone will call them back and then make sure someone does.

5. Mention any accomodations you have for non-smokers, or if your bingo is a non-smoking event.

6. End your message with a call to action. Say something like "Come on out to Bob's Bingo Hall where the action is!" or "Be sure to drop by this week. Someone's got to take home that $1,000 jackpot, why not you?"

Finally, make sure that whoever leaves the voice message for your bingo hall has a pleasant voice. Make your message pleasant to hear and filled with with enthusiasm.

Bingo Signage Can Help Your Attendance

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 23:09:58 +0000

Running a bingo isn't just about bingo programs and bingo supplies . In order to be successful, you have to let potential players know about your bingo, and that starts with outdoor signage.

Over the years, we've seen a number of bingo managers make it difficult for players to find their bingos. Missing, too small, or shabby and unattractive signs announcing their bingo sit in front of their location. Potential players are turned off or never even know that a bingo exists nearby. So, here are some tips to help your bingo get noticed with outdoor signage.

While digital signage is getting less expensive everyday, we suggest that you use a typical outdoor sign that allows you to physically change your message if cost is a concern. Create new messages regularly and be sure to include things like:

1. Your bingo's jackpot information, especially if you have any kind of progressive game that increases over time.

2. Add friendly messages like "Every Night is Bingo Night, New Players Welcome!" or "New Players Receive a Free Bingo Dauber " (if your local rules allow this).

3. Include days and times for your bingo events and make sure these times are always current. Don't make players have to guess.

4. Make your sign and the exterior of your building as clean and attractive as possible. Do you shop at stores where the outside is dirty, or where the sign is in disrepair?

5. Check your sign for spelling and grammar errors.

Of course, be sure to follow your local and/or state ordinances when it comes to creating signage for your bingo. Some locations have restrictions on what can be posted and what size your signs must be.

How Many Bingo Games Should Your Program Have?

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 23:08:33 +0000

At Wholesale Bingo Supplies , we're often asked to give advice to bingo managers (especially new managers) in order to help them determine the amount of bingo games that they should offer to their players in their bingo program. In general, the amount of games that a bingo manager should offer can depend a lot on what the bingo players in your area expect. However, here are a few general rules to follow when determining program length.

Bingo Program Length

One of the biggest factors in determining the amount of bingo games that you offer is the time your program takes from start to finish. Too few games and your program can be too short in length. Too many games and your program can be too long. While occasionally bingo games can be too short, it is more common for bingo managers to make the mistake of running a game that is too long. In general, players want a program that lasts about 3 hours. If you go much less than 3 hours, players may feel that they aren't getting their money's worth. Go longer and players may become bored, or feel that it just takes too much time out of their day.

What Types of Bingo Games Should You Offer?

This often depends a lot on the area your bingo is located. Most regions will have certain bingo games that their players are used to, so you'll want to try to incorporate these into your bingo program. Don't confuse your bingo players with a ton of new or different games all at once. However, this doesn't mean you have to make your bingo exactly like everyone else's or borrow ideas from poor performing bingos. Use common sense and use what works and throw out what doesn't. That said, you also need to pay attention to the duration of your bingo games when you decide what bingo patterns will be involved.

For instance, coverall bingos played on bingo paper can take up to 30 minutes to play depending on your bingo attendance and call speed. So, you want to limit the amount of coverall games, and generally play those only for your bigger bingo prizes.

On the other hand straight-line or regular bingo patterns typically take a little over 5 minutes to play. The time it takes to play each game is important because they all add up, and again, you want to keep your bingo program at around 3 hours in length. And, don't forget to account for a minute between games and your intermission as well. So, when determining the number of bingo games for your bingo program, you must always consider the types of games (and their length) you want to play.

Bingo Supplies Orders Now Have Minimum Amount

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 23:07:09 +0000

We at Wholesale Bingo Supplies had been debating a policy change for awhile and finally decided to change our ordering minimum. What we decided on was to establish a minimum order amount for our customers. This minimum amount will be $9.95. In other words, bingo supply customers must now order at least $9.95 of bingo products from the site, or their order won't be accepted.

We hope the change isn't a big deal to any of our customers, and we really doubt it will be. What this will do is eliminate the small dauber or other low value types of orders that we occasionally see. Unfortunately, it's these small bingo orders that end up being the 1 in a 1000 that the shipper loses or that we make a mistake on, and say accidentally ship Sunsational daubers instead of Sweet Spot daubers . The bottom line is that orders that are too small simply end up costing us money in the long run.

So, again we hope this new policy doesn't upset anyone, and we think it makes sense for all involved. After all, does it make sense for one of our bingo supply customers to spend $8.00 or so on a couple of bingo items totaling $3.00 or less, when it costs an additional $7.00 or so just for shipping? We don't think so.

General Cleaning Instructions for your Bingo Equipment

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 23:05:15 +0000

So, you want to know how to keep your bingo machine and bingo equipment in good shape? It's not an uncommon question. In fact, we are frequently asked about the best ways to keep bingo equipment clean and running smoothly. So, below is a quick guide on how to keep your bingo equipment as clean as possible without damaging anything.

Note: Before you begin cleaning anything, make sure that your bingo equipment is turned off and unplugged.

Bingo Machines and Bingo Flashboards

For metal surfaces, use a mild soap or cleanser with a soft cloth to wipe down your bingo console and bingo flashboards . Do not use a harsh cleanser. Harsh cleansers can easily damage lettering. For additional protection you may follow-up your cleaning with an automotive style polish. For acrylic surfaces, use mild soap or cleanser with a soft cloth as well. Finally, vacuum dust from the blower regularly to clean the ball chute area.

Bingo Machine Caller Monitor Use a mild soap or window cleaner with a soft cloth. Again, it is very important that you do not use anything abrasive.

Static Treatment Bingo balls can stick together due to static over time. To counter this, every few months you should lightly spray anti-static aerosol compound over the blower base pan foam and inside the chamber of the blower. If the anti-static tinsel found surrounding the blower base pan is damaged or missing, you should consider ordering a new one.

We hope this helps. Most of our cleaning tips are pretty easy and common sense. If your bingo equipment continues to labor or act up after a proper cleaning, we recommend you call a technician to troubleshoot the problem.

How to Change Flashboard Bulbs

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 23:01:39 +0000

Bingo flashboards frequently have bulbs that burn out over time. And, if you've never changed flashboard bulbs, it can be difficult or at least a little tricky. So, here's some helpful guidelines on how to change your bingo flashboard bulbs:

Before you begin you must, TURN OFF ALL POWER TO THE FLASHBOARD! Let us repeat that one more time. Before you begin you must, TURN OFF ALL POWER TO THE FLASHBOARD! Changing bulbs while the power is on can be dangerous and can damage your entire bingo board . While we've known bingo managers who have changed their bulbs with the power off for years, it only takes one unlucky time to "fry" your flashboard completely or hurt yourself. Trust us, turn off the power to your board.

Now, let's divide the flashboard into 2 parts, the "sides" and the "main body" of bingo numbers. The "sides" of the flashboard can be opened by removing the appropriate screws from the front panel. Typically the left side of the bingo board containing the last number called and the bingo pattern, is on a hinged panel and should be swung open. After opening, slide out the covering panel (you may have to bend it a little outwards) to gain access to the bulbs. Change bulbs as needed.

