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bingo = HOPE



I think that’s why so many churches run bingo nights: because they all somehow stand for the same thing, something bigger, better, beyond, even if it’s just a momentary flash and you have to pay five dollars to get in or however that shit works. I’ve never been to one of these things. I’m just speculating.







2 Reader Responses

  1. Julia Says:
    January 29th, 2008 at 2:19 pm

    To play Bingo at most locations you buy sheets with numerous bingo squares printed on them. You can play as many sheets as you can handle and have room for on the table. They try to set out large tables so people can spread out. Some people play with computers but that’s not so common here.

    You daub the numbers as they are called with your dauber which is a tubular shaped bottle with colorful ink and a foam tip. This is actually hard work. It takes more hand eye coordination than you would think because you have to check all of your squares before the next number is called so you don’t miss any. The numbers are posted on the wall but you still have to be on time. If multiple players call BINGO at the same time they share the prize.

    There are multiple Bingo games too. When someone calls BINGO they give out the prize then they usually continue on the same sheets with another game. You may have to be the first to get a square with all numbers checked off, a certain pattern, etc.

    There are other Bingo games and most Bingo nights I’ve been to sell them too. There are usually other games such as pull tab games, pick your own number Bingo and drawings. I won $500.00 once on a U-Pick-Em.

    Besides your point, which is a good one about gambling in general too, playing Bingo reminds me of the pool in the Bible whose waters healed you if you could reach them in time after the Angel had troubled them. You’ve almost got BINGO and someone else gets it first. You’re happy for them but you really wanted the money too and you were THIS close.

    Somebody who knows more than me about Magic Squares should make a study of Bingo. Maybe I’m overestimating but from my limited experiences with those numbers trying to make patterns for me I think it’s a rich and untapped field of study.

  2. jet Says:
    January 29th, 2008 at 6:37 pm

    Well, it’s not just hope for the players but the Churches too.

    The tradition seems to have slowed down over the past ~25 years in the Catholic church, but Parish Socials still happen even here in Bawlmer.

    Bingo and other games of chance are a fun way to bring a bunch of people together, and also for the church to raise a little extra $$$ to help them shore up their finances too.



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