Bingo is a game of chance played with randomly drawn numbers
which players match against numbers that have been pre-printed on 5x5 matrices.
The matrices may be printed on paper, card stock or electronically represented
and are referred to as cards. Many versions conclude the game when the first
person achieves a specified pattern from the drawn numbers. The winner is
usually required to call out the word "Bingo!” which alerts the other
players and caller of a possible win. All wins are checked for accuracy before
the win is officially confirmed at which time the prize is secured and a new
game is begun. In this version of bingo, players compete against one another
for the prize or jackpot.
Alternative methods of play try to increase participation by creating
excitement. Since its invention in 1929, modern bingo has evolved into multiple
variations, with each jurisdiction's gambling laws regulating how the game is
played. There are also nearly unlimited patterns that may be specified for
play. Some patterns only require one number to be matched, up to cover-all
games which award the jackpot for covering an entire card and certain games
award prizes to players for matching no numbers or achieving no pattern. See
"Variations" for more details.