The "main body" of the board can be accessed by removing all appropriate screws and then removing the plastic retaining strip between the low and high side acrylic. Push in the panel while grasping the strip and pulling it out slightly to the right. Once this strip is removed, the panels can be slid from side to side to uncover the bulbs. Change bulbs as needed. Be sure to keep track of your screws! Once finished, slide the panels and strips back into place, and screw everything back into place.

While changing bulbs is pretty simple once you've done it, you can have questions if you haven't. Hopefully this article helps. Remember, bingo machines and bingo flashboards can vary in design. For instance, some flashboards contain a "prize payout" section on the right side and some don't. Our instructions are meant as simply a guideline to assist with the most common bingo boards in the industry.

Double Play Bingo Paper Proving Popular

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 22:58:37 +0000

Double Play bingo paper is an exciting specialty bingo paper that can add excitement to your bingo. Also known as Double Action bingo paper, these bingo cards contain two numbers per square instead of the traditional one number. This generally creates a faster-paced game that your crowd will love.

How is Double Play used?

Double Play is played using traditional bingo patterns except that if either number in a players square is called, the players can dab that square. For example if your square contains "B13" and "B8" and "B8" is called, you can dab your square. In other words, players don't need to have both numbers called to dab a square and so it gives them twice as many chances to dab.

This double daubing action makes Double Play a fast-paced, exciting bingo game. Usually the time for this bingo paper is earlier in your session and separately from your regular bingo games. Often it's mixed in with or replaces some early bird games and is called at a very fast pace. Because of the double numbers, Double Play (or Double Action) is typically played as a 1on either in single sheets or as part of a small bingo book.

Bingo Paper by the Pound

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 22:56:50 +0000

Bingo Paper by the Pound is a new product we are offering at Wholesale Bingo Supplies,called . Bingo paper by the pound is exactly what its name implies, a whole bunch of bingo paper for someone who's not too picky about their cut, color, or collation.

Believe it or not, we've received a number of requests for this item. Many people have called and asked for offcuts for their families or friends who want to host an informal bingo gathering. They definately aren't playing for high stakes.

When ordering this bingo paper, customers will get a wide of variety of colors, cuts, loose bingo sheets, bingo books and other bingo paper bundles. These will come packed neatly, and stacked by type. Of course, all of this bingo paper comes at a substantial discount when compared to your more specific cuts of paper orders. They are sold in 10lb. quantities,

Be sure to remember Bingo Paper by the Pound the next time your bingo gang feels the itch for a little bingo. Always remember to review your area's state and local laws as they pertain to bingo paper and bingo before playing for money. Our paper is not for sale to licensed bingo halls. Wholesale Bingo Supplies and all of our affiliates are not responsible for upholding the laws in your city and state.

How to Avoid Duplicate Bingo Cards with Your Bingo Sheets

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 22:54:48 +0000

Bingo sheets (or case bingo paper) is easier to understand than bingo books for most bingo managers. Therefore, it can be easier to avoid duplicates as well.

What is Case Paper?

Case paper is a box of multiple sheets of bingo paper that are all the same color. These paper sheets are generally sold for specific bingo games in a program (usually your larger jackpots) in addition to collated game books. Typically case paper is packaged in groups of single, loose sheets.

How to Avoid Duplicate Bingo Cards with Case Bingo Paper

It is much harder to have duplicate bingo cards with case paper than collated bingo books. To avoid duplicate bingo cards with case bingo paper, simply make sure that you use up each box of case bingo paper the same way each time. For instance, start with the sleeve of bingo paper with the lowest numbers on the top bingo card every time you open a new box.

If you don't do this, and open and use multiple boxes of paper at the same time, you will likely have duplicates at some time. This is because each box of case paper can carry the exact same bingo sheets. So, be sure to rotate your bingo sheets before opening a new box.

How to Avoid Duplicate Bingo Cards with Your Bingo Books

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 22:51:57 +0000

Bingo managers sometimes run into problems with bingo players having duplicate bingo cards. This can be a real problem because players that win with duplicate bingo faces will have to split their prize with another bingo player who is playing the exact same bingo card as them. Not only this, but sometimes duplicate bingo books can cause players to suspect cheating where none exists. So, duplicate bingo faces is something every bingo chairperson should avoid.

How to Avoid Duplicate Bingo Cards with Collated Bingo Paper (Bingo Books)

First, some information on how collated bingo paper (bingo books) are manufactured.

Collated bingo paper (differently colored bingo sheets glued together to form a bingo book) is manufactured in a variety of "series", or numerical sequences of 9,000 different bingo faces. Each series is formed into "sets" of collated bingo books . Each set of collated bingo books is broken into numbered boxes, for example 1 of 4, 2 of 4, 3 of 4, and 4 of 4. (NOTE: the number of boxes per set can vary, but we will use 4 boxes for this example)

To avoid duplicate bingo cards with collated bingo books, you should:

1. Locate your box numbers of collated bingo books before your bingo. Then, make sure that you are rotating through the different boxes. (NOTE: It doesn't matter if you use box 1 of 4 and then 3 of 4 and then 4 of 4 and then back to 2 of 4. It only matters that the next box you use is different from all other boxes used in the same bingo)

2. Order your bingo books by the set only, not by individual boxes. If you order individual boxes of collated bingo cards, you're more likely to receive box 1 of 4 with this order and again with the next order. By ordering a complete set of collated bingo paper (all 4 boxes), you will receive all of the boxes within a set and you can make sure that you are rotating properly through them.

If, due to space constraints, you can't order an entire set of books at a time, at least try to order more than 1 box.

In Addition to Bingo, Poker Events Can Raise Revenue for your Charity

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 22:49:38 +0000

Over the last year or so, we've been receiving the regular newsletter "Gameside News & Views" from a Michigan poker promotion company called UMichiganPoker LLC UMichiganPoker.com. Charity poker events have spread like crazy across the state over the last few years and I urge anyone running a bingo to look into it.

The articles in Gameside News & Views are very informative about the Michigan poker scene, and I encourage anyone out there involved with a nonprofit organization to read them. Running Hold Em events (each qualifying organization is entitled to up to 4 licenses per year)is a great way to raise substantial funds for your nonprofit. A nonprofit that is already running a bingo should also consider hosting a Hold Em night on occasion. Each poker event if run properly, can generate upwards of a $1,000 to your nonprofit organization. This can be a great source of additional fundraising revenue outside of your regular bingo events.

A bingo probably already has bingo workers who can help work the event, and probably even has some potential poker players amongst their bingo players. For information on setting up a Hold Em event, see Gameside News & Views 4-part series "How to Host a Holdem Fundraiser" beginning with their November, 2007 newsletter Gameside News & Views Archives.

Shopping for a Bingo Machine?

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 22:40:27 +0000

What should you look for when your organization needs a new bingo machine for your bingo?

Bingo equipment has come a long way from basically a glorified bingo cages to today's modern touch-screen computerized version. While there are many basic bingo consoles still on the market (and basic can be fine), we recommend that most bingo managers with serious weekly bingo games take the time to learn how to operate a more advanced bingo console.

Why should you want to upgrade? The computerized bingo machines simply have a lot of great options that, once mastered, will make your bingo run more smoothly. For one, every advanced bingo console we recommend is going to automatically come with a bingo verifier. (For those that don't know, a bingo verifier will verify good bingos by looking at the center square number on any bingo card. This is much faster than calling back numbers and provides a layer of security from bingo cheats). Secondly, some advanced bingo consoles will integrate better with electronic bingo.

