What Bingo Supplies Do You Actually Need for Your First Fundraiser?

Hosting your first bingo fundraiser is exciting and a little intimidating! You know a bingo event works as a great way to boost income for nonprofits, but once you move from “Let’s host a bingo fundraiser!” to “Let’s get down to work!” the questions start piling up.

What supplies do we need?

What’s optional?

What do I really have to know to make sure the event is fun, legal, and runs smoothly?

Bingo industry experts know a thing or two about putting on a great game. First and foremost: well-chosen, dependable supplies make the game easy to manage and fun to play. This guide walks you through the essential bingo supplies you actually need, optional upgrades that elevate the experience, and a brief look at licensing, promotion, and operations so your first bingo fundraiser is a winner.

The Core Supplies

typically take more planning and require more supplies than putting on a bake sale. That’s definitely true for fundraising bingo games.

No matter how big or small your event is, a handful of core supplies form the backbone of every successful bingo fundraiser. As Jim Hynes, president of Bingo Innovation and a leader in the bingo supply industry for nearly 50 years, notes:

“The right bingo supplies don’t just keep the game running. They set the tone. When you’ve got quality, professional gear, players focus on having fun, and you host an event that stands out from the crowd.”

1. Bingo Cards

You can’t have bingo without cards. And while you could opt for traditional hard cards for small events (the ones where you mark the spots with plastic chips, or slide over a window once a number has been called), that’s not the norm for bigger fundraising games.

Printed Is the Way to Go

Most for-profit and nonprofit bingo events use printed paper bingo sheets. They offer several advantages, including:

• Unique number combinations that reduce the risk of duplicate winners
• Clear, easy-to-read numbers for players less familiar with the game
• Disposable format for easy cleanup

Format Options

You’ve got some choices to make when selecting your bingo papers. Before you place your printed paper order, determine two things.

• First: Are you going to play a fixed number of games (a “session” in bingo lingo), or is it going to be a come-and-go event?

For session play, you can order paper bundled in packets that match the number of games you’ll play. If you’re playing 15 games, order packets with 15 sheets. If it’s going to be the type of event where players can join as many, or as few, games as they like, ordering individual papers is a better option.

• Next: Try to figure out what type of crowd your bingo fundraiser is likely to attract.

If your crowd will mostly be made up of people who are regular bingo players, they are going to want sheets that feature several cards to play at once. Casual players might not be adept at managing multiple cards, so packets or sheets that only have a single card will be a better fit if that’s the case.

Keep in mind that more cards mean more sales and more funds raised. Also, be sure to order a bit more paper stock than you expect to sell to account for higher demand.

2. Daubers

These ink dispensers are indispensable when you’re using paper cards. Daubers are used to mark off the spots as the numbers are called. While functional, they also add personality to your event.

Regular players may bring their own, but you’ll still want plenty on hand to sell. Not only will selling them earn you more money, but they also add an extra element of fun. Players like to use daubers in their favorite colors, and if you offer novelty daubers in neon colors or holiday themes, your event feels more engaging.

3. Bingo Balls

An important element in hosting a bingo game is ensuring players think your event is fair and honest. Order bingo balls that are easy to read from a distance (to support honesty), with clear letters and numbers to help prevent caller error.

Ball Selectors

You also want to make sure nothing seems suspicious about the way the numbers you call are selected. Randomization is a must. Rotating brass cages are perennially popular. Just give them a good spin, and you’ve got well-mixed, random bingo balls.

If your budget permits, you might opt for an electronic bingo machine. They automatically blow bingo balls around to ensure fair mixing. When paired with an electronic master board, they keep the game organized and make it easier for players to follow along with the calls.

Optional Supplies That Add Fun

When you host a bingo fundraiser, you’ve got a lot of opportunities to boost donations beyond just the games themselves. Here are some optional supplies you might invest in to increase your event income.

1. Specials

By mixing in bingo games with special patterns, you can up the excitement and keep players engaged. Don’t know a “Letter X” game from a “Postage Stamp”? Don’t worry… you can buy bingo sheets that have these patterns already laid out.

2. Raffle Tickets

People love having more chances to win. Raffles are easy to manage and cost little to run, especially if you secure prize donations.

3. Pull Tabs

Similar to lotto tickets, instant-win pull tabs boost fundraising without slowing down your bingo games. They offer players more chances to win and increase the amount of money you collect.

Bingo Innovation’s Hynes recommends including at least one or two of these extras, noting, “They add excitement and money-making opportunities without being complex, which is important when you’re learning the ropes at your first bingo fundraiser.”

More Tips for a Successful Bingo Fundraiser

Now that you’ve gotten your supply checklist in order, there are a few organizational aspects you’ll want to address.

Licensing Requirements

Before planning your fundraiser, research your local and state charitable gaming requirements. The National Association of Fundraising Ticket Manufacturers (NAFTM) has a useful state-by-state breakdown of rules and regulations.

Promotion

Bingo games offer an exceptional opportunity to raise money for your nonprofit, but you need to attract players! Of course, you’ll want to promote the event to your existing membership and supporters, but if you hope to maximize attendance, you’ll need to get the word out to the general public.

One way to generate free publicity for your game is to host a press conference. Not only does this ramp up interest in your event and reach more potential attendees, but it also draws attention to your organization in general. It’s especially easy to hook local press into covering your announcement if you are offering big, exciting prizes at your bingo event.

Smooth Operations

Preparation counts in hosting a memorable, profitable event. A bit of work ahead of time ensures smooth sailing on the night of your bingo fundraiser.

1. Create a program: Unless you’re playing straight 5-in-row bingo throughout your event, write up a session program with:

• The order of your games
• What color bingo sheet is used for each game
• The payout for each game
• Scheduled break times

2. Assign clear roles: Have designated volunteers for card sales, number calling, and floor support.

3. Do a dry run: Test out your microphones and make sure your equipment is working.

Finally, Your Big Event!

Nervous? Don’t be! By following these tips, you’ve gathered the right supplies and put the best plans in place to host an amazing bingo fundraiser.

Just know that your first bingo fundraiser doesn’t have to be perfect. Players forgive small hiccups, but they remember if they had fun. Good organization, friendly volunteers, and a welcoming atmosphere go a long way toward making your event a great time for everyone involved.

Get the essentials right, plan ahead, and keep fun in focus. You’ll be well on your way to hosting a successful bingo fundraiser!