How Much Does Bingo Cost?

Last Updated on October 3, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Bingo remains a popular game across generations thanks to its fast pace, communal atmosphere, and chance to win cash prizes. Its communal atmosphere, affordable buy-in, and chance to win jackpots on a budget all contribute to bingo’s enduring appeal. But before regularly attending sessions at the local bingo hall or playing online, it’s wise to understand the full range of costs involved.

While individual games may be cheap, additional fees, amenities, membership perks, and the scale of the venue can all cause expenses to escalate if you’re not careful. This detailed guide covers all the costs associated with bingo and strategies to maximize fun without overspending.

How Much Does Bingo Cost?

On average, expect to spend $10 to $30 per bingo session depending on the games and location. At traditional bingo halls, games cost $1 to $5 per card, plus potential entry fees from $5 to $20. At casinos, buy-ins run $10 to $50. Online bingo starts around $5 per game with minimum buys often $10.

If you want to participate in a round of bingo, there are a few basic costs to expect:

Bingo Cards

Bingo cards contain the familiar 5×5 grid of numbers that players try to match as called. Prices per card are set by the venue or site, not universal standards. Typical per-card pricing includes:

• Local bingo halls – $1 to $3 per paper card per game is average. Some halls offer discounted multi-card packages per round.
• Online bingo – 10 cents to 50 cents per digital card. Bulk card packages allow further discounts, with 100+ cards packages for around 10 cents each.
• Casino bingo – $3 to $5+ per paper card, depending on overall jackpot size. High roller tables may exceed $10 per card.

Venues aim to balance per-card revenue versus buy-in affordability to maximize turnout. Players can lower per-card costs by purchasing bulk packages. But this also inflates overall buy-ins.

Entry Fees, Buy-ins, or Admission Charges

In addition to per-card costs, some in-person venues also charge flat entry fees to access the hall and an initial round of basic cards:

• Local bingo halls – Range from $5 to $20 to gain admission and a starter set of cards. Covers overhead costs.
• Casino bingo – Substantial buy-ins from $20 to $50+ gain access to the bingo hall along with starter cards. Higher buy-ins allow purchasing more cards.
• Online bingo – Rarely any entry fees just to play and access digital cards. Focus is maximizing registered user volume.

Higher live-venue buy-ins often let players purchase more cards out of the gate. This increases odds but also inflates costs quickly.

Bingo Daubers, Markers, and Accessories

Daubers used for marking called numbers on physical cards typically cost between $1 and $5 each. Some venues include these with admission, some charge. Common accessory costs:

• Bingo daubers – $1 to $3 per dauber is typical. Go with multi-color packs.
• Bingo pens – Reusable markers cost $2 to $5. Refills needed over time.
• Electronics – Electronic bingo card managers run $50+. Allow playing multiple cards.

Accessories are an extra cost of in-person hall bingo. But many serious players see them as an essential investment in easily tracking multiple cards simultaneously.

According to Delta Bingo & Gaming, prices can start as low as $20 for a session. However, this base price may increase based on the number of cards purchased and any additional special games that players may want to enter. Each session typically lasts 2-3 hours and includes a 15-minute intermission.

At the American Legion, bingo prices are structured based on the number of games played. For example, playing 6 games costs $9.00, while 30 games would cost around $24.00. They also offer special games with varying prices, such as a quickie blackout game for $3.00.

A detailed overview on Bingo Baker suggests that many bingo halls have different pricing structures based on local demand and the types of games offered. For instance, some venues might charge between $10 and $30 for a night of bingo, depending on the number of cards and special events included in the session.

Furthermore, according to local community centers and charitable organizations, the average cost to play a game of bingo typically ranges from $5 to $20, with higher stakes games potentially costing more. These prices often reflect not only the cost of playing but also contribute to fundraising efforts for local charities.

How Bingo Playing Costs Vary

Prices fluctuate substantially based on where you choose to play – brick-and-mortar halls, casinos, or online:

Cost Structure of Online Bingo

• Lower per-card costs – Digital cards cost 10 to 50 cents each, cheaper than the $1 to $5 per physical card at live sessions. Sites earn revenue through volume.
• Rare entry fees – Online games rarely charge just for access or require memberships. Focus is maximizing registered user volume through free access.
• Bonus incentives – New player promotions like free cards upon signup or deposit matching up to $100 in credit encourages site commitment.
• Variable jackpot game pricing – Big-prize progressive jackpot games cost more per round, often $20 to $50+ for bulk cards to boost odds. Offsetting cheaper base games.

Live Bingo Hall Pricing Factors

• Higher per-card costs – Range from $1 to $5+ per paper card per round, which adds up quickly if playing multiple cards for better odds each game.
• Entry and member fees – Admission charges cover overhead costs and offer basic included cards. Often $10 to $20 per multi-hour session.
• Jackpot tiers and buy-ins – Bigger prize pools like $1000+ jackpots require larger buy-ins, around $30 to $50 per session. Offset organizers’ higher payouts.
• Loyalty rewards – Regular players earn discounts, free cards, or other perks. Lowers costs over time for committed players.

