Beyond Bingo Supplies: How to Manage a Successful Bingo Event Part 1

"BINGO" is a popular and fun way for many nonprofit organizations to raise funding for their worthy causes. Many schools, churches, and other groups will hold annual bingo events which raise thousands of dollars each. These bingos can be regular bingos with cash prizes, "Basket Bingos" where gift baskets go to the winners, or a combination of the two. Because of their large fundraising potential, many organizations will hold multiple bingo fundraisers throughout the year.

How Does a Nonprofit Organization Get Started?

Licensing Regulations

Licensing regulations vary from state to state, and so you need to be aware of your state's licensing regulations, if any. Some states require nothing and leave bingo pretty much unregulated. Other states require that you acquire a license, file paperwork, maintain prize jackpots, and follow other rules. Be sure to contact your state's lottery division before you begin. They should be able to answer any regulatory questions about bingo in your state.

Determine Your Expected Bingo Attendance

Like any planned event, it is impossible to know your exact attendance beforehand, but it is important that you have a good idea. So,ask these questions: Have other nonprofit groups in your area held bingos? If so, what was their attendance? Are you spending a lot of time and effort to market your event, or depending on word of mouth? Can your organization depend on regular patronage for your events from some people?

Most successful bingo events will have 100, 200, or even 300 bingo players in attendance. But, bingos with fewer bingo players can still be winners with proper planning. By having a good idea of your future bingo attendance, you can determine what and how much bingo supplies you need to order, the number of bingo prizes, the size of bingo prize payouts, the amount of food, etc.

Next: Part 2 of 5, Building Bingo Programs.