Bingo at the Casino

Playing Bingo

Bingo is played in halls and casinos. Bingo rules and payouts and play variations vary from place to place. Bingo brochures detailing particular games, rules and payouts are usually available at each respective location.

Basically, players buy cards with numbers on them in a 5 x 5 grid corresponding to the five letters in the word B-I-N-G-O. Numbers such as B-2 or 0-68 are then drawn at random (out of a possible 75) until one player completes a 'Bingo' line with five numbers in a vertical, horizontal or diagonal row on one of their cards and wins the prize.

The numbers are announced quickly, so you must pay careful attention to the numbers that are called and mark them quickly and accurately on your bingo cards. The caller keeps calling numbers until one or more players claim BINGO. Then the game stops and the numbers are verified. If there is a winner, the prize is awarded and a new bingo game begins with new cards. If there is more than one winner, the prize is split among all the winners.

In Las Vegas many variations including 'Letter X', 'Six Pack', 'Coverall' and 'Indian Style Papoose' Bingo are offered. Additionally, some places offer special progressive payouts as high as $10,000.

Poker Draw

Playing Draw Poker

Draw Poker is played with a standard 52-card deck. Standard poker rankings apply. Players are dealt five cards face down, one at a time, in rotation. A round of betting begins (check, bet, call, raise, or fold). The remaining players may discard any number of their original cards and have the same number of cards replaced by the dealer. Another round of betting occurs. The player with the highest ranking five-card poker hand wins. In the event of a tie, the pot is split equally.

Check

A check passes the action to the next player. If all players check, the next card is turned and the player's options repeat.

Bet

Initiating action by placing a bet.

Fold

You fold when the cards that you hold are so lousy that to remain in the game would spell certain doom. Correct way to fold: You gently place your cards in front of you face down on the table. Incorrect way to fold: You launch into a string of superlatives and demonstrably throw your cards into the air while pushing yourself away from the table in tears.

Call

In order to "call" you are required to contribute the equivalent amount of chips as the other players since your last bet. The player to the left of the dealer has the ability to "check" because the value of the pot has not been established. This is applicable on the first round of betting.

Raise

Similar to a "call" except this time you get to increase the value of your bet when the chance to do so arises since the last time you bet. This is a good strategy if you feel that you have a strong hand or want to see who's "bluffing" and who's not. There is generally a maximum limit that you can raise per round.