In spite of the fact that bingo is one of the oldest gambling games that can be played, truly hitting its popularity zenith in the United Kingdom in the 1960s and 1970s, it is also a game that continues to be reinvented. That has allowed it to be introduced to more and more people, with some versions of the game being aimed pretty specifically at the younger audience. Bongo’s Bingo, which launched in Liverpool, might well have popularised it, but Bingo Loco is another variation which is on its way to Guildford.
What Is Bingo Loco All About?
It is fair to say that Bingo Loco isn’t the sort of bingo that your nan used to play. At least, that’s almost certainly the case; some people might have absolutely wild nans. When you arrive at the location where the Bingo Loco show is being held, you will be given a book for playing bingo. You’ll also get a pen to mark off your numbers as they’re drawn, at which point you take a seat on one of the tables. There are no seats reserved, so you will be able to sit down alongside your family and friends if you want to.
The first thing that happens, usually as the place begins to fill up, is that a DJ will play a great mix of tunes from the likes of the 1980s and 1990s. This is, first and foremost, a bit of a party, so you shouldn’t be surprised if many of those around you decide to have a bit of a dance and a boogie. Once the night is really ready to get going, there will be an explosion of confetti as massive canons fire it into the air. The tunes will go up a notch, and some people in attendance might get involved in a dance-off or two for the crowd.
Lip-sync battles aren’t out of the question, and if you were wondering the extent to which this is an ‘aimed at adults’ event, then consider the fact that there might well be some sex toys produced for the delectation of all. It is also worth noting that alcohol is very much served to those that want it, so you may well see people downing cans or bottles of booze almost wherever you look. Around halfway through the show, there is also the ‘Bingo Loco Rave Round, with confetti canons once again fired and smoke machines blasted.
Is There Actual Bingo Played?
Given the fact that the word ‘bingo’ appears in the Bingo Loco title, you might well be wondering when the actual bingo is played. The answer is that it takes place throughout the night, with three rounds of bingo played in total. There are genuine prizes up for grabs, both as part of the bingo and just in general through the course of the evening. The Bingo Loco team will call out the bingo numbers that are issued randomly by a machine, asking you to mark off your card with the numbers you’ve got.
The first prize on offer via the bingo is for the first person to correctly get one line. The next prize, which will be slightly better than the first, is for the person who gets two lines. The third prize is the most impressive of the lot, seeing the likes of holidays and luggage being won in the past, available when someone gets a Full House. Although the party atmosphere is all-pervading at a Bingo Loco event, don’t mistake that for meaning that people don’t take the bingo itself seriously because they very much do.
What You Could Win
This isn’t a night out at a church hall or the kind of bingo that you might have seen some old dears playing in a nursing home. This is a rave and a party, so virtually everyone in attendance will be hoping for a good time. There will be mountains of confetti, hosts that will keep you laughing all night long, and DJs playing some of the biggest hits of the last few decades.
Most importantly of all are the prizes that will be on offer. The big prizes can be holidays, but you should expect random prizes along the way too. Everything from giant teddy bears to lawnmowers has been won at previous shows, so your best bet would be to expect the unexpected and go along with an open mind and a desire to have a great laugh.