Bingo Rule - Logic behind "BINGO must have the last number called to win"

"BINGO must have the last number called to win"

I don't understand this rule. The only reason I can come up with is to somehow prevent cheating. If that's not it, can someone shed some light on why this rule exists?

I COMPLETELY understand that if my BINGO is completed with lets say the calling of B6 but I don't notice it, then they call another number (lets say B7) and that completes another players card, I'm not entitled to the entire pot. But I believe we should have to split the pot. I don't understand why I would be entitled to absolutely nothing.

I enjoy BINGO but honestly can't keep up as well as I should. There have been times when my girlfriend points out a number I missed and although I haven't missed out on a pot yet, I suspect someday this rule will bite me!

If the rule exists simply to prevent cheating, I can accept that but think it's a stupid rule. I have considered calling BINGO simply to slow down the game and check my numbers but think they won't appreciate that too much ;) Yes, I use the electronic games when possible but then it's like playing a really slow slot machine!

Part of bingo is being attentive to the numbers called and to the numbers on your cards.
It's an integral part of the game.
If you're going to play, that's how it's going to go down.

Bingo is about being the first to daub and claim the bingo prize. It's a race -- if you're too slow, you lose. The rule doesn't exist because of cheating (how would you cheat, anyway?) -- it exists because that's the whole point of the game. In fact, getting rid of slept bingos would increase cheating via collusion. Consider that some bingo games in house-banked jurisdictions like Las Vegas offer fixed prizes to the winner. If you could guarantee there were 10 winners every game instead of just one, you could potentially beat the house.

Imagine if you were playing hold'em and you showed down trips to beat two pair. And then a guy who folded pre-flop so he could go to the bathroom came back, reached into the muck, and pulled out his hole cards to show a straight. Letting him take the pot wouldn't make any sense.

If you're unable to keep up, play fewer cards. Or play in a slower game. But bingo is a competition between players, not against the house. Why should you win as much as people who are better than you?

Quote: MathExtremist

If you're unable to keep up, play fewer cards. Or play in a slower game. But bingo is a competition between players, not against the house. Why should you win as much as people who are better than you?

Its bad enough to hear 300 old women cursing as it is. I'd hate to have that Bingo prize later be taken away or shared because someone nodded off and missed a number.

Players who win, have an expectation to win the full prize. If other people call bingo at the same time, and the prize needs to be shared, then the only fair thing is to share it if all the winners got bingo at the same time. That's a major reason for the rule.



There is a delay when a person calls bingo until it's finally verified. If there are multiple winners, then the delay is longer.

That delay is not to give more time to the people who can't keep up.


If you can't keep up, don't call "Bingo." Instead, call "Slow down."

The responses from the other players will either be that they agree it's going too fast, or that you should play fewer cards.

" Bingo is about being the first to daub and claim the bingo prize. It's a race -- if you're too slow, you lose. The rule doesn't exist because of cheating (how would you cheat, anyway?) "

When i read that Ann Arundel County in Maryland was part of the bring down Bodog Justice Department suit , I had to laugh.
In the late 1950's AA had slots machines in most gas stations. Bingo was not electronic then, and on more than one occasion
an accomplice in the audience would call bingo and a worker would call off a winning combination. Usually not more than once or twice a night. When gambling is involved, always assume someone is cheating. LOL

Tell the truth Bubba, what did you really think about Notre Dame going for the tie ??

" Bubba had hollered, "Come on, you sissies," while other Spartans were yelling at Parseghian."