It’s a ball game enjoyed by all that requires little to no skill but a whole lot of luck: bingo. Read our ultimate to guide bingo and learn where and how to play this timeless game of chance.
Where Bingo Began
The game got its name from Edwin Lowe and his posse who popularized the game and sold the first sets across the United States during the early 20th century.
Bingo has more history than just a game for grandmas and gamblers though. It has its origins in mid-16th century Italy where it quickly spread to France and Germany as players eventually added tokens and calling out numbers.
As an alternative form of lottery, the French gradually began to add the squares and the coordinating numbered tiles. With their use of 27 tiles, this variation helped inspire the game we know today.
By the early 20th century, bingo emerged in the United States at carnivals across Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania. Spearheading the charge was Hugh J. Ward who would go on to compose the official rule book in 1933.
Edwin Lowe would make the most profit from this 2-dimensional match of fate, selling beans and 24 cards across the nation. Lowe originally called the game “Beano.” Legend has it that one of Lowe’s friends accidentally yelled out “Bingo!” instead of beano out of sheer excitement so the name stuck.
How to Play Bingo
Learning to play bingo is easy, and winning is possible as long as you’re paying attention.
There are different ways to play bingo across the world, including:
- Bonanza (played with 43 drawn numbers)
- Bingo U Pick Them (similar to Keno)
- Stallion Race (up to 15 players)
- 30, 75, & 90 Ball (the amount of balls, aka numbers that are drawn)
For all bingo variations, participants will receive a ticket, card, or sheet with several numbered tiles on it. Next, a number will be called out from a bingo ball. These balls are chosen randomly. If your sheet or card has that number called out, you can mark it with a token or a designated approved marker.
“Bingo!” is called out when you get a:
- 1 line win (1 line is covered or marked off)
- 2 line win (2 horizontal lines are marked off)
- Full house win (all numbers are marked)
Some restrictions or other rules may apply so make sure you know before that first bingo ball is announced.
At the Plaza Hotel & Casino, players have the opportunity to win HOTBALL or CASHBALL. During the first game of a session, the first number pulled will be that session’s HOTBALL, meaning bingo on the HOTBALL number wins the posted jackpot. CASHBALL BONUS BALLS are awarded on the next four balls pulled during that same session.
Winning on the Hotball number and catching at least two of the four CASHBALL BONUS BALLS anywhere on your card, you can win up to $10,000 in bonuses.
To play bingo for money at a downtown casino, or any casino for that matter, you have to be 21 years of age or older.
Where to Play Bingo in Las Vegas
Whether you’re a local or just visiting the valley, you’ll find a few options across the Las Vegas valley to satiate your bingo craving.
The Palace Station
A local place, the Palace Station casino offers 307 seats in their bingo rooms.
South Point Casino
They offer 8 bingo sessions daily at their hotel and casino, offering jackpots every session.
Rampart Casino
Way off the Strip-beaten path and within the Summerlin area, you can try your luck at the Rampart Casino. They have large bingo rooms and sessions every day.
The Plaza Hotel & Casino
The only place where you can play the best bingo in Downtown Las Vegas, the Plaza Hotel & Casino offers options to win big or just have a good time. Located on the 3rd floor, the 280-seat bingo room gives guests six daily bingo sessions: 11 am, 1 pm, 3 pm, 5 pm, 7 pm, and 9 pm.
Super Bingo
Can’t get enough bingo and want to take your luck to the next level? Join hundreds of people from across the country for Plaza’s Super Bingo. Over two days, bingo contenders play over 60 games, competing in the tournament for the ultimate cash prize.
The Best Place to Play Bingo Downtown
Whether you’re staying downtown or looking to party downtown, there’s no better place to play bingo, the classic game of serendipity. Book a downtown hotel room and enjoy all that the Plaza and Downtown Las Vegas have to offer.
