Bingo is all fun and games — until you realize that just one alphanumeric pair is standing between you and victory. The anxiety builds until you finally hear the magic combination: “N31.” You immediately jump up and shout, “Bingo!” But what does that word mean? Yes, it’s the name of the game of chance in which you need to have the right combination of numbers lined up on your board, but where did the word come from? Bingo halls can be found everywhere, and iterations of music bingo, drag bingo, and other themed events remain popular, but the etymological roots of the word are murky. The truth is that we may never know exactly where “bingo” came from, as the theo-
Bingo History -
Game for Ages
ries are tenuous. The best information from the Online Etymology Dictionary links the word to a recreational context, as “bingo” was used as slang for alcohol as far back as the 1690s, prior to making its way into American English around the 1850s.
The early 20th century, “bingo” became used as an exclamation to indicate correctness. Oxford English Dictionary s that “bingo” might be a shortened version of the phrase “bingobango,” which has been used since the 1880s to describe a series of
quick blows. It wasn’t until the 1920s that an alreadypopular game of chance embraced “bingo” as its title. One (possibly apocryphal) origin story claims the name change came about because of a mistake. Prior to bingo, people played a variant called “beano,” in which players covered their numbers with dried beans. It’s said that a winning player got so excited, they accidentally shouted “bingo” instead of “beano,” and a new title for the game was born. The next time you’re playing bingo, try the old-fashioned version with some dried beans and see how your luck holds.
Horoscopes for September 2025
ARIES (MAR 21-APR 20): Diplomacy and skillful means rather than insensitivity will take you far now.
Lucky Days: 5 - 14
Lucky Numbers: 23 - 44
TAURUS (APR 21-MAY 21): You’ll want to keep a diligent eye on finances and practice some serious budgeting this month.
Lucky Days: 3 - 13
Lucky Numbers: 7 - 17
GEMINI (MAY 22-JUN 21): Don’t overthink things now. Pause, and watch and wait for the dust to settle.
Lucky Days: 5 - 6
Lucky Numbers: 29 - 55
CANCER (JUN 22-JUL 22): Pay careful attention to when you need to push. And when it’s time to wait in the wings.
Lucky Days: 4 - 30
Lucky Numbers: 55 - 58
LEO (JUL 23-AUG 23): Your upbeat nature gets a boost this month with Venus, the charm planet, in your sign.
Lucky Days: 10 - 27
Lucky Numbers: 34 - 51
VIRGO (AUG 24-SEP 23): It’s time to dispel the feeling that things are trapped in a same old same old pattern.
Lucky Days: 3 - 28
Lucky Numbers: 5 - 33
LIBRA (SEP 24-OCT 23): If you’re looking to explore new worlds, you’ll need to let go of familiar routines.
Lucky Days: 4 - 10
Lucky Numbers: 9 - 19
SCORPIO (OCT 24-NOV 22): You prosper when you release yourself from the things you’ve been reluctant to forgo.
Lucky Days: 7 - 20
Lucky Numbers: 3 - 18
SAGITTARIUS (NOV 23-DEC 21): September finds you reminiscing on old times and friends. Make time to see them.
Lucky Days: 5 - 11
Lucky Numbers: 23 - 33
CAPRICORN (DEC 22-JAN 20):
This is a month for rethinking and rearranging affairs to allow for the surprising to take root.
Lucky Days: 1 - 7
Lucky Numbers: 55 - 60
AQUARIUS (JAN 21-FEB 19): Don’t play it safe now; if anything, push against barriers and remake the borders that define your world.
Lucky Days: 6 - 10
Lucky Numbers: 3 - 57
PISCES (FEB 20-MAR 20): What isn’t supporting your finest efforts should be abandoned this month.
Lucky Days: 3 - 21
Lucky Numbers: 5 - 55
Sign of Virgo
Horoscope Highlights
Born Aug 23rd-Sept. 1st: Life’s inconvenient timing pushes you to act decisively, and that’s exactly what swings the door open to something better.
Ultimate September days: 10, 15, 24, 29
Born Sept. 2nd-11th: Creative inspiration pulls you forward as practical wisdom meets artistic vision, touching hearts while solving real problems.
Ultimate September days: 11, 15, 20, 25
Born Sept. 12th-22nd:
Demanding people and obstacles test you through January, yet family support and financial gains propel you forward.