One thing's for sure when looking at bingo consoles, make sure you ask questions and do a little research. Make sure that the bingo supplier you are considering has a technical staff that is familar with bingo machine installation. Make sure that your bingo flashboards are compatible, or that your bingo supplier knows how to make them compatible. Finally, make sure that your bingo supplier is available for training and follow-up questions.

Bingo Paper

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 22:37:36 +0000

3H3? 4S2? What on earth do these mean? Simply put, they are descriptions of the different cuts of Bingo Paper.

Bingo paper is designed on master sheets carrying as many as 36 games per sheet (defined as 36 On). Depending on how the bingo manager orders them, they can be cut to nearly any shape you could imagine within those 36 games. For example, let’s say you want to give your guests a sheet with four games on it. You would order 4S2 sized sheets, which is a four-game square sheet, two across and two down. Perhaps you want three games per sheet, one on top of the other. You would order 3V1, which is a vertical three-game sheet, one across and three down. You could also order the horizontal version of that, 3H1, which is three across and one down. For something a little more complicated, take 24V4 for example. That would be a sheet with a total of 24 games set four across and six down. 24H6 would be six across and four down. Don’t get it? Don’t worry. Our customer service desk will make sure you understand what you’re ordering!

However you decide to order your cut, you may want to make sure it is divisible into your master size, because otherwise there will be something called an Off-Cut, which is what’s left after the rest has been cut according to your desired size.

So let’s say you only want a 30 On sheet of games, cut into two sets of 15, but you have to order a 36 On sheet to accomplish that. That leaves 6 games that will be cut and left to the side. These can be packed with your order, packed separately, or discarded altogether. Should you decide to keep them, however, you could find other ways to use them. For example, you could offer them to your customers as a ‘side option’—perhaps they would like the extra chance to win. You could also save them to offer to guests with a birthday that month. The possibilities are endless.

Colors and Preprint Patterns
Sure, you can order single sheets with single colors, but why not liven up the game by ordering collated Bingo? You could get a 4S2 which already gives your guests four great games, but then you could add up to 24 different colors, all with the same serial number, to give them 24 times the fun! Each color represents a different game, so you could manage them with different goals. For example, if the first game was a line, then make the second game an X, and the third game all four corners. If your guests get confused, you can put an example game up on a screen to show them the winning stroke.

If you don’t want to come up with your own ideas, you can also order pre-printed. For instance, let’s say it’s Independence Day and you want to play a patriotic game. You could order our “USA” games, a 3V1 set which hase ‘U,’ ‘S,’ and ‘A’ shapes shaded into the games themselves. If your customers fill in the letters, they win the prize! This is just one of many examples we have of pre-printed games. Check out our Bingo Paper site for more info!

Your Bingo's Location and Layout are Important

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 22:35:11 +0000

Bingo equipment isn't the only thing that you need to think about when you set up your bingo. Things like hall size, lighting, tables and chairs, sales area layout, bingo game area setup, concession area layout and other location considerations all will have an impact on the success of your bingo.

Hall Size

It's a problem when your bingo hall's size limits the amount of bingo players that can attend your bingo. So, you need to pick a location that's going to accomodate the amount of players you expect. And, by accomodate we don't mean that you stick players around corners or in rooms tucked away with limited views. You want your players to be comfortable, not cramped, and be able to view all aspects of the game including at least one bingo flashboard . Players that feel left out, or can't see what's going on, are not likely to return.

Lighting

Good lighting is very important for your bingo. Bingo players don't want to squint their eyes or have to bring a flashlight in order to read their bingo paper . Make sure that your lighting is bright enough, and change bad bulbs when they expire.

Tables and Chairs

Comfortable chairs are important for bingo players. Most bingo sessions last around 3 hours and that's a lot of sitting for anyone. While bingo cushions can help, not every player wants to bring one. In addition to being comfortable your chairs and tables need to be clean and in good condition. Keep duct tape and other repair supplies handy for any tears or rough edges that appear. Make sure that repairs are made quickly.

Another consideration with tables is that they fit players properly. Does their size allow players to play across from each other if that's your intent? Do the tables fit your location space in a logical manner? Players like a little space to spread out their bingo paper and other bingo supplies . Make sure you give them as much as possible while at the same time you achieve your desired capacity.

Maintain Your Bingo Balls Regularly

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 22:29:42 +0000

It's a good idea to wash your bingo balls regularly. Bingo callers are in constant contact with your games bingo balls. Dirt and grease are transferred to your bingo balls with each touch of the caller's fingers. Eventually dirt build up can and will alter the frequency with which balls are called, and anything affecting the randomness of the calls should be avoided.

What else at your bingo game can affect the randomness of the numbers called?

1. Chipped, cracked, and dented bingo balls will certainly skew the frequency of how often a bingo ball appears. It may make the ball appear more or less often, and both of these alternatives are bad outcomes. Make sure that you repair any dents and remove cracked or chipped balls from your bingo machine .

2. Mixing bingo ball sets can also change the frequency of the calls. If you place a green ball with a white set, that green ball's weight will differ slightly. And, while the difference may be subtle, it will be enough to skew the frequency one way or another. This can also be true for bingo ball sets with the same color, but different styles.

I always urge bingo managers to strive to keep their game's integrity above reproach. While most bingo players won't notice subtle changes in ball frequency, you want to remove any doubt from their minds. Keeping your bingo ball sets uniform and in good condition helps keep your games integrity and is always a good idea.

When Giving Away Merchandise at Your Bingo, Follow This Advice.

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 22:27:34 +0000

At bingo, it can be a nice touch or change of pace to offer a merchandise prize instead of cash. Prizes can range in value from simple bingo daubers to baskets full of prizes. If you decide that you would like to give away a merchandise prize at your next bingo, you should do the following:

1. Make sure to check with your local lottery agency and or regulatory body to understand the regulations in your area regarding bingo prize amounts, special forms required, etc.

2. Hold onto the original boxes that the merchandise prizes arrive in. Also, hold onto any warranties or guarantees that come with the product.

3. Have your bingo stand behind any merchandise warranties.

4. Make sure that at least one worker keeps watch over any bingo supplies and or merchandise prizes that are offered. Unfortunately, merchandise can "walk off" if unattended.

5. Lock up any merchandise prizes before and after your bingo. Make sure that any access to the bingo prizes is strictly controlled.

6. Examine the merchandise before it's given away as a prize. Is it clean and well-maintained? If not, don't give it away to your bingo players.

Merchandise prizes can be a welcome alternative to cash giveaways, but make sure you know what your're doing before you begin.

4 Ways to Help Ensure Your Bingo's Integrity

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 22:14:45 +0000

In bingo, rumors can spread quickly. It always amazes me the things that I hear in the often close-knit community of bingo players and workers. I'll hear things like, "Phyllis' son is a drunk.", "Cathy doesn't like Margaret because she never buys anyone anything", or the troubling one for bingo managers "The bingo workers are rigging the games for themselves."

Unfortunately, cheating sometimes exists in bingo, both with players and bingo workers. However, the perception of cheating when none is there can be just as damaging. Therefore, here are 4 steps to make sure that bingo players see your bingo as an honest bingo.

1. Shortly before bingo begins, and just after intermission, fill your bingo machine with all 75 bingo balls . Ask that a few bingo players (choose different ones each night) come to the bingo blower and verify that all of the bingo balls are present and in good condition.

