Beginner's Guide to Bingo at Pull Tab Venues
Many pull tab locations also offer bingo — here's what to know before your first game, from buying cards to calling bingo.
If you've been playing pull tabs at your local bar or VFW, you've probably seen bingo games running on certain nights. Bingo is one of the most popular forms of charitable gaming, often offered alongside pull tabs at the same venues. If you've never played, here's everything you need to know.
How Bingo Works
The concept is simple. You purchase one or more bingo cards, each printed with a grid of numbers. A caller draws numbers randomly and announces them. You mark (or "daub") the numbers on your cards as they're called. The first player to complete a specified pattern on their card calls "Bingo!" and wins the prize.
Standard bingo is played on a 5 by 5 grid with the letters B-I-N-G-O across the top. Each column contains numbers in a specific range — B has 1 through 15, I has 16 through 30, and so on up to O with 61 through 75. The center square is typically a free space.
Types of Bingo Games
A typical bingo night includes multiple games with different patterns. Regular games require completing a single line — horizontal, vertical, or diagonal. Coverall (or "blackout") games require you to cover every number on your card. Special pattern games might require specific shapes like an X, a picture frame, or a letter.
Many venues run progressive jackpots where the coverall prize increases each week until someone wins it within a specified number of calls. These jackpots can grow into thousands of dollars and are a major draw for serious bingo players.
What to Bring
For your first bingo night, you really just need to bring money to buy cards and a dauber (the ink marker used to mark numbers). Most venues sell daubers for a few dollars, or you can bring your own. Some players bring lucky charms, snacks, and specialized bingo bags to hold their supplies — but for a first visit, cash and a dauber are all you need.
Linked Bingo and Electronic Bingo
Many pull tab venues now offer linked bingo, where games are connected across multiple locations simultaneously. This creates larger prize pools since more players are contributing to the pot. Linked bingo is typically played on electronic tablets or terminals rather than paper cards.
Electronic bingo automatically daubs your numbers as they're called, so you don't need to track multiple cards manually. This is popular with players who like to play many cards at once — the machine handles the marking and alerts you if you win.
Bingo Etiquette
Every bingo hall has its unwritten rules. Arrive early to get settled and buy your cards before the games start. Keep conversation to a minimum during number calls — regulars take this seriously. When you think you have bingo, call it out loudly and clearly. Don't daub numbers after bingo has been called. Be gracious whether you win or lose.
Finding Bingo Near You
Many of the venues listed on FindPullTabs.com offer bingo in addition to pull tabs. Look for venues marked with the "E-Tabs" badge — these often include linked bingo on the same electronic terminals. VFW posts, American Legion halls, and Eagles clubs frequently host weekly bingo nights, typically on a set day each week.
Check with the venue directly for their bingo schedule and card prices. Most bingo nights run in the evening, with some venues offering daytime sessions as well. It's a fun, social way to enjoy charitable gaming with a chance at bigger prizes than typical pull tab games.