Overview of Bingo

Bingo is a popular game of chance in Alaska that has been enjoyed by people of all ages for many years. Charities with a Charitable Gaming Permit run bingo games as a way to raise funds for the charity.  Bingo in Alaska is played in bingo halls, schools, town offices, community centers, and churches.

Objective: The primary objective of Bingo is to mark off numbers on a pre-printed card as they are randomly called out. The goal is to achieve a specific pattern on the card before anyone else.

Equipment:

1. Bingo Cards: Players use pre-printed cards with a grid of numbers.
2. Bingo Balls: Balls with numbers are drawn randomly. The numbers correspond to the ones on the bingo cards.
3. Bingo Console: A bingo console, sometimes called a blower, is used to randomly select bingo the bingo balls. 

Gameplay:

1. Card Distribution: Each player receives a bingo card or packet of bingo cards. Each card contains a grid of numbers arranged in columns and rows. The numbers are organized by columns labeled B-I-N-G-O.
2. Caller: A designated person (the caller) calls out the bingo ball selected by the bingo console or blower and calls out the number to the players.
3. Marking Numbers: Players "daub" the called numbers on their bingo cards. The central square is a "free" space that is automatically marked.
4. Winning Patterns: Players aim to complete a specific pattern on their bingo cards, such as a straight line (horizontal, vertical, or diagonal), four corners, or other predetermined shapes.
5. Calling Bingo: The first player to complete the required pattern shouts "Bingo!" to indicate that they've won. The caller then verifies the numbers on the winning card.
6. Prizes: Prizes are awarded to the winners, and a new round may begin.

Bingo in Alaska is known for its simplicity, social aspect, and the element of luck. Bingo in Alaskan villages is played on a regular basis and is enjoyed by everyone in the village.  In Alaska bingo is a regulated game that is  used by Alaskan Charities with a Charitable Gaming Permit as a fundraising activity.  Pulltabs are often played with the bingo game.