The resource “How to Setup a Bingo Session” explains the Bingo session layout from the very beginning early bird game to the ending late bird game.
A session of bingo typically lasts from 2 – 3 hours and may have anywhere from 20 – 30 or more individual games played.
These games may be sold individually but more commonly are sold in groups (in packs or booklets) by the type of game. Some games sell “complete game packs” which include all games being played during the session. There is an intermission or break of approximately 15 minutes about halfway through the session. The types of games or groups are outlined below and include Early Birds, Warm Ups, Regular or Main Pack Games, and Late Birds or Moonlight Games.
Early Bird Games
Early Bird games are a series of 3 – 5 games that are relatively inexpensive and pay smaller prizes than the balance of the session. They are designed for the players that choose to arrive well in advance of the main session start time. Patterns are simple, such as straight lines and/or 4 corners resulting in games that are relatively short and fast paced.
Warm Up Games
Warm ups are played immediately prior to the start of the main session and also are commonly a 3 – 5 game pack. Prizes are intermediate paying more than the Early Bird Games but less than the Main Pack games which follow the Warm Ups. The bingo patterns played are a little more complex requiring more time to complete than the Early Games. These games are intended to do exactly what the name implies, ie, warm up the players.
Regular or Main Pack Games
Main Pack games are the “meat” of the session in terms of prize money and total number of games in the pack. A purchase of a Main Pack is usually required to participate in any game and many times is required to enter the playing area. Many games still refer to these packs as “Admission Packs.” The number of games in the Main Pack is specific to different parts of the country but usually contain anywhere from 8 – 20 games.
Late Bird or Moonlight Games
Late Birds are played immediately following the conclusion of the main session which will be the last main pack game or last special or Jackpot played. These games are also a series of 3 – 5 games for the players that are in no hurry to leave or want additional opportunities to win.
Specials & Jackpots
Many states allow for “Special and Jackpot Games” which offer much larger prizes than all other games during a session. These games are also common at Tribal Bingo and For Profit bingo games. Specials and Jackpots are offered for sale and played several times during the course of a session. They are available from floor clerks or selling agents that walk through out the hall.