BINGO FAQ

New to Bingo? Have no fear! At Boise Bingo, we welcome players of all levels. Whether you are a Bingo Beginner or a Bingo Buff, our friendly staff and regulars will show you the ropes.

What To Bring:

A ball point pen
A bingo ink marker or dauber if you have one. (They come in really cool colors and you can get them on Amazon!) If you can’t find any daubers, we do sell them.
$20 or more in CASH. There is an ATM on site, but you’ll want to bring multiple denominations. The minimum buy-in is usually $20, but sometimes you can get a deal on specials or bonuses for $3, $5 or $10. Bring more if you want to play more!
Snacks! You’re in for a few hours of fun, so bring water and a few snacks or candy bars to keep you going. Leave the alcohol at home, please.
Your lucky charm! Many players have a special trinket, keychain, rabbit’s foot, stuffed animal, blanket, beanie baby, troll doll, or other baubles that bring good luck! Hey, it doesn’t hurt to try!

Don’t have a lucky charm yet? Check out this article from Potawtomi Hotel & Casino for some inspiration!

What To Know B4 You Go:

Bingo is a form of gambling entertainment. So, you must be 18 or older to enter the hall!
Find a staff member to help you out. Our friendly staff will explain the rules and what you need to do to get started. They’ll show you where the cashier is, how to get set up, and what to expect ones the games begin.
No reservations needed! But the hall may fill up! Come early to grab your seat. Doors open at 4pm.
Arrive at least an hour or more before your first. If you want to play the Early Bird, try to get there by 5pm at the latest. If you get their early enough, you might catch a quick warm up game before the everyone else gets there.
Try to sit by a veteran Bingo Expert! You’ll know who when you get there! Our regulars could be pros! They know what to do and most will gladly share their expertise… BEFORE THE GAME BEGINS. Once the Bingo Caller starts the game, it gets serious!
Boise Bingo is a papers only bingo operation. That means we only use old fashioned bingo cards/papers. No machines or digital bingo here. Just good old fashioned bingo action!
Plan on at least $20 or more to buy in. Some games and packages have a lower buy in or there might be a special running for the night. But generally, $20 will get you playing (and hopefully winning!)
Try to buy a variety of “packs.” You should be able to get an Early Bird/Warm Up Pack, a Regular Game Pack, and possible sheets for Specials or Jackpot games for that night. Make sure you follow directions and write your name on the back of each sheet so the staff know which ones are yours if you win.
Just play the minimum to start. You’ll see Bingo Bawlers who play a whole table full of sheets! But start off with the minimum until you get the hang of it.
The Bingo Caller will read the House rules before the start of each session. They will announce the game name and number, color of the sheet you should play, and the pattern you will try to get before each game. Don’t stress and go with the flow! The goal is to have fun. You’ll catch on quickly.
Take a look at this article from Cactus Bingo Supply that will walk you through your first night of bingo.

First Time Bingo Player – Need to Know B4 You Go

And here are a few more articles with tips and information before your first visit: