A game of chance where players must match numbers on a card that has been randomly divided into 24 numbered and 1 blank square to numbers chosen randomly from a pool of 75 consecutive numbers. The card is designed in 5 rows of numbers with the blank square usually in the center. The center, blank square is common to all cards and is considered matched in all games. To play bingo, which is a form of lottery, each player purchases one or more cards. The first player to match corresponding numbers in a straight line or other pre-determined patterns shouts "Bingo" and collects the prize.

Blackout

A card that has all its numbers covered. Blackouts often signify a win.

Buy-In

The minimum amount of money charged for participating in a Bingo session, for which a particular number of cards are issued.

Caller

Also known as a banker. An employee whose responsibility it is to read out the numbers on the randomly chosen bingo balls.

Early birds

Games that are played prior to the start of the regular Bingo session.

False alarm

False or accidental calling out of Bingo. Sometimes referred to as a social error.

Free space

The blank space at the centre of a Bingo card that is used for most games and does not usually require a call for a match. It can be used to complete required patterns.

Game

The type of pattern, which is expected to be matched for a player to win the game. It is generally chosen prior to the start of the game and usually changes from game to game and may consist of a straight line pattern or the letter X pattern or others determined by the caller.

Hit

A win.

Hitch

Needing only one number to complete Bingo

Horse race

A wager made on the side in bingo, of which a column of numbers on a numbers called board are filled first.

Indian Bingo

A Bingo pattern of a large letter X and the N row are sought after. This is a commonly sought pattern in Bingo games on Native reserves.

Mega-Bingo

Any Bingo game connected by telephone or other electronic media circuits to many Bingo parlors. The winner's pot may be very large due to the thousand of players that can possibly participate in the game. Poker and Slots.

Night Owls

Bingo games that are played after regular session is completed.

Numbers Called Board

A large display board showing the randomly called numbers from 1 to 75.

Regular Session

A Bingo session commonly includes early birds, 15 to 25 regular games, and late birds.

Runner

The person who sells extra bingo sheets, validates winners and pays out the prizes to winners.

Sheet

A piece of paper, varying in colour, with 1 to 6 grids printed on it.

Sleeper

A person who does not immediately call Bingo upon achieving one. If the caller calls the next number before the player yells Bingo, the player will not be recognized as the sole winner if someone else calls Bingo.

Sock

The first number that is drawn during a Bingo session. Each time the caller makes a mistake during the session, the caller must put some money aside (amount varies across Bingo halls). Any player who wins a game using the Sock as the final number during the session wins the money.

Speedball

A fast paced Bingo game where the caller calls the numbers quickly. The game consists of five sheets and usually requires only one Bingo to win.

Split

To divide a prize among two or more winners.

Verify

Also known as validate. The runner repeats the numbers on the winning card to the caller to ensure a called Bingo is correct. May also be done by computers from the cards serial number.