2. Once the bingo balls have been inspected, announce to the crowd that all 75 balls have been verified. Further, announce that any bingo player may come up and examine the balls at any time during the evening.

3. As your bingo caller draws bingo balls from the bingo machine, make sure that he or she shows the ball to the crowd and/or places it clearly in front of the camera. Only once this is accomplished, should the caller place the ball in the master board on the bingo blower.

4. When selling pulltabs, don't let your bingo workers buy them. When bingo players see workers buying pulltabs, they always think the worst. Whether or not it's true, the bingo players believe that the workers know something about what pulltabs are winners and losers. Simply, don't allow it!

Bingo Supplies Catalog?

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 22:11:30 +0000

Wholesale Bingo Supplies.com receives many emails and phone calls throughout the day. And, one of the most frequent questions asked of us is "Do you have a bingo supplies catalog". Unfortunately, at this time the simple answer is "no".

A bingo supplies catalog that our customers and potential customers can download is something that we plan on adding, but it's not at the top of our list at the moment. Every day, we tweak things a little more both to improve our site and our service. Perhaps, we add a new line of bingo daubers , or have a promotion on bingo paper . At the moment, these things have take priority over the catalog.

So, will we have a bingo supplies catalog? Absolutely, but please give us some time. In the meantime, if you have any questions about any of our bingo products , please call or email us. Thanks for your patience.

Birthdays Important for Bingo Players

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 22:09:38 +0000

Bingo players are no different than most folks. They enjoy it when their birthdays are acknowledged and rewarded. A good way to keep your bingo players happy and build up a sense of community at your bingo is to recognize your bingo players birthdays.

One way to do this is to start a birthday sign-up book for your bingo. Have one night each month at your bingo be "Birthday Night" and celebrate everyone who has a birthday that month. Reward your bingo players with birthday cakes, coupons, free bingo supplies and/or some other token of appreciation. Have your staff sing "Happy Birthday" to them. Just make sure you have fun and that your bingo players have fun too.

Remember, if you want a successful bingo, you have to give your bingo players an exciting and fun experience. Treat your bingo players like gold and they will reward you with their loyalty.

Bingo Balls Dented? Here's a Quick Fix

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 22:08:19 +0000

Believe it or not, we are frequently asked how to fix dented bingo balls. You know, you're calling bingo and for some reason 'B12' shows up with a dent in the side. Well, here's one home remedy that we've used to fix dented bingo balls:

1. In a container, heat some water to the point of almost boiling.

2. Place your dented bingo ball into the hot water.

3. Use a spoon or other device to hold the bingo ball under the water as best you can.

4. Soon, the bingo ball should soften a bit and the dent will repair.

Now, this won't work for cracked bingo balls. Cracked bingo balls are done and you might as well throw them away. Also, it won't work on the miniature bingo balls or the wooden bingo balls.

Finally, we're not guaranteeing this will work. While we've used this method to successfully repair bingo balls a number of times, it's very possible that it could destroy a bingo ball further. In other words, use this home remedy at your own risk.

For bingo ball sets, please see Bingo Ball Sets

Bingo Programs at a Glance

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 22:06:33 +0000

Here's a quick rundown of what information your bingo program should convey to your bingo players:

1. Your bingo event's date, location, contact information (phone and email), the name of the bingo chairperson(s), hours operation, and the time when bingo will start.

2. Let your bingo players know what nonprofit the bingo proceeds will be going toward. Everyone enjoys helping a worthy cause.

3. Bingo paper prices and prize amounts. Try to convey this information in a clear, concise way. Bingo players love to know what they're paying and what they're playing for.

4. Show the number of bingo games and describe them. If a particular bingo paper or color is to be played for each game, make sure you show this.

5. If possible, show a picture or graphic demonstrating the winning bingo patterns.

Greeters a Nice Touch at Bingo

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 22:05:26 +0000

An important, often-overlooked way for your bingo to create a friendly and warm atmosphere is to have one of your bingo workers act as a greeter. Much like Wal-Mart, a greeter should stand near the entrance, smile, and welcome bingo players as they arrive.

A greeter is especially important when new bingo players show up at your bingo event for the first time. The greeter should take the time to help every new bingo player as much as possible. Introduce them to your bingo game, explain to them the different types of bingo paper (bingo books) you sell, and show them around your bingo hall.

Of course, make sure that your greeter is a friendly person. Obviously, an unfriendly greeter would be worse than no greeter at all.

Customer service is extremely important for any business and bingo is no different. It is crucial that you make your bingo players feel welcome and a good greeter will help. Treat your bingo players like gold and they will keep coming back.

Wholesale Bingo Supplies Improves Shipping Options

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 22:00:34 +0000

Up until now, Wholesale Bingo Supplies has been charging a flat fee for shipping to anywhere within the 48 states. This has been a good approximation of the median shipping charge of a typical order of bingo supplies. However, this hasn't allowed our customers the option of examining various expedited shipping options and costs themselves.

So, if a bingo customer needs bingo supplies overnighted, they have to call our customer support line. Then, our customer support has to contact our shipping department. Our shipping department then has to determine the cost of shipping bingo supplies via overnight, 2-day, 3-day, etc. Then, they relay this information back to customer support allowing customer support to call back with the answer. As you can see, this can be a burdensome and time-consuming process for everyone.

Also, the flat fee meant we couldn't afford to ship to Canada, which meant we were missing out on a lot of Canadien customers.

So, we've come up with a new plan....Real Time Shipping. Real Time Shipping will simply pass the cost of shipping bingo supplies directly to our customers. It will allow them enormous flexibility will all kinds of shipping options.

But, what about the free shipping on orders over $75 you ask? Don't worry. This popular feature will remain available for all UPS ground shipments within the continental United States.

Bingo Machines Affordable When Leased

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 21:57:21 +0000

Wholesale Bingo Supplies is proud to announce the addition of financing options for the purchase of all of our advanced bingo equipment. This will allow your organization that has been operating for at least two years and meets our qualifications, to obtain the latest in bingo equipment for your bingo without having to provide a large upfront payment.

Wholesale Bingo Supplies has partnered with Studebaker-Worthington Leasing Corp. to provide financing for our entire line of advanced bingo equipment. Pegged the “Nation’s Leader in Leasing,” Studebaker-Worthington Leasing Corp. was originally part of a multi-billion-dollar industrial company that used to manufacture the Studebaker car.

Today, the company is a wholly owned subsidiary of State Bank of Long Island (NASDAQ symbol STBC), a billion-dollar plus commercial bank based in Jericho, N.Y. For the past 30 years, the company has excelled in superior service, while offering competitive rates to thousands of equipment sellers and end-users across the nation.

In fact, the company leases “virtually every (type) of equipment used in business today” – computers, medical equipment, security systems, uniforms, church pews and office furniture –“ that’s not on wheels.”

Don’t let your bingo lose bingo players because of dated or faulty bingo equipment. For a low, affordable monthly payement, you can upgrade today by purchasing reliable, state-of-the-art bingo equipment from Wholesale Bingo Supplies - Bingo Equipment Leasing.

Or, for further information, call Wholesale Bingo Supplies at (800) 589-1074 or email us at customersupport@WholesaleBingoSupplies.com.

Shipping Bingo Supplies International Can Be a Challenge

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 21:55:14 +0000

We admit it. We screwed up.