Ultimate September days: 3, 12, 16, 26
BINGO
BINGO BUGLE of Wisconsin
BINGO BUGLE of Wisconsin
A Division of Paper Trails, LLC P.O. Box 371283 Milwaukee, WI 53237 (414) 327-0705
A Division of Paper Trails, Inc. P.O. Box 14141 Milwaukee, WI 53214 (414) 327-0705
on the web: on the on the web: on the www.bingobugleofwi.com www.bingobugleofwi.com www.bingobugleofwi.com www.bingobugleofwi.com
email:
r r r r r obert@papertrailsinc.com obert@papertrailsinc.com obert@papertrailsinc.com obert@papertrailsinc.com
The Bingo Bugle is published monthly in major metro-markets throughout the United States and Canada. All contents Copyright© 1995 by Bingo Bugle, Inc. All rights reserved. Bingo Bugle is an international trademark of Bingo Bugle Inc. Sworn circulation statements are provided to Standard Rate & Data Service on a monthly basis. For further information, call the head office of the Bingo Bugle Group, (206) 463-5656. Reproduction or use in whole or part of the contents, without the written permission of the publisher and copyright owners, is strictly prohibited. Advertisers may withdraw or alter any advertised offer without prior notice. Opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not reflect the opinions of Paper Trails, Inc. or its employees.
Save Our Bingos
Dear Aunt Bingo,
We have had a number of small local halls go out of business. I think this is terrible, not only because there are less places to play, but also because I have to travel farther now if I want to go to different halls. What can players do to keep from having more halls close?
—Lana, via e-mail
Dear Lana,
There are two key reasons why small halls close down: they do not get enough players, or they do not have enough volunteers willing to
work Bingo.
Players don’t realize how much goes into putting on a charity Bingo. There are licenses, inspectors, bookkeeping, recruiting volunteers, setting up, cleaning—it goes on and on. Most of these Bingos run the games not to make money, but to collect money they then give to those in need. It requires a lot of hard work and sacrifice, which is done for one reason—charity.
The best thing people can do to keep these games going is to keep playing, and perhaps join a sponsor organization and offer to volunteer. It might be fun to see Bingo from the other side. If just a handful of people play one more time a week or become Bingo volunteers at a particular hall, it will do wonders for the games and for the good work they do.
Oh, and don’t forget, bring friends and relatives; you could even volunteer to be the Bingo shuttle and play car bingo on the way to the game to get everyone revved up and ready to play.
Aunt Bingo
Send your comments and questions to: Aunt Bingo c/o the Bingo Bugle, P.O. Box 527, Vashon, WA 98070. You may e-mail them to the editor at tara@ bingobugle.com. Letters may be edited for space and clarity.
Disability Benefits Scammers
You know it’s a scam when they want you to pay for their help in filing Department of Veterans Affairs disability claims. Then when you receive the benefits, they make you give them a percentage of the money.
Ten thieves were recently nailed for defrauding the VA. The grand jury came back with 49 counts of conspiracy and fraud, including wire and mail fraud. The ringleader was a VA employee in charge of claims clerks. He was able to give certain claims to certain clerks who could follow his instructions to assign false medical conditions to specific veterans to help get fraudulent disability benefits. Those ratings clerks were able to grant or deny disability claims — per the orders of their boss.
Unfortunately, some of the thieves involved were veterans who were pulled into the scam. There was a veteran who was a
police officer. There was a veteran who was an airline pilot. There was a veteran who was with the Department of Homeland Security, and several more. They even dragged a wife, mother and sister into the fraud.
In exchange for cash upfront, the veterans were all able to receive high disability ratings after being told what to put on their paperwork and what to say during medical exams.
Of course they’re all going to pay. Some of them, if convicted, could get up to five years in prison, and some could receive up to 20 years if convicted of the crimes that included mail and wire fraud.
