The Thousands

A year ago I moved into a house behind the Olympic Bingo Hall. With my community spirit and a desire to acquaint myself with local industry I went along. I now own three different bingo stamp pens and pack a hand-cut laminated card to prove membership of the Olympic Social Club (it’s free!). My self-esteem is better for it if you really want to know. I even took my mum along on mother’s day. She liked it…I think.

If you want to take your first bingo steps then here are some tips. Take a highlighter, your lucky charm and a friend, or make one, there’s plenty of lonely superstitious seniors there. Just buy one game set. Respect the seasoned professionals who play 4 games simultaneously, but don’t put yourself under that much pressure. You’re just not ready yet. Bingo stamp pens are fun and only cost $2 so buy one if you want – remember this is cash only people.

Pick a seat and make friends with the nearest old lady who will kindly show you how to mark up your game set (I said take your highlighter!). She’ll probably even do it for you. Because every bingo game has a sub-game – Whinger’s Game, Lucky 7, Any Line, Union Jack. Confused? I was. Don’t worry, your friendly old lady will look out for you.

Put your head down and the let the caller work his magic – Kelly’s eye number 1, woopsie doo, legs 11…you’ll catch on.