Bingo is a classic game that’s great for bringing friends and strangers together. It’s a way to ensure a lively atmosphere, and provides a solid foundation upon which to build an evening’s entertainment. Whether you’re looking to raise funds for a local cause, or simply to bring a few friends together for fun, hosting a bingo night might be a great way to do it.
But how do you get the best from a bingo night? There are a few things worth thinking about.
Choosing Your Bingo Theme
If you know that you’re going to be hosting lots of bingo nights, then you can help each one remain distinctive with the help of the right theme. The theme can inform everything else about the evening, from the decor, to your choice of music, to the game itself.
A good starting point, if you want to get all of your guests on board, is to look at a theme based on a particular decade. Work out the average age of everyone present, and determine when they were all teenagers. Then pick a decade accordingly. Nostalgia is virtually guaranteed!
Setting Up Your Online Bingo Platform
With the help of modern technology, it’s possible to play bingo with a group of friends, even if you’re all on different sides of the planet. You can do this through general-purpose teleconferencing software, like Zoom or Microsoft Teams. Or, you can pick out a dedicated bingo app.
It’s a good idea to work out the technical details of your chosen software before you start your session. This will help you to avoid time-wasting glitches. Features like screen-sharing are often essential. From there, you can work out how you’ll actually keep track of what’s going on in the game. Digital bingo cards, player entries, and other details should be handled ahead of time.
Running the Virtual Event
Of course, hosting an event is about more than just getting the details right. You’ll also need to be clear about the rules, send out your invitations, and host the evening with the required flair and showmanship. Bingo is a game that centres on a charismatic, skilled host – and so picking the right person, and allowing them to build some experience, can be hugely helpful.
Prizes, Legalities, and Online Trends
If you’re hosting bingo at home in the UK, and all the players are present, then you don’t need a license. If you’re hosting a remote session, then you’ll need to apply for an operator’s license. This will make an application fee of £4,224 necessary (or more if you’re bringing in more than £550,000 per year).
For most small bingo operators, this might rule out the online route. But be aware that it’s not illegal for a group of people to play bingo using a licensed online operator.
