Bingo can be a lot of fun. If you’re not familiar with the game, the basic principal is that every player has a card each printed with numbers in rows and lines. 90 ball or 75 ball bingo are most common. The balls are pulled at random from a cage and as they numbers are announced, the players mark off the corresponding numbers on their bingo cards. Prizes are won for a player getting “full house” which means they have marked off all the numbers on their bingo card. Prizes can also be won for getting one line or two lines completed on their cards. Online these games can be more complicated, with prizes won for getting particular shapes matched on cards.
If you are looking for a fun way to raise money for a chosen charity you might like to consider hosting your own bingo night!
Firstly you will need to choose a charity to fundraise for. It might be something close to your heart or your community. Be specific since you want people to join and donate to your cause too.
You will need to be aware of local laws for your country to make sure you are not breaching any. In the UK it is permitted to host a charity bingo night without a license. However, you should research to see if it is required to hold a gambling or alcohol license if you wish to serve anything stronger than soft drinks at your event. Check that age restrictions are met properly, any rules around money handling, or taxation on prizes if you are planning to award cash (though for the purposes of a charity event it makes more sense to give away tangible prizes).
You will need the following:
Bingo Cards
Pens/Dabbers
Bingo Cage and Balls OR use an online random number generator to determine the ball numbers for you
A bingo caller
Prizes
Themes
You will be looking to make the event full for everyone, so perhaps basing it around a fun theme. You could encourage fancy dress costumes, for example a pirate theme. The prizes could be kept in a treasure chest and instead of calling out “Bingo” as is customary, players could shout “Arrrrrgh!” instead. Or you could go for a roaring 20’s or Hollywood glamour look. Whatever you think you can use to maximise decoration, design and most of all fun for your guests.
Prizes
You’ll need to have a good stash of prizes. You’ll be hosting many games as it only takes around 5 minutes for one game to finish. You could give away small, fun prizes for smaller games like candy or soaps. For bigger prizes why not contact local businesses and ask for donations? In return for their generosity you can promote their name during the game or on advertising materials if you are going big enough to warrant flyers and posters. You might be able to get a free meal for two at a local restaurant, a fruit basket from your local store or tickets to your local family attractions like zoos, cinemas and theme parks.
Food and Drink
Make sure you have ample refreshments on hand. You can sell teas, coffees, cakes and soft drinks to raise money for your charity. Perhaps if the weather is good you can host outside and have a BBQ sizzling away.
Volunteers
Depending on how big you want to go with your event you might need some help! Ask a few friends to help join in to source prizes, print tickets, serve refreshments and collect donations.
Crowd
Lastly, don’t forget to tell everyone about it! You should promote it every way possible to ensure you get a good crowd to your charity bingo event. Use social media, newsletters, posters, flyers and try to get a mention on local radio or papers.