Remember: You never have to pay for help in filing for benefits. You never have to give someone a percentage of what you get. Free help is available from various Veterans Service Organizations such as the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars and even the VA itself. Don’t let yourself be used in a scam against the VA
PICKS OF THE MONTH
Materialists (R) — Past Lives director Celine Song, who scored a handful of nominations for her feature directorial debut, has released her second feature film. Another romance-centered film, Materialists stars Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans, and Pedro Pascal. Johnson leads the film as Lucy, a matchmaker in New York City who has successfully created nine marriages through her work. At the wedding of one of her clients, she’s introduced to finance bro Harry (Pascal), a “unicorn” of a man who expresses romantic interest in her. But at the same time, she crosses paths with her ex-boyfriend John, who is Harry’s opposite in every sense of the word, and now finds herself torn between two enticing love affairs. (Amazon Prime Video) Happy Gilmore 2 (PG-13) — Here’s a major event for Adam Sandler lovers! (I know there are a lot of them!) Almost 30 years after Sandler’s cult classic Happy Gilmore was released in theaters, the sequel became available to stream on July 25. Of course, Sandler reprises his role as golfer Happy, who’s coming out of retirement to pay for his daughter’s ballet school. Sandler’s
real-life daughter, Sunny, also plays his daughter in the film, while Julie Bowen reprises her role as Virginia. New names added to the cast include Ethan Cutkosky as one of Happy’s many sons, Puerto Rican singer Bad Bunny, and Benny Safdie. You don’t want to miss this one! (Netflix)
Friendship (R) — Tim Robinson (Saturday Night Live) stars opposite Paul Rudd (Death of a Unicorn) in this A24 black-comedy film out now to rent! Friendship follows the socially awkward Craig (Robinson), who’s missing a social connection that is often pointed out by his wife, Tami (Kate Mara). Tami takes it upon herself to accept an invitation from their neighbor, Austin (Rudd), to the reluctant Craig for a beer, and the result is the blossoming of the most precious friendship in Craig’s life. This friendship, in all its chaos and shenanigans, is a turning point for Craig to reinvent his life and find purpose in himself again. “Heartwarming, yet hilarious” is a good description for this film. (Apple TV+)
Write in to Couch Theater by emailing TheCouchTheater@ gmail.com or writing to KFWS, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803.
Bingo on Wheels
We decided to try a new place for Bingo—a casino where we had never been before—and what a joyous surprise it turned out to be. All the slots were penny machines which delighted my penny-pinching heart (until I realized I was spending as much or more than at a quarter machine!).
Leaving the slots, we found the Bingo room and it was a delightful surprise as well. There were huge monitors on all four walls so one could scarcely miss a number. Also, there were large monitors showing the winning game. The chairs were soft and comfortable, and workers circulated selling extra game cards.
around that huge room faster than scat. They provided drinks, both alcoholic and regular, extra game cards, change and one even had a few daubers in her pocket. It was a hoot.
We got settled and ready to play when an older gentleman asked if he could share our table. “Of course,” I said smiling at him and making a little more room. He settled himself with us and looked around expectantly. “Are you new here?” I asked.
“Never been here before,” he said and introduced himself as Ted. “Isn’t this something though? I love those skaters, skimming around like roller derby pros.”
Just then the rollers lined up in front of the caller and the games began.
I scarcely got used to the whiz as
are too many possibilities.
Ted was on in three places and was having difficulty keeping track of them all, when I suddenly realized I had a Bingo. The worker whizzed over and checked my card. “Congratulations, it’s good,” she said, handing me my winnings.
“Now I feel better,” I said. “I don’t care if I don’t win anything else today.”
But fate doesn’t work that way. I won the next game as well and began to feel a bit guilty, as people around me had been on and waiting for the right number.
“Well, you are lucky today,” said the skater as she paid me off for the second time. “Good luck,” she said, rolling away.
The next game Ted and I were both on and for the same number! I could scarcely believe it but then it came up in the screen and we both won.
“I don’t care if I don’t win anything else today.”
“You are my lucky charm,” said Ted. “Let’s go out for bite after the games!”
And those workers were the biggest surprise of all—they wore roller blades and scooted
a skater went by in back of me, but I didn’t let it distract me. I wanted to win today. We went through a half dozen games, during which I was on twice, but someone else won. When we came to the little plus, anywhere on the card, I felt really determined. This is a hard game because it can be anywhere; there
And so we did, and had a super time laughing with our new friend. I might add that it’s a good thing we went that day, because the skating bingo crew is no more. Probably a liability issue if I had to guess, or maybe it’s just too darn hard to find workers who can count money and skate at the same time!
Lucky Predictions for September 2025
ARIES: March 21 to April 19
1st thru 6th…
Fast wins 4th-5th$!$ 7th thru 12th…
Just in time the 9th! 13th thru 18th…
Luck abounds 13th-14th$ 19th thru 24th…
Don’t see it 25th thru 30th…
Get busy & play 26th-27th$
TAURUS: April 20 to May 20
1st thru 6th…
Pay day 2nd & 6th$$
7th thru 12th…
Your game to call 10th-11th! 13th thru 18th…
Mom’s blessing 15th-16th$! 19th thru 24th…
Most likely to WIN the 20th 25th thru 30th…
More in store 29th-30th!
