Items Used in the Conduct of Bingo

Required Items

Item

Use

Where to Obtain

Bingo number selection device

A bingo number selection device is a machine or other device from which bingo numbers are randomly withdrawn or selected. It can be as simple as a “squirrel cage” or as elaborate as a computerized bingo ball blower or random number generator.

A bingo board, similar in look to a pull-tab flare, has 75 perforated windows and may be used instead of a bingo ball selection device to select bingo numbers.

From a licensed distributor.

Bingo balls

A set of 75 balls numbered 1 through 75, and lettered B-I-N-G-O. Each ball must bear only one letter and one number: Bingo balls are used with a bingo ball blower or squirrel cage bingo number selection device.

Letter	Numbers
B	1 - 15
I	16 - 30
N	31 - 45
G	46 - 60
O	61 - 75

Each ball must be of equal size, weight, shape, balance, and free of any defects.

From any source.

Bingo paper or hard cards

Restrictions apply depending on the amount of bingo gross receipts received in the organization’s last fiscal year:

If bingo gross receipts were under $150,000, hard cards, bingo paper, or facsimiles used with an electronic bingo device may be used.
If bingo gross receipts were over $150,000, only bingo paper or facsimiles used with an electronic bingo device may be used. Hard cards, except for braille or large print cards, may not be used.
Bingo hard cards may not be used for bar bingo.

From a licensed distributor.

Linked bingo equipment is provided by a licensed linked bingo game provider.

Bingo program

Bingo programs are used to list at a minimum:

the games to be played at each occasion
a detailed description of paper
the date the program was implemented
prizes

House rules may be included in the bingo program as an alternative to posting the house rules on a sign.

An organization must develop the bingo program. It can be printed by the organization or any vendor. A paper and hard card bingo program checklist (LG913) is available to help organizatins create a bingo program that complies with all statutes and rules.

Prize receipt form

A prize receipt form must be completed for:

each winning prize of $100 or more, and
a bingo game(s) with prize(s) that cannot be determined and verbally announced prior to the start of the game, such as % payback games.

For linked bingo games, the linked bingo game provider is responsible for documenting prizes paid to jackpot winners and maintaining information regarding winner verification and receipt of the prize.

Download the prize receipt form.

Optional Items

Item	Use	Where to Obtain
Coupons	Coupons are the only item that may be used to adjust the selling price of bingo paper, hard cards, or electronic bingo devices. Coupons may not be used for linked bingo games.	From any source.
Electronic bingo device	An electronic bingo device is a device that may be used by a bingo player to monitor bingo faces purchased at the bingo occasion. Non-linked electronic bingo devices are different from the devices used for electronic linked bingo games (see the Non-Linked Bingo Device section for more information).	Leased from a licensed distributor or linked bingo game provider.
Flashboard; camera system	Electronic device used to display called bingo numbers for the players. Flashboards and camera systems are optional but are frequently used by organizations that conduct bingo.	From any source.
Gift certificates	Bingo gift certificates are sold at face value to potential customers and are redeemed by players for bingo paper on a "same as cash" basis. The LG914, Bingo Gift Certificate Tracking form, is required.	As determined by the organization.
Monitor	Used to display the called bingo numbers and to verify winning bingos.	From any source.
Sealed bingo paper	Individually sealed bingo paper sheets or sealed facsimiles used with an electronic bingo device.	From a licensed distributor.

Providing equipment to another organization: What’s allowed

Q. May we give our old bingo hard cards to the senior citizens’ group in our community?

A. No. However, your organization may arrange with a distributor licensed by the Gambling Control Board to document a transaction that would involve your organization returning the hard cards to the distributor, who may then give the hard cards to the senior citizens’ group. As an alternative, your organization could loan the bingo hard cards to an organization authorized for an event.

Q. A nearby church has obtained an “exemption” permit from the Gambling Control Board to conduct bingo on a Saturday later this spring. May we loan them both our bingo number selection device and bingo hard cards to help them have a successful event?

A. Yes. An organization may loan bingo number selection devices and bingo hard cards to another organization authorized to conduct bingo. However, you may not provide them with bingo paper.