Verifying and Declaring a Winner

1. Stop the game when bingo is declared by a player.

2. If using bingo balls, before shutting off the machine the caller draws one more number in case the bingo is not valid. In a continuation game, hold the bingo number and use it as the first number drawn for the next game in that continuation game.

3. Verify that the declared bingo is valid.

   • Each winning bingo face must be verified by at least one neutral player who is not an immediate family member of the player declaring bingo.

   • An organization employee must read aloud the numbers in the winning bingo if an electronic verification device is not used.

   “Pick your own” bingo game—In games where players fill in their own numbers on the bingo paper, be sure the numbers correspond to the appropriate columns (B-I-N-G-O) and the winning pattern designated by the organization. 

4. Ask at least twice if there are any other bingos. If no one answers, announce that the game is completed.

5. Prizes must be awarded immediately at the bingo occasion.

   EXCEPTION: Prizes of $200 or more may be awarded by check within three days. Be sure to give the winner a receipt.