Doors open at 5:00 pm BINGO starts at 6:00 PM
Early Bird & Late Bird Sessions $1,500 in Prizes!!
Bingo starts at 9:45 AM ALL PAPER SHEETS GREENDALE AMERICAN LEGION POST 416
May 3rd
Allesandra reveals your lucky days for September 2025
GEMINI: May 21 to June 21
1st thru 6th…
Exciting results the 4th$
7th thru 12th…
Stay focused the 8th$
13th thru 18th…
Bet on RED 17th-19th$$
19th thru 24th…
No brainer 21st-22nd$
25th thru 30th…
Not worth it
CANCER: June 22 to July 22
1st thru 6th…
Get it started the 6th!
7th thru 12th…
All day long the 11th$$ 13th thru 18th…
Bigger by the minute 15th-16th$$ 19th thru 24th…
It’s all good 19th-20th!
25th thru 30th…
Get it all done the 25th!$
LEO: July 23 to Aug. 22
1st thru 6th…
Only if very early the 1st$ 7th thru 12th… RED the 9th for the win$$ 13th thru 18th…
You’ll be proud the 18th!
19th thru 24th…
Hit & miss 21st-22nd
25th thru 30th…
Don’t miss it 26th-27th$
VIRGO: Aug. 23 to Sept. 22
1st thru 6th…
Take it home the 2nd$
7th thru 12th…
You’re hard to beat 11th!
13th thru 18th…
Celebrate 15th-16th$! 19th thru 24th…
Start 19th/bring it home 20th$$ 25th thru 30th… Advantages 25th!$
LIBRA: Sept. 23 to Oct. 23 1st thru 6th…
Scandalously good the 4th$ 7th thru 12th… Not yet 13th thru 18th… Multiples the 13th$$ 19th thru 24th… Better times are ahead 25th thru 30th… Great fun but wait (for $)
SCORPIO: Oct. 24 to Nov. 21 1st thru 6th…
Better option on the 6th!$ 7th thru 12th… Ramp it up $$ the 7th 13th thru 18th…
Beautiful on BLUE 15th-16th! 19th thru 24th…
In your court 19th-20th$$ 25th thru 30th… Back on board the 29th$!
SAGITTARIUS: Nov. 22 to Dec. 21 1st thru 6th… Powerful play the 4th$! 7th thru 12th… Going places the 9th$! 13th thru 18th… Mostly on point 18th$ 19th thru 24th… Possibilities the 22nd
25th thru 30th… You’re a natural 27th$!
CAPRICORN: Dec. 22 to Jan. 19 1st thru 6th… Returns await the 6th$$ 7th thru 12th… Get in late the 10th$! 13th thru 18th… Hang back, chill 19th thru 24th… Wise decisions 19th-20th 25th thru 30th… Lucky hard cards 29th$
AQUARIUS: Jan. 20 to Feb. 18 1st thru 6th… Most definitely the 4th! 7th thru 12th… Takes gumption 8th-9th$$ 13th thru 18th… Work the angles 13th$! 19th thru 24th… Must be there 22nd$ 25th thru 30th…
All within the 27th$
PISCES: Feb. 19 to March 20 1st thru 6th…
Closer looks 2nd & 6th$! 7th thru 12th…
Spectacular the 11th!$! 13th thru 18th… At home & winning 15th-16th$ 19th thru 24th…
Money grows the 24th$$ 25th thru 30th…
Efforts pay off 25th & 29th$$
Color associations refer to lucky objects, daubers, cards, machines, clothing/jewels you wear, or a dominant color in the room.
B ingo L and
n ews from the r ea L w or L d & C y B erspa C e Bingo Capital of the U.S.?
No, it’s not Las Vegas. In fact, even considering the entire state, Nevada isn’t close. A report by gambling.com pegs Montana as the easy bingo capital of the U.S. and likely the world, with 28.4 bingo halls per 100,000 residents. Vermont is a distant second at 8.2 bingo halls. Montana has 324; Pennsylvania has the most at 702. Nevada? It ranks 45th in the U.S. with just 24 bingo halls, which is .7 per 100,000 residents. Hawaii and Tennessee have no bingo halls.
Death Bingo?!
We receive quite a few questions about bingo variants around the world and online. The following information aims to answer all the questions in one go!
At the heart of North American bingo culture lies the 75-ball variant, known for its creative patterns that
players aim to complete on their 5x5 grid with 25 squares.