Rarily in the past two decades in the bingo business had we shipped bingo supplies to Canada. However, with an increase in our online marketing presence, we began shipping more bingo supplies to Canada over the last 30 days. People in Canada would call for us for a quote on shipping and we would provide the amount and ship them the bingo paper, bingo daubers, and/or other bingo supplies. Unfortunately, what we didn't realize was that these Canadien customers were getting charged with customs charges and duties upon delivery. One women was even charged $37.00 for a few packages of bingo chips!

So, what are we at Wholesale Bingo Supplies doing about this? Well, first, we're covering the extra costs ourselves by issuing checks to the handful of orders that were affected. Next, now that we know that taxes and duties are due, we can look up the cost of these within our UPS delivery system, and make sure our customers know about them before they receive their order.

While this will probably eliminate a lot of smaller bingo supply orders that we receive from Canada (who wants to pay $37.00 for bingo chips?), it will make our Canadien customers a lot more satisfied.

Looking back, it's something we probably should have realized, but everyone makes mistakes, and we feel this was a good lesson learned. If you need bingo supplies, be sure to visit Wholesale Bingo Supplies

Team Building with Bingo

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 21:54:04 +0000

Bingo is an exciting and fun way to award prizes at corporate and team building events. It takes little effort and creates an exciting atmosphere. How Do You Do It? Simply hand out bingo cards to your staff and call numbers from an old-school bingo cage. As each number is called, your staff will mark them on their bingo cards with a bingo dauber until an entire row is checked off. Once a row is complete, the worker yells "Bingo!" and receives a prize. Easy enough? For bigger prizes, you could play a longer bingo game such as a "coverall" where a players must mark every number on their bingo card before a bingo occurs. Team bingo activities are an easy way to inspire employees and help them learn about each other in a fun environment.

Bingo Paper Prices to Increase

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 21:53:06 +0000

For a long time, we've heard rumblings in the bingo industry that bingo paper manufacturers were preparing to increase paper prices substantially. Well, that day is finally here.

A couple of the largest bingo paper manufacturers have already raised prices, but today, we received notice that the last major holdout American Games, inc will be increasing paper prices in the near future.

This was inevitable. Commodities prices for most manufactured goods have been going up for some time, adding to manufacturers' costs. Further, gas prices continue to climb, and bingo game paper is a heavy product that is expensive to ship. These things create a recipe for upward pricing.

The bottom line: Expect your bingo's paper prices to increase 10-20%in the near future if they haven't gone up already.

One Way to Beat the Price Increase
Keep in mind that most bingo distributors will offer some price breaks for bingos that use "standard" bingo paper. "Standard paper books are simply bingo books that follow a specific color pattern determined by the manufacturer. It is easier (and less costly) for the manufacturer to produce bingo books in the same color order than to create special runs for unusual color patterns.

If your bingo game paper is in a special color sequence, you should ask your bingo distributor about switching to a "standard" rotation. While you may have to let your bingo players know about your game color changes (and reprint bingo programs), your bingo will probably save money in the long run.

Quick Tips for Making Your Bingo a Happy Place

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 21:49:52 +0000

Bingo supplies and bingos themeselves should be fun. We're not selling office supplies like staples or paper cutters. We're not accountants getting ready to do our clients' taxes. We're selling bingo game supplies that are there to create fun, excitement, entertainment, and maybe, just maybe cash jackpots!

With this in mind, your bingo should be a source of fun and excitement for your bingo players. So, what can you do try to make it fun? Here are 5 quick tips to help you make your bingo fun and entertaining:

1. Treat every player (yes, even the crabby ones) as a valued guest. When your bingo players feel appreciated, they will return to your bingo again and again.

2. Express concern for player complaints. While you can't make everyone happy, you should treat player problems as opportunities to create good will.

3. Encourage your workers to learn each bingo players name and use them. The more you and your workers know your bingo players, the more of a community environment you'll create.

4. Choose bingo workers who truly enjoy being with people. One bad apple can spoil the perception of your bingo and turn bingo players away.

5. Help players celebrate their winnings and they will spread the good word about your bingo. When a player smiles, you and your workers should be happy. Celebrate your players jackpots and good luck!

Should Your Nonprofit Hold Bingo on a Holiday?

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 21:47:35 +0000

As I sit here at work just before July 4th, I thought about the many bingos that stay open even on the major holidays like July 4th, Christmas, Easter, New Year's, and Thanksgiving. While you can argue whether or not it's worth it from a personal standpoint, I thought I'd discuss whether it's worth it from a bingo's financial standpoint. And, I think that depends on a few things.

On holidays, it's a given that overall bingo attendance in your area will be down. If every bingo remained open, you can be sure that every bingo would have less bingo players than normal and every bingo's profits would suffer. However, on these holidays, many competing bingos will close, so there can be opportunity.

If you're thinking about keeping your bingo open on a holiday, I'd look around at the bingo market in your area first. Will a number of your bingo competitors be open? Do any other area bingos have a history of successful holiday bingos that you'd be up against? If either of these answers is no, then I think your bingo could benefit from staying open for business. Often, there's enough fervent bingo players out there to generate a crowd in an uncompetitive field.

However, if many bingos remain open, your holiday bingo will be in trouble. Even if one bingo stays open, you may be facing an uphill battle if that bingo has an established history of holiday success. If either is the case, I'd strongly recommend you take it easy, stay at home, and enjoy the holiday. After all, is that so bad?

Bingo Daubers Shouldn't Be a Bingo Concession's Only Concern

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 21:46:43 +0000

Bingo daubers shouldn't be your bingo concession's only concern. We've discussed in the past how your bingo concession should keep its bingo supplies prices low in order to keep your current bingo players and bring in new ones. Some more obvious, but sometimes overlooked, things to help your bingo concession are:

1. Customer Service: Make sure that your concession staff is friendly and courteous to your bingo players. Don't let a negative minded concession host drive your bingo players away.

2. Cleanliness: Always keep your bingo concession clean and tidy. Nothing turns people off more than a dirty or unkempt selling area. Take an honest look at your bingo concession and ask if more can be done to remove the dirt or clutter. Make your bingo concession look professional!

3. Food Quality: Bingo players, like everyone, want their food to taste good. Instead of looking for the cheapest menu options, try using a higher quality bread for sandwiches and adding better ingredients for other items. Your bingo players will appreciate great tasting food, and you'll likely see some of them arrive early just to eat. These bingo players will then frequently spend additional $$$ in your bingo hall playing pulltabs, raffle tickets and more. Good food will keep bingo players coming back.

Remember, to treat your bingo players like gold when running a bingo hall and/or bingo concession. Try to make the entire bingo experience a fun event that will make your bingo crowd strong and happy.

Bingo Supplies Should Sell for Less at Your Bingo Concession

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 21:43:17 +0000

Bingo supplies is an interesting business. As a distributor of bingo game supplies , we see a lot of good bingo managers, and a lot bingo managers that struggle. One mistake that I think a lot of bingo managers make with their bingo operation is running a high cost bingo concession.

For instance, some bingo managers feel that if they buy a bingo marker for $1.00, they must charge at least $1.50 or some other number to their bingo players. If they buy a bingo cushion for $20.00, they think they have to charge at least $25.00. After all, when you're in business, you buy something, mark it up to a higher price, and then you sell it, right?

Well, in the case of a bingo concession, I don't think so.

