Bingo is a game that is taken very seriously in the U.K., where it is typically played in quite large halls with suitably impressive cash prizes. Many bingo halls even hook up with other halls for special grand bingo tournaments, and the cash prizes offered can be quite considerable.

Virtually every coastal town in the U.K. holds high attendance bingo games on a regular basis, some of the smaller ones offering gift items and other non-cash prizes in accordance with local gambling laws. Most of these types of games feature screens that the player slides across the called out number, in place of the typical bingo cards that are marked with every number called out.

The practice of playing bingo as a means to raise funds for various charitable events or institutions is also quite popular in the U.K. These types of games are often held in local halls, churches or even schools, and many local business owners contribute the prizes that are given out to the winners. Games of this kind are generally pretty relaxed in nature, and they are very popular social activities for the townsfolk, even allowing players to bring their children.

As you can imagine, the cash prizes given out for these types of games aren’t that large. A typical game may pay out £1.00 to £2.50 for every line completed for example, with £2 to £5 being paid out for two completed lines. In cases wherein all the numbers on the bingo card is completed, the prize may reach £5 to £10. In addition to cash prizes, some bingo events offer chocolates, wine, household or kitchen items, gift vouchers from local establishments, free movie or theater passes, or similar modestly priced items. Obviously it is not the value of the prize that matters the most in these types of games, but rather the prospect of enjoying a fun activity with friends, family, and neighbors.

Bingo in the U.K. and in Australia is distinguished with bingo cards that have three lines and nine columns. These cards are often offered in single or multiple books, with each one containing ten cards of different colors. Multiple books may have as many as six individual books in them, with each one having six cards with the same color. The cards in these books are designed so that they can be pulled apart easily. While more experienced players may opt to play all six books at the same time, relatively inexperienced players or children may opt to play only a single book at a time.

Bingo is also a fairly serious game in the larger towns and cities of Australia, with many players being quite earnest in their efforts to win the games. In the outlying smaller towns however, bingo is played in a much more relaxed atmosphere, with events being regarded more like social gatherings. Generally speaking, the bingo games played in Melbourne and Sydney are played at a much faster pace than the games in Perth.

So when visiting U.K. or Australia make sure to visit a local bingo event!

Author Bio: Nicklas Johansson is writing for bingorama.se, Sweden’s biggest bingo guide

Category: Recreation
Keywords: bingo,gambling,fun,recreation,entertainment