Across the pond, 90-ball bingo reigns supreme, especially in the UK, Australia, and parts of Europe. Characterized by its 9x3 grid (27 squares total); this version unfolds over three stages: one line, two lines, and finally, a full house, where all numbers on a card are called. The gradual buildup and multiple winners make 90-ball bingo a fun social experience. Less common Bingo variations include:
--Speed bingo: primarily played online: with 30 balls and a compact 3x3 grid, games are fast-paced and can be completed in just a few minutes.
--80-ball bingo: this version emerged in the U.K. and is now particularly popular on online platforms there; it consists of a
4x4 grid with 16 squares; balls are divided into four color-coded groups.
--Flash Fives (52-5 bingo) where players are dealt hands from a deck of cards, and the goal is to cover five cards on their ticket as the dealer reveals the deck card by card. Available at some bingo locations and online sites/apps.
--U-Pick’Em Bingo, where players select their own numbers on a bingo card. Often played in conjunction with traditional bingo games, U-Pick’Em is found at various bingo locations, online and off.
--Death Bingo: In the shadowy corners of the bingo world lies Death Bingo, a variant that mixes dark humor with a dash of suspense. Here, the stakes are high, and tensions tend to rise, as the first person to shout “Bingo!” is, ironically, eliminated from the game. This twist keeps players on the edge of their seats, as they balance the thrill of nearing victory with the looming threat of
elimination. Perfect for Halloween parties, Death Bingo turns the traditional goal of bingo on its head. But maybe a better name would be White Out Bingo?
Bingo Blessings Go to the Dogs Hartford, Wisconsin—The Friends of Slinger Dog Park and Bingo Blessings raised $2,200 for a new dog park at Breuer Park in Slinger during its Bingo fundraiser. “We were honored to have Bingo Blessings host an event to support the future Dog Park at Breuer Park in Slinger bringing us $2,200 closer to our goal,” said Jennie Stonehouse, of the Friends of Slinger Dog Park. The Friends of Slinger Dog Park are still working toward its goal of raising $150,000 for the construction of a new dog park at Breuer Park, 345 Arthur Road, Slinger. The proposed dog park will sit on 6 acres on the northwest side of Breuer Park.
FRIDAY WEEKLY
1st & 3rd
St. Joseph
7:00
St. Francis
St.
September 5th & 19th
Danish Brotherhood lodge #14 1300 Sheridan Dr. (Cortese’s Banquet Hall) Kenosha 53140 6:30 pm 262-771-5807
SUNDAY BINGO Milwaukee Elks Lodge 46
Starts At Noon 2 - $1,125 Sessions Progressive Jackpot
Doors open 10:30 am Food * Beverages
50/50 * Cash Raffles
Parking Handicap Accessible 5555 W. Good Hope Road
Ellie Mae and Her Friends
Am Legion Post #416 6351 W. Grange Ave. 6:00 pm 421-3371
Elks Lodge #46 5555 W. Good Hope Rd. 12 Noon 353-2900
Moose Lodge #49 13th & Grange Ave. 12:30 pm 281-4444
SUNDAY BINGO
All listings in the Bingo Bugle Player's Guide are for the normal schedule of any given bingo. If you have a question regarding the schedule of any particular game due to a special event, holiday, or weather condition, please call the number listed for that game. Players should also be aware that advertisers may withdraw or alter any advertised offer without prior notice.
Layers of Real Life SEPT 2ND
Sometimes, our friends look diffent. They are, none the less, our friends. My friend is “Sasquatch”.
Poetry Corner
Layers of real life Intrude on false happiness. Euphoria gone.
Life ends with whimper. Death panels like dry leaves fly. Fog preempts all light.
Salvage a laugh or Two, perhaps three or four, more, Like a clover’s bloom.
Find a friend, share these. Delight in fresh strawberries Juicy on your tongue.
Charlene Duguid Amissville, VA
Coffee Break
1st
6th
7th
18th National Cheeseburger
1. MOVIES: How many dream levels does the crew enter in the film Inception?
2. U.S. STATES: Which state’s nickname is “Treasure State”?
3. LITERATURE: Which 1969 novel begins with the line, “All this happened, more or less”?
4. ANIMAL KINGDOM: What is a baby horse called?
5. ACRONYMS: What does the acronym GIF stand for?
6. U.S. PRESIDENTS: Which president served the shortest term?
7. TELEVISION: In which fictional town is Buffy the Vampire Slayer set?
8. GEOGRAPHY: What international city’s nickname is “The Eternal City”?
9. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: How many time zones exist on Earth?