Casino Bingo Cost Considerations

• Substantial minimum buy-ins – Entry fees range from $20 to $50+ per session, but grant more cards. Creates big prize pools.
• Premium per-card pricing – Given large jackpots, cards often run $3 to $5+ each, higher than local halls. Offset organizers’ big payouts.
• VIP options – Extra fees for reserved seating, food and drink service. Creates luxury experience some players seek.
• Player loyalty perks – Casino bingo rewards programs offer reduced pricing for committed players, similar to frequent gambler discounts.

Additional Costs

Beyond game play, additional costs like food, supplies, and transportation may factor in:

• Meals and drinks – Players spend extra on refreshments, especially at bingo hall events or casinos. Budget accordingly.
• Transportation – For players without a local bingo venue, driving or ride sharing costs may need consideration to attend games further away.
• Bingo club memberships – Some halls offer annual memberships with perks like discounts, loyalty rewards, reserved seating for $50-$100/year.
• Bonus game add-ons – Special rounds like progressive jackpots or winner-take-all games have additional fees, often $1-$5 per round.

Watch for incremental costs at in-person events that increase total spending beyond just admission and cards.

You might also like our articles about the cost of arcade games, bowling games, or pool table refelting.

Regional Price Differences

Bingo costs and styles vary greatly worldwide based on local culture and laws.

The United States

• Bingo halls – $1 to $3+ per paper card per game plus entry fees ranging $10 to $30 per multi-hour session are typical costs. Participants buy bundles for better odds. Higher buy-ins grant more cards.
• Casino bingo – Buy-ins stretch from $20 to $50+ per session, but offer more included cards and larger potential prizes. Significantly higher costs offset bigger payouts.
• Online bingo – 10 to 50 cents per card with no entry fees is standard. Lower buy-ins but smaller jackpots. Relaxed oversight enables proliferation of sites.

United Kingdom

• Bingo clubs – Lower per-card prices than the US, often 10 to 50 pence per paper card. But winnings incur taxes up to 22%, reducing net payouts.
• Online bingo – Similarly priced at 10 to 50 pence per digital card. Provides affordable regulated play. Lower jackpots than unregulated alternatives.
• Holiday parks/arcades – Offer cheaper non-cash prize bingo nights to draw tourist interest. Prizes may include vouchers or stuffed animals instead of cash payouts.

Canadian Bingo

• Charity bingo– Popular to support causes. Higher card fees but jackpots less than $5000 have tax exemption. Creates charity fundraiser appeal.
• First Nation bingo halls– Indigenous-owned halls on tribal lands offer electronic proprietary card systems, higher prizes. Lower costs from minimized regulation.
• Online bingo regulations– Widely prohibited and restricted. Lack of licensed platforms pushes players to unregulated offshore sites. Creates risks.

How Jackpots and Prizes Impact Costs

Venues adjust pricing based on prize pools:

• Small community games – $100 jackpots allow lower buy-ins around $10 with cheaper cards.
• Major halls and casinos – Lure players with big prizes like $10,000 jackpots funded through $30+ buy-ins.
• Online bingo – Thousands in prizes available across lower buy-in games from just 10 cents a card. But prizes split among more winners typically.
• Tournaments – National tournaments offer life-changing $100,000+ prize pools funded through expensive $500+ buy-ins.

Bigger prizes incentivize larger buy-ins. Know what the payout structure and odds of winning are before spending heavily chasing a jackpot.

Tips for Playing Bingo Affordably

Follow these strategies to enjoy bingo on a budget:

• Seek venues offering free or low-cost bingo – Community centers, churches, and some online games cost just a few dollars.
• Take advantage of happy hours for discounted session admission or extra free cards at certain times.
• Watch for promotions like free birthday cards, 2-for-1 specials, or bonus free rounds to stretch your budget.
• Set a spending limit per visit and stick to it. Purchase just enough cards to stay engaged without overspending on extras.
• Only play higher buy-in games like progressives occasionally for fun, not as a primary source of play.

Hidden and Unexpected Costs

Watch for additional fees at sessions:

• Extra game charges – Special rounds like winner-take-all or bonus jackpots often cost $1 to $5 extra per game.
• Mandatory tipping – Some casinos include gratuities on top of buy-ins, whether food/drinks were consumed or not.
• Withdrawal fees – Online bingo winnings may incur small fees when cashing out to PayPal or your bank.
• Membership upcharges – Halls sometimes impose surcharges for non-members playing during certain member-only sessions.

Ask about any additional fees not included in the base buy-in or entry price to avoid surprise charges.

Final Words

For recreational players on a budget, bingo offers an affordable and friendly night out, especially at community halls or free online games. Just steer clear of excessive overspending chasing big jackpots, which leads to bloated buy-ins.

Take advantage of discounts, loyalty perks, and low-stakes options for entertainment that’s easy on your wallet. With smart budgeting, bingo can provide hours of enjoyment without breaking the bank.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does bingo pricing work?

Bingo costs include per-card fees, often $1-$5, plus potential entry fees from $5-$50. Buy-ins raise with bigger prizes. Additional charges for daubers, concessions, or special games may apply. Halls and online bingo use different pricing models.

Who may play Bingo?

In most regions, bingo is open to all adults over the legal age, usually 18 or 21. Some senior halls restrict play to older adults. Online bingo requires geo-targeted registration. Playing by minors is prohibited.