I am a firm believer that a bingo concession should not operate to make much, if any, profit. Instead, a bingo concession should act as a "loss leader", or at least like a "break-even leader" for the entire bingo. Instead of looking to make a $0.50 profit on a bingo marker, most bingo concessions should look at the bigger picture. Your bingos profit centers should be your bingo paper , electronic handhelds, pulltabs, and other gaming products, not your bingo concession items. Low priced bingo game supplies such as bingo daubers , bingo chips, bingo bags, bingo cushions, etc. should be used to attract new bingo players and keep existing bingo players at your bingo.

I've heard many stories about bingos getting more bingo players to attend with low cost bingo supplies . New bingo players frequently will show up to your bingo (and skip another bingo) because of a low-priced concession. And, both new and existing bingo players that save some money on bingo supplies will often enjoy spending that savings on additional electronic bingo cards, more bingo paper , and/or pulltabs.

These bingo items, not the bingo supplies at your bingo concession, should be a bingo chairperson's best profit makers. Think about it. There's a reason many casinos in Las Vegas will give out free food to people sitting at slot machines. In this regard, bingo is no different.

Electronic Bingo Handhelds Big for Bingo

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 21:42:01 +0000

Bingo supplies were everywhere on display on my recent trip to BingoWorld 2008. One thing that stood out, however, was the increased focus on electronic handhelds. It is obvious that electronic bingo is more important than ever for your bingo to be a success. If you run a bingo and are not using electronics, your bingo is likely not making as much revenue as it should.

Here's a quick explantion on how electronic bingo works. Basically, bingo players can only play so many paper bingo books at a time. Electronic bingo increases your bingo revenues by simply allowing your players that can't physically play any more bingo books , to play more books electronically. With higher prizes available in some locations, your bingo players are more willing to spend more for a chance to play more faces and win more money. Without electronic bingo, you're allowing revenue for your nonprofit to walk out the door.

Electronic bingo players don't just play extra regular games electronically. Typically, these bingo players will also spend extra to play bingo games outside of your regular bingo game books , as well. For instance, if your bingo has early bird games or a special jackpot game, electronic bingo players will usually pay extra to play extra bingo faces for these games too. In fact, our statistics have shown that allowing bingo players the option to play bingo games both on bingo paper and electronically increases a bingo's overall revenue substantially.

The bottom line is that it is essential that today's bingo offer players the ability to play both bingo paper and electronic bingo. Otherwise, your bingo will soon be left behind if it hasn't already happened.

Bingo Players' "Suggestions" Can Be Harmful to Your Bingo

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 21:40:21 +0000

Bingo game supplies and the entire bingo market is getting more competitive every day. It is more important now than ever for your bingo to open to changing up some of your current games or bringing in new games. If your bingo faces intense competition from other bingos, you may need the ability to quickly modify your game or you could be left behind.

One thing that frequently prevents bingo chairs from making needed adjustments, or embracing new products (such as electronic bingo) is the fear of their players. I often hear from bingo managers who want to modify theirprogram, but decide against it after putting their ideas to a vote from their players. Some managers even think it's best to let their players decide what changes, if any, should be made.

Unfortunately, bingo players are human just like everyone. If you let them, they'll often vote for, or against, changes based upon what's best for them, and not what's best for your bingo. I've seen bingo managers drive themselves ragged with numerous changes to their bingo books in a short period of time trying to chase player suggestions.

Asking your players how to run your game is kind of like a shop owner asking his customers what prices he should charge. If Wal-Mart asked its shoppers what they should be charged for products, they'd probably have a lot of happy customers. But, they'd probably also end up out of business.

Of course, I'm not saying you should never listen to your players, but do so with a grain of salt. Obviously, you should always address coomplaints and try to carry the latest in bingo game supplies , but don't let customer "suggestions" take over your bingo. Frequently, your most vocal players simply don't speak for the all of your players. And, the majority should be what you're most concerned with.

Trust me, your bingo players will let you know how much they like your bingo through their attendance and spending. Those two things, above everything else, should be your biggest concerns when deciding what is right for your bingo.

Electronic Bingo More and More a Necessity in Today's Bingo Game

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 21:37:03 +0000

Many charity bingos have been selling electronic handhelds (or electronic bingo) to their bingo players for years. However, there are still a minority of bingo games out there that for one reason or another have yet to offer them. We feel that this is a mistake. For locations where they are legal, electronic bingo has become a staple for almost every profitable bingo.

For those of you who don't know (and that number is dwindling every day), electronic bingo allows bingo players to play cards electronically. Players have cards loaded into handheld units similar to large calculators and play these alongside their bingo paper books .

Initially popular in mainly the larger commercial halls, even players in small towns are now embracing the fun of electronic bingo. Smaller bingos have caught on and are now bringing the excitement to their players.

Players that want electronics must spend a little extra for the privelage, and that's where the charities benefit. It's not uncommon for bingos using electronics to make $100's more in profit per bingo session. Player's love them and frequently demand them. Today, the electronic handheld has become just as important as bingo paper and other bingo game supplies .

Jerry K., chairperson of the Elks 113 in our hometown, stated these words to me awhile back "If not for electronic bingo, our bingo would have closed the doors. We were barely scraping by and now our attendance is growing and we're making good money. I don't know how any bingo will be able to survive in the future without them."

With no upfront costs & no risk (you're charged a fee only if you rent a unit to a bingo player), more and more bingo managers across country are enjoying the increased profits and player fun that electronics offer.

Bingo Caller Speed Can Be Helped With a Timer

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 21:33:06 +0000

Having confidence and speaking clearly are important qualities for every bingo caller. Knowing the game and having good customer skills are also important. However, one sometimes overlooked quality that's important with bingo callers is consistency.

Bingo callers must call games in a consistent manner. Bingo players rely on their callers to maintain the same speed of calls from game to game so that they can get a feel for how much bingo paper they can play. That's not to say that a caller won't have certain games called faster and certain games called slower. It just means that the callers should call the fast games at the same speed every time and the slower games at the same speed every time.

We've seen many instances where an experienced bingo caller who spoke clearly, was friendly, and had a good rapport with the bingo players, still caused unhappiness by varying his pace too much. This is why a timer or timing device is extremely important.

Without a timer, a bingo caller will often lose track of where they are and start to call too slowly. This will cause players to have to wait, and players want to play. Then, of course, the bingo caller will accelerate their call speed and potentially cause players to miss numbers as they frantically try to keep pace.

A timer is simply a device that will alert you every so many seconds when it's time to announce your next call. Many of today's bingo machines come equipped with timing devices which will establish a steady pace for the callers. If your bingo machine doesn't have a timer, many times you can make do with a simple and inexpensive metronome. If nothing else is available, a bingo caller can check their watch or monitor the seconds hand on a clock. While not the best solution, it's better than a bingo caller simply winging it on their own.

Remember, bingo players sometimes like to grumble. And, almost nothing will make them complain faster than an inconsistent caller. Variable calling speeds are going to annoy them, or maybe make them extremely angry if they miss a bingo because of it. Don't let an inconsistent caller get out of hand. Little problems can become big problems and cause a bingo to lose players.

Bingo Paper Can Be Confusing

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 21:26:05 +0000

Bingo Paper: Different Bingos Use Different Paper

If you're looking to order bingo paper , but are unsure of exactly how to do it, this bingo article should help. There is no doubt that bingo managers and bingo players unfamilar with the game or the industry terminology can have trouble.