10. SCIENCE: Who is known as the father of medicine?
BINGO BUGLE CROSSWORD
The national pastime 17 Node 18 -- pro quo 19 British patrolman 20 First lady before Michelle 22 Old MacDonald’s place 24 Twistable cookie 25 Fort Dix, for one 29 Sea (Fr.) 30 Gray matter 31 Snapshot 32 You might run on one to get home 34 “The lady
Trivia, CryptoQuip and Crossword Puzzle answers on page 11
A Rather Mean Manager
Hi Guy,
We have a Bingo manager who is very strict and flies off the handle all the time. If players complain about the sound, he yells. If we complain about the speed of the caller, he yells. If there’s too much talking, he yells. And he has no problems throwing people out who create any type of disturbance. He reminds me of that chef Gordon Ramsey on the TV show Hell’s Kitchen who is constantly screaming about everything and stressing everyone out.
What do you suggest we do about the situation? It’s not like we can report him to the gaming board because he isn’t in violation of anything. He just yells a lot. And no one dares approach him and ask him to be nicer because you know what his response will be. We’re stumped. —Stop the Screaming, via email
Hi Stop The Screaming, Chef Gordon Ramsey running Bingo. Now there’s a picture!
In this manager’s defense, I’ll bet the Bingo he is in charge of is the smoothest running operation in town. By confronting anyone who rocks the boat he has created an atmosphere of intimidation resulting in everyone being on their best behavior, playing their Bingo and going home.
Frankly, I prefer a person in charge who cracks the whip. Not that I ever want to be yelled at, but everyone who walks in there knows what to expect and is going to toe the line.
That said, however, there should be a degree of openness on his part if there is something going on that the players aren’t happy with—the speed of the games, for example. They are putting down their money to be there and should have some voice in the operation.
I’m curious if he is this way with
BINGO BINGO BINGO BINGO
EVERY THURSDAY
$2,000 IN PRIZES! PROGRESSIVE BINGO TICHIGAN LAKE LIONS CLUB
$1,000 RAFFLE (Last Thursday of Every Month)
Doors open at 5:00 pm
Early Bird at 7:00 pm
Reg Session @ 8:15 pm
GERMANTOWN
AMERICAN LEGION POST 1 N120 W15932 Freistadt Rd. 251-5470
the workers. I doubt it, because they would certainly be the first ones to walk out if he was bullying them as well. So, my suggestion would be to speak to a worker if there is an issue and ask them to resolve it. If this fails, then there is always a petition—a thoughtfully written letter to the manager explaining players’ concerns and suggested changes. It should not be a list of grievances. The petition would also require multiple signatures to emphasize its importance to many players.
1st, 3rd & 5th Thursdays
$1,250 in Prizes
Doors open at 4:30 PM Early Bird, 6:30 PM $250 in Prizes Regular, 7:00 PM
$1,000 in Prizes PROGRESSIVE BINGO Every Week Food - Beverages - Pull Tabs Tichigan Civic Center 6710 Big Bend Road Hwy 164, Waterford, WI 53185 (262) 895-6268
Hopefully, the manager will appreciate the time, effort, and diplomacy reflected in the petition and be open to the comments and suggestions it contains. —Guy
Readers: Do you have other suggestions on how to work with a strict hall manager? Please send them along and I’ll share your ideas in a future column. Workers’ and managers’ comments are also welcome. Guy Turns, c/o Bingo Bugle, Box 527, Vashon WA 98070 – tara@bingobugle.com.
Misinformation
It amazes me how many blackjack players believe the misinformation dispensed by fellow players, and even dealers, about the game of blackjack. Here are three classic nuggets of misinformation worth reviewing regularly; next month we’ll reveal three more.
“Picture Cards Always Follow Picture Cards”
Some players will refuse to hit their stiff hands if they just saw a picture card come out of the shoe. The reason: they believe that “a picture card always follows a picture card.” Clearly that can’t be the case, and, in fact, the opposite is true, namely that once you see a picture card the chance that the next card will be a picture card has decreased. The reason? If you just saw a picture card there must be
less of them in the un-played deck of cards meaning your chances of drawing another has decreased (not increased).
“Always Figure the Dealer Has a 10 in the Hole”
Really? In a standard deck of 52 cards there are 16 ten-valued cards (the four tens, jacks, queens, and kings). That leaves 36 nonten valued cards left in a deck. So roughly only 31% of the cards in a deck are “tens” and 69% are nontens. Basically, there are roughly twice as many non-tens as tens, so it is more likely that the dealer will have a non-ten in the hole rather than a ten. Got it?
