BINGO ETIQUETTE

Last night I went with my friend, Jeffrey, to the Red Rock Casino to go and play BINGO. I thought for sure I would be lucky last night, but not so much. My cards were pretty crappy. Jeffrey got pretty close a couple of times, but the BINGO gods were not smiling down upon us and we left with memories rather than that 10,000 dollars we would have like to have won! I work in a nursing home so I'm no stranger to the game, but I have to say that the Elderly in the nursing home seem to have a better grasp on the protocol than the habitual, addicted BINGO players in the casino. Let me give you a little synopsis:

#1: In the nursing home when that row is filled they yell out "BINGO," loud and proud. Last night on more than one occassion we would hear people quietly say "WINNER," and then raise their hands. Really? We decided that people shouldn't be allowed to win the money unless they honor the game by shouting out it's appropriate title.

#2: As we were waiting in line to buy our cards there were actual conversations going on around us about how close people were to winning, giving congratulations on wins, and how all they needed to win was O-72......the night before!!!! I feel BINGO should be an exception to the rule and not so much the rule. Let's think of more creative ways to spend our time, folks!

#3: In the nursing homes they have these big, oversized BINGO cards so the people who are visually impaired can also participate. As the number is called, they cover it, like you're supposed to. Who's the lazy genious that came up with the concept of automatic BINGO machines?! That's not playing the game - that's staring at a screen that does everything for you while you sit there and watch. Boring.

#4: Last night when we did our original cover-all for 1,000 dollars they had 6 different Casinos playing against each other. Cheap! Nursing homes don't call each other on the phone and split the winnings with Betty in one facility and Delores in another. We want home court advantage, people!

#5: The nursing home residents are serious about their BINGO and will go to town on you if you cancel their game or try to replace it with musical performances. That's nothing compared to the BINGO nazis in the casinos. BINGO is not just a game for them. No laughing loudly, no talking during a game, and whatever you do, DO NOT interupt them while they are "concentrating" on their screens.

BINGO...movies...bowling...concerts. It's all about entertainment!