Frequently, people who want to order the bingo paper for their "early bird" games or for their "speedball" games assume that their "early bird" paper is the same paper that everyone in the country uses for that style of game. However, this isn't the case. Different states, different regions, and even different cities use different bingo paper and many use different bingo paper even for the same style of bingo games.

So, how do we get everyone on the same page? Well, you first need to know bingo paper terminology, and that begins with what we call "the cut"

Bingo Paper: "The Cut"

Bingo paper comes in a variety of shapes and sizes and can be "cut" into just about any of the common styles you see at bingo. The paper is named for its "cut", the number of plays on the sheet, and how the paper flows (either horizontally/side to side or vertically/up and down). For example, bingo paper comes in 1ons (1 face sheet), 3H (3 faces horizontally or side to side), 3V (3 faces vertically or up and down), 4ons (4 faces in a square) , 6H (6 faces horizontally or side to side), 6V (6 faces vertically or up and down), and 9ons (9 faces in a square). Bingo paper can also come in 12ons, 18ons and even a few other obscure type of cuts.

When you need to order bingo paper, most often you should describe the cut of your paper first, before describing its other characteristics such as color, etc.

Bingo Books (Collated Paper) vs. Bingo Sheets (Case Paper)

Bingo sheets or Case Bingo Paper is a box of multiple sheets of bingo that are of the same color. These paper sheets are generally sold for specific games in a bingo program and are sold in addition to that game's regular bingo books. You see these sheets mostly sold as extra plays for the larger jackpots within a program.

Typically, bingo sheets or case paper are packaged in groups of single, loose sheets, or together in glued pads of 25.

Bingo Books or Collated Bingo Paper are groups of colored bingo sheets glued together to form a multi-colored packet or bingo book. The number of multi-colored bingo sheets in a book are the "ups".

Sheets are put together in a book form so that players can tear each sheet off after each game is played. This helps bingo managers and bingo players keep track of what game everyone is on. For example, let's say a bingo book starts with sheets arranged in this order blue, orange, green, and yellow. Players and managers will know that when the third game is being played, everyone should be playing the green sheet. And, when the third game ends, everyone should tear off the green sheet and begin playing the yellow sheet for the fourth game.

Finally, a term called the "ups" is used to describe the number of sheets glued together in a book. So, for example, a bingo manager might order a 6V-7up bingo book for their bingo game. This means that they would want 6 faces to a sheet cut vertically with 7 different colored 6V sheets attached in a single bingo book.

Simple right? Well, maybe it's still a little complicated, but this should give you a good starting point the next time you need to order bingo paper or bingo supplies .

How to Manage a Successful Bingo Fundraiser Part 1

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 21:14:55 +0000

Ordering bingo supplies can be daunting by itself if you're unfamiliar with bingo. What cut of bingo paper is best for a bingo? Collated bingo paper or case bingo paper ? How many and what kinds of bingo daubers should you buy?

However, ordering bingo supplies can look easy after you've been put in charge of a complete bingo fundraiser. Running a bingo event from start to finish can seem overwhelming. But, with proper guidance, a bingo fundraiser can also raise substantial funding for your organization. Hopefully, the following article can help you get started down the right path.

How to Manage a Successful Bingo Fundraiser Part 1

Bingo is a popular and fun way for many charitable organizations to raise funding for their worthy causes. Many schools, churches, and other nonprofit groups will hold annual bingo events which raise thousands of dollars each. These bingos can be regular bingos with cash prizes, "Basket Bingos" where gift baskets go to the winners, or a combination of the two. Because of their large fundraising potential, many organizations will hold multiple bingo fundraisers throughout the year.

How Does a Nonprofit Organization Get Started?

Licensing Regulations

Licensing regulations vary from state to state, and so you need to be aware of your state's licensing regulations, if any. Some states require nothing and leave bingo mostyly unregulated. Other states require that you are licensed, file paperwork, maintain prize jackpots, and follow other rules. Be sure to contact your state's lottery division before you begin. They should be able to answer any regulatory questions about bingo in your state.

Determine Your Expected Bingo Attendance

Like any planned event, it is impossible to know your exact attendance beforehand, but it is important that you have a good idea. So, ask yourself these questions: Have other charitable groups in your area held bingos? If so, what was their attendance? Are you able to spend a lot of time and effort to market your event, or depending on word of mouth (the more time you can give to marketing your bingo fundraiser, the better)? Can your organization depend on regular patronage for your events from donors, members, or other people?

Most successful bingo events will have 100, 200, or even 300 bingo players in attendance. But, bingos with fewer bingo players can still be winners with proper planning. By having a good idea of your future bingo attendance, you can determine what and how much bingo supplies you need to order, the number of bingo prizes, the size of bingo prize payouts, the amount of food, etc.

Next: Part 2 of 5, Building Bingo Programs.

How to Manage a Successful Bingo Fundraiser Part 2

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 21:12:11 +0000

If you read "How to Manage a Successful Bingo Fundraiser Part 1" you should have checked out the licensing requirements for bingos in your state and you've got a rough idea of how many bingo players will be attendance. Now let's look at building your bingo event's bingo program.

Bingo games can vary on structure and prize payout depending on location, crowd size, and most importantly, the chairperson. Even within the same city, different bingo games can vary tremendously.

Building Your Bingo Program

A typical bingo game structure consists of some early games ("Early Bird"), the main body of games ("Regular Games"), and various jackpot or special games throughout.

Early bird games

The early bird games are usually a handful of games (3-5) played before the regular games begin. Often, faster paced than regular games, they are played on separate bingo books from the regular game bingo books . Payouts are usually modest and roughly the same as standard (non-jackpot) games in the regular game books. It is not essential that you include early bird games in your bingo program.

Regular & special (jackpot) games

The regular & special games begin after the early bird games have finished or at the start of your bingo program (if you have no early bird games). Played on multiple sheet bingo books , they are the main event of the bingo program, and usually consist of 6-10 games played on 6 or 9 face (faces are individual bingo plays) sheets. The regular game bingo books include bingos of varying payouts, including a number of special (jackpot or higher paying) games.

Note: Some bingos remove the special (or jackpot) games from their regular game bingo books and play them on separate special (or jackpot) bingo books.

Next: Part 3 of 5, Determining Your Bingo Prize Payouts

How to Manage a Successful Bingo Fundraiser Part 3

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 21:08:06 +0000

Before you read this bingo article, you should have read both How to Manage a Successful Bingo Fundraiser Part 1 and How to Manage a Successful Bingo Fundraiser Part 2.

So you should have checked out the licensing requirements for bingos in your state and then you should have made an estimate of how many bingo players will be in attendance. Finally, you decided on how you wanted to build your bingo program.

Now let's look at determining your bingo prize payouts.

Determining Your Bingo Prize Payouts

For charitable groups that have your bingo prizes donated, determining your prize payouts can be easy. You simply take the prizes donated, divide them up into smaller value items for the regular games and bigger value items for the special or jackpot games. However, if you are awarding cash prizes based upon your bingo players' attendance and spending levels, you need to make sure that you are budgeting appropriately.

For instance, if you plan on 100 bingo players attending your bingo event, how much do you expect each player to spend on bingo books? Perhaps, you're limiting sales to one bingo book per player and charging $10.00 per book. This means you can expect $1,000.00 in revenue to pay prizes with.

