When you are getting into playing bingo, you want to know the terminology. This will help you to keep up in the game and know what others are referring to when they are using certain terms. Here is a list of the commonly used bingo terms in alphabetical order:
Admission: This is the term which is used in regards to entering the bingo hall in order to play in a bingo game.
Admission Packet: This is the number of bingo cards which must be purchased in order for you to be allowed in the game. The number of cards needed to enter a game may differ according to the hall.
Bingo Board: This is the board which displays the numbers which have been called.
Bingo Card: This is the card bingo is played on, it has 24 squares which are numbered and one square which is blank.
Bingo Marker: This is the ink dauber which is used to mark the number which was called.
Blackout: This is a pattern which requires the entire card to be covered in order for you to win.
Caller: This is the person that will call out the numbers as they are drawn.
Coverall: This is the same thing as a blackout, the entire card must be covered in order for you to win.
Dauber: This is an ink filled bottle with a foam top which is used strictly for marking the bingo numbers as they are called.
Early Bird Game: This is a game which starts ahead of a regularly scheduled game.
Flimsy/Flimsies: These are bingo cards which have been printed on very thin sheets of paper. Usually there will be three cards printed on these sheets.
Free Space: This is the middle square on the card which everyone gets to claim.
Game Board: This is an electronic display which shows you the pattern that you need in order to win the game.
Hard Card: This is a bingo card which is printed on heavy paper, the often have shutters which are used for covering the numbers as they are called out.
Jackpot: This is a large prize which is usually won after achieving a difficult pattern.
Lucky Jar: This is a jar or container with cash that you win by winning bingo using a certain number.
Moonlight Bingo: This is a game which starts late during the night.
Multiple Winners: This is when two players win at the same time. In this case, the winnings will be split between them.
On: This is when a player is lacking only one number for a bingo.
On The Way: This is the game that is played on the way toward the blackout game.
Pattern: This is the shape you need to achieve in order to win.
Payout: This is the amount which is paid out by the house.
Progressive Jackpot: This is a jackpot which continues to get larger until someone wins it.
Speed Bingo: This is a game where the numbers are called quickly and you can win in as little as three numbers.
Split Pot: This is when the winner splits the winnings with the house.
Validation: This is the requirements needed in order for a player to win an additional jackpot amount.
Wild Number: This is usually played on a double bingo which is on its way to a triple bingo. The first number out determines the wild number, all numbers containing that number are to be marked.
Wrap Up: This is the last game of that night.
