I'm one of the few ex-hoilday park entertainers, that still loves bingo, and I've been asked by a regular venue of mine to host a bingo night (on a regular basis if they can pull the crowds in).

I can host the night, no worries. In fact I'm looking forward to bringing out all the bad puns. I also have the PA, and the ability to plug into their in house system (so if the venue wants to keep their costs down a small mixing desk and microphone would be fine). The venue has six tv's, and one big screen... (all hooked up differently and often showing different channels).

What I need is the bingo machine or DVD and a rough guideline on what I should be charging.

I've used the bingo machines, but where I sit would make it difficult for all the players to see the numbers (and I know that some locals would choose not to play rather than move from their favourite spot at the bar). It's also a trial Idea, so a the £300 pound cost of machine/books and pens scare me. But if the machines are worth it I could scrape together the money to pay for it (it's always an extra add on I can offer for other events)... however a bit of research brings up Bingo on DVD's, for those that have seen them are they a viable idea especially since the venue has TV's or is old school best?

I'm also assuming the price charged should be the same as a quiz night? Does that sound about right to everyone?

For anyone that has been down this route... how long should a bingo night last to maintain interest, and any tips for a solo worker (eg no one to call back the numbers).


On a side note: Although the venue will deal with this side (I just like to be informed), what are the laws with bingo in pubs? can we play for big money? Tax? I'm a lot older, and times have changed since I last called bingo.



Thanks in advance.

Eyes down here
Gambling Act 2005

Also, there's various sites which can be found via Google (uk) - keyword search terms such as 'uk rules for bingo' are informative / helpful.

Why not look at software bingo. I use Lee's bingo which cost me £10. It does the calling, has a checking system if you use its card printing software and you can buy celebrity voiceovers as far as i know.

http://www.lees-bingo.co.uk/

Dave

I had a look at lee's software and so far I'm not too impressed personally I found that visually it was very cheap looking. . . . though worth the £15 but frustratingly the demo didn't give me time to investigate all the parts. Can you run a second screen from it, or does the audience see what I saw? and will it say lee's bingo anywhere on the screen when I buy the full version? and can I automatically bring the next number up?

I downloaded the demo and as I have my laptop in dual screen mode it found it straight away and used the external monitor as the display screen.

Looked pretty good for 15 quid. You can adjust the time between numbers being called, and can turn off the audio if you want to.

Also you can change the background to something a bit better rather than the default. This'll make it look a bit better too. You can also turn off previous number and if you want the grid on screen or not.

For what it does (and it prints them too if you like), 15 quid is a bargain.

I was looking for something for PTA Bingo evenings, and this will fit the bill quite nicely, being able to extend/display on a projector will work quite nicely.

Good hattip Dave!

Cheers,

David

Its been a while since i have used it and i have a rather busy weekend coming up. I will dig it out set it going and post some screen shots asap,

Dave




No different to the demo really



Looks good on my 42" lcd but the actual calling numbers are a bit small. the lees bingo motif is hardly noticable

I did a quick customisation, and changed it to the other grid size - which gives a bit bigger calling number shown.. Also I changed the background and well, you get the idea...



Cheers,

David

Thanks guys, gone back to the venue with a variety of options and Lee's Bingo was the choice. Shall keep you posted on how it all goes.

Thanks for the update. looking forward to hearing that story!

I use a program called "Kathryns Bingo"
Its a free download, and you can print the bingo tickets as well.

AS the program is so small in size I find it quicker to use, and is more simple. SImply press Space Bar to call the next number. NO fancies features such as calling on their own though.
I buy the bingo books from the local pound shop :)

http://www.freedownloadscenter.com/Reviews/r584.html