So, in the above example, if you have a bingo program with 10 regular games and 3 of those are specials (jackpots), you don't want to pay out $100 and $300 for the jackpots (for a total of $1,600.00). Instead, maybe you award say $40 for the regular games and $150 for the specials (for a total of $730).

Your bingo prize payouts should be a delicate balance between the revenue you hope to obtain and prize payouts that will keep your bingo players happy. A good rule of thumb is to try to have bingo prizes totalling 75% of bingo revenue.

Note: In the above example, bingo book prices and bingo prize payouts are not necessarily based in reality. As we said before, bingo games, prices, and prizes can vary dramatically from area to area.

Also, in the above example, some groups limit bingo paper sales to control inventory and keep things equal between players. Limiting sales may or may not be a good thing depending on your crowd. If you have mostly novice bingo players who are there more to support the charity than to play bingo, this may be a good strategy.

However, if you're crowd consists of many regular bingo players, then you will be better off not limiting spending, both from a sales standpoint and from a bingo player satisfaction standpoint. Regular bingo players do not want to be limited on the number of bingo books they can play.

Next: Part 4 of 5, Revenue Generators for your Bingo

How to Manage a Successful Bingo Fundraiser Part 4

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 20:57:31 +0000

Before you read this bingo supplies article, you should have read:

How to Manage a Successful Bingo Fundraiser Part 1

How to Manage a Successful Bingo Fundraiser Part 2

How to Manage a Successful Bingo Fundraiser Part 3

The above articles would have helped you:

1. Determine your bingo licensing regulations for your state.
2. Estimate your bingo player attendance.
3. Build your bingo program.
4. Determine your prize payout.

Now, let's focus on the money making items or "revenue generators" for your bingo.

Bingo Books & Admission

Many bingos will sell an admission package to each bingo player when they arrive. This package usually sells for around $20 and includes entry to the event, a bingo book containing bingo sheets inside for each game in the bingo program, and perhaps an added bonus such as a free bingo dauber or an extra bingo sheet for a jackpot game.

If you have early bird games (a handful of games before your main bingo program), you should sell bingo paper books for them for around $3-$5. Additionally, extra bingo books should be sold (usually for $5-$15 each) at a discount to the admission price. Finally, it's a good idea to sell extra single bingo sheets for the larger prize (jackpot) games.

If you choose not to have an admission package, you can simply sell bingo paper books for a set price once the bingo players have entered.

Raffles

Raffles are a great way to earn additional funds during your bingo event. During the night, have a friendly person walk around selling with a smile. If possible, it's a good idea to advertise and presell the raffle tickets beforehand.

You can have 50/50 raffles (where 50% of the proceeds go to the prize), or raffle off one or more prizes. Your prizes should be good quality and have obvious value. Don't be cheap!

Be careful, raffles, like bingos, can also fall under state regulation. Be sure you find out your state's policy on raffles beforehand.

Pulltabs

Like raffle tickets, pulltabs (charity tickets) are a great way to increase sales and revenues during a bingo. A pulltab is a similar to a scratch off lottery ticket, but instead it has a number of "windows" that are peeled open to reveal a possible prize. Each box of pulltabs contains a set amount of prizes (usually around 75% of the take). Therefore, each box (once sold) is guaranteed a certain profit.

Pulltabs come in a variety of games and styles. If you decide to sell pulltabs, make sure you know how each game is played beforehand.

Be warned! Pulltabs are even more heavily regulated than bingos. Be sure that they are legal in your state. And, if they are legal, make sure that you are properly licensed to sell them.

Bingo Supplies

Bingo supplies, especially bingo paper, can be a little confusing. If you are unfamiliar with bingo, ordering the proper bingo game books can be difficult. We recommend you read How to Order Bingo Paper for a quick overview, or check out WholesaleBingo Supplies-Bingo Cards/Paper for some idea what cuts and sizes bingo paper can come in.

Make sure you order your bingo supplies in advance to give yourself some time. You'll likely need the following, bingo game books, additional bingo sheets (i.e. case bingo paper) for jackpot games, bingo daubers (markers for the players), and raffle tickets and pulltabs (if legal in your area).

If you plan on hosting bingos on a regular basis, you might even consider purchasing an advanced bingo console (or bingo blower) and bingo equipment. But, this can get pricey. For an annual bingo, it's best to find bingo equipment you can borrow. Also, you can get by purchasing a low-cost, quality, bingo cage.

Next: Part 5 of 5, Bingo Concessions & More.

How to Manage a Successful Bingo Fundraiser Part 5

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 20:53:31 +0000

Bingo game supplies are necessary for any bingo gathering. So, is proper preparation. Part 5 (below) of our series on "How to Manage a Successful Bingo Gathering" gives you our final advice for hosting a bingo event.

Before reading this bingo supplies article you should have read the previous four parts:

How to Manage a Successful Bingo Fundraiser Part 1

How to Manage a Successful Bingo Fundraiser Part 2

How to Manage a Successful Bingo Fundraiser Part 3

How to Manage a Successful Bingo Fundraiser Part 4

The above articles should have showed you how to:

1. Determine your bingo licensing regulations for your state.
2. Estimate your bingo player attendance.
3. Build your bingo program.
4. Determine your prize payout.
5. Determine the revenue generating bingo products your going to sell.

Now, let's go over some final considerations for your next bingo fundraiser.

Bingo Callers

An experienced bingo caller is extremely valuable. You don't want some novice person calling bingo who has trouble handling the bingo equipment (dropping bingo balls in the middle of a game can be a disaster) or lacks confidence in front of people. If you can't find an experienced caller, then find someone who is comfortable with crowds and have them practice with the equipment ahead of time. Go over your bingo program step-by-step.

Whether experienced or not, you want your bingo callers to call numbers at a regular pace. We recommend that bingo balls be called about every 20 seconds for commercial bingo hall environments where seasoned bingo players play. However, this speed should be adjusted to fit your crowd and the number of bingo faces in play. Hopefully, your bingo equipment will have a timer which will alert your caller when to call. However, if no timer is available, use a watch or clock as best you can to call at a regular pace.

Cash vs Baskets or Other Prizes

It doesn't make a lot of difference if you give away cash or prizes or a mixture of both at your bingo fundraiser. The important thing is to make sure that whatever you give, you are giving something with value.

Make your bingo prizes worth the effort for your bingo players. If you give bingo baskets, fill them with quality products. If you give cash, make sure you give away some big jackpots. When your bingo players win a bingo, they want win something and they want to win something good.

Bingo Concessions

Your bingo event will usually last from 3-5 hours, with the actual bingo program taking about 3 hours to play. Therefore, it is important to have refreshments and food available if possible. Bingo players are not robots. They will get hungry and thirsty.

Make sure that the food you serve is good quality and keep your prices reasonable. We believe it's smart business to have your bingo concession be a draw for your bingo event and not a profit center. Let your bingo games make the money while your concession keeps them well-nourished and happy.

Also, have your bingo concession carry a good selection of bingo supplies . You don't want a bingo player to be unable to play bingo because they don't have bingo daubers or bingo chips with them.

A bingo fundraiser requires planning. You'll need to assemble a team of volunteers, find a qualified bingo caller, acquire prize donations, locate a site, advertise, and more. Make sure you give yourself at least a month or two to prepare.

Good luck and happy fundraising! If you follow our advice, we're sure your next bingo fundraiser will be a success.