Bingo Is Gambling

Bingo a social game held to pass away time and to entertain visiting relatives on weekends, has evolved into a form of gambling in the Philippines and other countries. Almost all the big shopping malls in Metro Manila have bingo halls that hold sessions almost every day. Each session dangles cash prizes as high as P100,000 pesos or US$ 2,000.

Bingo Bonanza, one of the big operators, has expanded its operations to nearby provinces, like Laguna and Batangas in Southern Luzon. Since a bingo cards cost as low as 20 pesos or less than 50 cents even a preschooler could play bingo illegally. Although minors or those below 18 years old are not allowed inside bingo parlors, they can still play the game in the guise of joining older relatives. Because Filipinos believe more on luck than hard work they usually take chances since what is being spent is few pesos compared to the thousands of pesos in prizes.

Traveling fairs also hold bingo sessions on open fields like public plazas during fiestas. Prizes include china wares, stuffed toys and even appliances. Because there are no other entertainment in the barrios, farmers and their children patronize these mobile bingo parlors and are willing to part from their money.

A 20-peso bet is not much of a sacrifice since the thrill and excitement one gets while waiting for a number or two to hit the jackpot can't be experienced somewhere else. Since there are only 75 numbers to wait a jackpot is declared to the first card that has been blackened out or the numbers on his card have been drawn out from the drum or tambiolo.

It is so easy to play bingo in parlors since there are guides to players on the lite boards. With the use of closed-circuit TVs any person can join the session. All he has to do is to look at TV monitors. He doesn't have to be near the host since the monitors broadcast the drawn numbers.

Many play bingo while taking their snacks at the parlor. Since there is bingo crew you don't have to stand up to buy your cards per session. The crew members will provide you the cards and accept your payment for your convenience.

Bingo parlors are profitable business in the Philippines. Casinos operated by the Philippine government sponsors bingo socials to raise funds for victims of calamities or for other worthwhile causes. Charity bingos have become the buzzwords in casinos during weekends and holidays.