“That Third Baseman is Killing Me”
Many players believe the play of the third base player can “bring down” the entire table. Some honestly believe that the third base player should “sacrifice has hand” for the good of his fellow players. The reality is this: it really doesn’t make any difference how your fellow players, including the third baseman, play their hands on your chances of winning (or losing). No question the outcome of the round could be different if the third baseman takes a card when he shouldn’t, but his lack of skills could result in everyone winning their hand as well as losing. In the long run it’s a wash, and your chance of winning and losing aren’t going to change. You may not like to hear this, but you could play with six chimpanzees and your chance of ultimately winning and losing will not be affected.
What's News in Nevada . . .
Million Jackpot at the Palms
A slot player visiting the Palms for the first time hit a $1,142,108 jackpot while playing a Wheel of Fortune 4D Collector’s Edition machine. The lucky winner made a $4 bet to win the seven-figure amount this past July. He and his wife were in Las Vegas from Washington to attend a food-truck convention; they own a burger truck and plan to purchase a second truck with the winnings.
Zac Brown Band Announces Mini-Residency
The Southern country-rock-soul Zac Brown Band will play four shows at Sphere in December to support their new album Love & Fear, which will be released on the same day as the first show. The dates are December 5, 6, 12, and 13 (and we won’t be surprised if they extend). The band recently performed the National Anthem at the MLB All Star Game.
A’s Fisher Buys Vegas Mansion
The headline in the SFGate.com story is, Reviled A’s owner bought $29.25M Las Vegas mansion in secret deal. It goes on to report that it’s “one of the most expensive home sales in Las Vegas history.”
The house sits on nearly an acre with 12,000-square-feet of indooroutdoor living space, 10 bathrooms, a three-car garage, movie theater, and a “comprehensive fitness/ wellness room.” Located in Summerlin, it’s within the gated Summit Club, “which bills itself as the only private residential lifestyle club” in Las Vegas. Membership is a $250,000-$400,000 initiation and an annual fee of $110,000$120,000. There’s an 18-hole
golf course, a clubhouse with pool, dining, spa and recreation room, as well as on-site courts for basketball, tennis, and pickleball. “Only two sales have hit or crossed the $30 million mark in Las Vegas history, one sold by Celine Dion for $30 million in 2023 and the other for $35 million in 2024, and both are located right next to each other inside the Summit Club.”
Carbone Riviera To Replace Picasso
Carbone Riviera has been announced as the replacement for the venerable and beloved Picasso restaurant at Bellagio. Carbone Riviera is described as “a coastal Italian seafood spot,” will feature a complete redesign of the room, an expanded terrace, and a dock for a 33-foot “mini yacht” reportedly to be used for special events. The price tag is rumored to be $16 million and no opening date has been announced.
Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas Number One
Travel + Leisure has released its “World’s Best Awards” for 2025. The rankings are compiled from surveys filled out by nearly 180,000 readers who cast a total of more than 657,000 votes for a choice of 8,700 properties (hotels, cities, cruise lines, etc.). In the hotel category, the criteria were rooms/facilities, location, service, food, and value and our very own Waldorf Astoria at City Center received the most votes to place number one for the year, scoring 98 out of a possible 100. It’s described as “one of Sin City’s most sophisticated restful getaways, a serene escape with luxurious touches at every turn.”
Pooperheads and Bingo
Being an old Pooperhead means that some days you eat salad and go to yoga. Other days you devour cake, embrace a recliner, and refuse to wear pants. –Ms. Anonymous
Ah, sweet September! The herds of turtles and knee climbers, incoming students as some of my teacher friends referred to them, are back in school. I can hear the whoosh of relief as parents everywhere rejoice and put their feet up while pouring a morning Mimosa or Bloody Mary to enhance the moment. I enjoyed teaching and looked forward to meeting my new class each year but must confess to downing a margarita or glass of wine at the end of day as I acclimated to my new charges. On the same topic, sort of, September 8-12th is Substitute Teacher Appreciation week. I made a sub box the start of each new year for use by subs when I was absent. Everything needed was included with treats for my class and a special set of bingo cards to play bingo at day’s end for good behavior. Needless to say, my subs loved me.
