Dear Aunt Bingo,
I went to a local Bingo hall and the first thing they say is they will not pay sleepers (people who call Bingo late) and you must Bingo on the last number called, regardless of what games are playing. So, I Bingoed on I-19 and someone on the other side of the room Bingoed, too. I didn’t mind that there was another Bingo, but this person slept through his Bingo and I-19 was not even on his card. So they still gave him half the money, which in my book was not right.
I got upset and challenged their decision and they said I was belligerent and that I was never to come to that Bingo hall again—even though they said I was right. I am still not allowed in the hall. Folks are saying “Everyone knows I was right” and a lot of people took my side. The hall says I was combative (I didn’t hit anyone); but I was definitely upset. It wasn’t the money—it was the principle of it.
It seems to me I was and still am being double-punished. They took half of my money and now forbid me to go to the hall. I spoke to four other Bingo players at different halls and they all said I was right and I should not have been banned from the hall.
—EMW, Ohio
Dear EMW,
Different halls seem to have different rules regarding sleepers. At several where I play, the purpose of the sleeper rule is not to deprive the sleeper of his or her prize, but to ensure that if another number is called and a second person Bingos, the second person will not be deprived of a prize because the first person called Bingo late. I like that rule, because it sticks with the policy that if a number is called, it must be played.
So in your case, the rule actually protected you—the sleeper called Bingo after your I-19 was called, and even though his Bingo did not include I-19, you still got part of the prize money because your number was called before the sleeper called Bingo. (As always, if readers are aware of different rules in their area-governing sleepers, Aunt Bingo welcomes your comments, especially those from Bingo hall workers and managers.)
Regarding your banishment: It has been my experience that some Bingo managers, in order to maintain order, run their halls like military operations. Anyone who disrupts that order can pretty much count on being ejected from the hall, which sounds exactly like what happened to you. If you miss playing at that hall, you might consider apologizing and asking if you may return. If, out of principle, however, you do not feel you should apologize, then I think you can pretty much forget ever playing in that hall again.
—Aunt Bingo
Dear Aunt Bingo,
I am getting very concerned about the number of Bingo halls that have been closing in my area and elsewhere. It is such a wonderful pasttime, it is so much fun to win money, and it is fun to see friends who also play Bingo week after week. With all that Bingo has going for it, why are there fewer and fewer halls where we can play?
—Linda G., via e-mail
Dear Linda,
My guess is that with all the new technologies around today, people are finding other ways to spend their time than going to Bingo halls. If you think about it, between movies, TV, computers, cell phones, iPhones and the like, it’s a wonder people find the time to work, eat, and sleep. Plus, for some odd reason, Bingo has never been able to shake the reputation of being old fashioned—although I have no idea what’s old fashioned about competing for cash jackpots!!
My advice to people who are concerned about fewer Bingo halls is to keep playing, take your friends, take your family, and keep supporting your local halls. As long as these Bingo halls are able to fill their seats, they will stick around.
—Aunt Bingo
Dear Aunt Bingo,
I read the letter from “A Very Experienced Gambler” from Phoenix.
I question the amount spent in what he referred to as “local Bingo halls.” I lived in Phoenix for 30 years, and to my recollection the general cost of a player’s pack there and in most states averages $18 to $20. Even if one were to play four packs on a regular night, the cost per person would be around $80.
I’ve played Bingo a good number of years now, and I am pretty fast, but the pace kept in most halls is difficult at best with four packs. I do buy extra coverall sheets, playing up to six sheets.
Certainly when you play more cards you increase your odds of winning; however, there are no guarantees. I’ve seen people win in Vegas with one $5 pack.
Many halls carry the electronic Bingo machines, which require a player to do absolutely nothing. It’s actually pretty nice for beginners and the elderly. It gives them a little edge in that it even tells them when to yell Bingo.
It’s been some time since I’ve heard people “seriously” say games are fixed. In years past, I have been to halls in Phoenix when they actually busted players for cheating, and I’m sure as long as gambling exists, people will try to beat the system.
Having also been a caller, generally speaking most halls are honestly run. If any player feels there is something suspicious going on, they should contact their state Bingo commission and have it investigated. That’s part of the commission’s job.
I find Mr. Experienced Gambler to have a pretty arrogant tone in his letter, and perhaps that is also his attitude in the halls where he plays. I can see how people would take offense to being around someone like that. It may not be the fact that he is winning that people complain about, but rather, his way of handling the win. Get over yourself, pal!
—Unimpressed in Nevada
Dear Unimpressed,
Thank you for your insights! —Aunt Bingo
Write to Aunt Bingo c/o the Bingo Bugle, P.O. Box
527, Vashon, Washington 98070, or e-mail her at
STENGL456@aol.com.