Also, my go to game for reviewing facts and important info for my students was bingo. I made special bingo cards with boxes specific to the topic I was teaching. If my topic was the Civil War, the students would have relevant vocabulary words on their cards, and I would read definitions. The
rewards for a bingo varied from an apple to a candy bar, or homework passes. My students went nuts over those. I enjoyed it as much as the kids and I taught them various winning bingo patterns. I never had any parent complaints and the students never realized how much they were learning as they played a game. That’s what great about bingo for everyone, especially old pooperheads like me. Our tired brains need to practice focusing, recall, and integration of sound and sight; meaning interaction of hearing the bingo numbers called and seeing it on a bingo paper or a bingo computer. The more we practice by playing bingo, the less our brains turn into mush. At least, that’s my theory and I’m sticking to it. As September includes Random Acts of Kindness Day, consider taking an old pooperhead you know to bingo, thereby helping them exercise their brain.
And speaking of exercising our brains, I’m an avid reader. In recent years, I switched from regular books to E-readers. I know, my friends and family tell me how much they like holding a book or visiting bookstores. I fire back telling them about the convenience of holding hundreds of book choices in the palm of my hands. The first E-readers were released in 1998 and they were not an instant hit. I was skeptical as I heard about them around the same time as I was ending my teaching career. The originals were not all that user friendly; small black and white pages with limited book choices. This has changed and the current ones are fabulous. I use sites where I download free books or those costing around a dollar. I’m a convert; much like I was when I switched to bingo computers from papers, magnetic chips, and daubers at my bingo; less hassle for sure. Until next month, may Lady Luck blow you kisses as you dance out the door with dollars. Win big. Contact: nlpvzw6172@ gmail.com
Your name has been drawn as our current contest winner!
In order to qualify to receive your $100 CASH prize, you must now contact the Bingo Bugle Newspaper at (414) 327-0705 before September 15th, 2025. Please leave a message if we're unable to answer when you call.
Rules for The Bingo Bugle Monthly Cash Sweepstakes
Each month the Bingo Bugle of Wisconsin conducts a monthly “Sweepstakes” featuring a $100.00 prize for the winner. What follows are the rules of the contest. The Bingo Bugle Sweepstakes contest is open to everyone. It is a FREE contest. Entry forms are usually found on the next to last page of each monthly issue of the Bingo Bugle. Readers who are interested in entering the contest may cut or tear the entry from the paper, fill it out and officially enter by dropping the entry into the plastic Sweepstakes Entries” jug located at most not for profit Bingo halls. Some Bingo halls do not have an entry jug, but usually one the game volunteers will take your entry and get it to us. You may submit a copy of the entry form if none are available to you. If you prefer, your entry may be mailed to:
Bingo Bugle Sweepstakes P.O. Box 371283 Milwaukee, WI 53237
If you mail in your entry, only one entry per envelope is accepted. Entry forms must be completely filled out to qualify. Entry forms
that are not completely filled out, do not qualify for the drawing. Enter as many times as you like, but please, take only one Bingo Bugle when you play. A random drawing is conducted each month from all entries received.
Winners are announced each month in the Bingo Bugle. Winners must call 327-0705 prior to the 15th of the month in which their name is announced as the winner to claim their prize. Entries received after the drawing are held for the next month’s contest.
Your chances of winning are determined by the total number of entries received prior to the drawing.
By entering the contest, you grant the Bingo Bulge the exclusive right to use your name, photo and comments for publicity purposes. Winners not making themselves available for a photo will forfiet their prize.
The contest is not “progressive,” that is to say, if the winner does not claim the prize prior to the deadline, the prize is not increased. The prize is always $100.00 payable via check.
Please, don’t call the Bingo Bugle office to find out who the winner is, we won’t tell you. And, if it is you, you will be disqualified. Thanks for reading the Bingo Bugle and for entering our monthly Sweepstakes. Maybe one day soon, you’ll be our lucky winner.
Just check the rules above, fill out the form below, and enter the sweepstakes. Then, make sure to check the Bingo Bugle to see if your name is listed as the winner. If your name is listed, make sure to call in by the deadline.
The Bingo Bugle Monthly Cash Contest is Fun to Play and Even More Fun When You Win - So Enter
Winner
Please complete this entry form and deposit it at your favorite Bingo Hall, or mail to:
Bingo Bugle Sweepstakes P.O. Box 371283 Milwaukee, WI 53237
Please check your age group: _____18 to 35 _____36 to 55 _____56 & over Thanks for entering!
1. Five (four dream levels and limbo).
2. Montana.
3. “Slaughterhouse-Five” by Kurt Vonnegut.
4. A foal.
5. Graphics Interchange Format. 6. William Henry Harrison, who died 32 days after taking office.
Greek physician Hippocrates.
Diane Lancour
