Arkansas
What are bingo halls like?
'Bingo halls' is a very general term that is used to describe basically anywhere that hosts a bingo game! Most commonly, it means a commercial bingo venue, but in states like Arkansas where bingo cannot be played for profit, bingo halls get a bit more creative! If a church wants to raise some money for charity, they may do so through bingo. The church hall holds a bingo night, and there you go- the church hall is suddenly a bingo hall! It's not just church halls, though. Lots of places decide to hold charity bingo games as fundraisers for good causes. Your local fire station, veterans' club (like Ark Vets Bingo in Springdale), school, or community center could all become bingo halls! Although bingo venues may look different and have different day jobs, when they're set up for bingo, they will all look quite similar. There will be somewhere for the bingo caller to stand so that they can be seen and heard, as well as chairs and tables for the players. No matter where you choose to play, if you're familiar with bingo, any venue will quickly start to feel like home once you settle in!
What happens during a game of bingo?
Bingo is a simple game, but if you've never played it before, you might be wondering how it all works. Don't worry; it's easy to pick up! Whether you're a bingo pro looking to brush up on your knowledge, or a complete beginner, you can find everything you need to know right here. When you decide to play bingo, it's best to set off for the venue a little early. Once a bingo game has started, you'll have to wait for the next one to join it; you can't hop in halfway through! This means it's a great idea to arrive a bit before the game starts. That way you can settle in, get your cards, and meet your fellow players without having to rush to make it on time! Once the game begins, everyone will fall quiet so that the bingo caller can be heard. They will start drawing the numbers, usually from a bingo roll cage, and announcing them aloud. Mark off the numbers on your card as they are called, and keep an eye on the winning pattern. If you match every number for the winning pattern, shout BINGO! This will tell the caller to pause the game. Your card will then be checked, and your prize awarded!
How do I pick which bingo hall to visit in Arkansas?
Wherever you live in Arkansas, you'll want to make sure you're choosing the right bingo hall. From Fort Smith to Texarkana, Fayetteville to Jonesboro, there are tonnes of bingo venues in Arkansas, so when choosing one, how do you know where to pick? You've already done step one- go to BingoPort! We list all the bingo halls available across Arkansas in easy-to-browse lists. Step two- find your nearest halls. If you want halls in Arkansas, you're already in the right place. Choose your nearest town to see the most convenient halls for you to visit. Step three- have a browse through the hall reviews, and choose a couple that best fit your needs! When picking a hall to visit, consider what you want from it. Do you drive? If so, you'll need somewhere to leave your car- a hall with a parking lot would be perfect for you. Do you smoke? Look for a hall with a smoking shelter for added comfort. Is there a charity that's close to your heart? See if any of your local halls support them with their bingo games. Once you've found a couple of halls that look good, you get to do the fun part- go and try them out!
What makes a bingo hall good?
A bingo hall can offer all kinds of different things, but what makes one bingo hall better than another? Well, the answer is basically that a great bingo hall is the one that fits your needs the best! Everyone will want different things from their bingo experience, so finding a venue that suits you is the best way to guarantee a great time. Consider what each bingo hall has to offer. Big jackpots? A friendly atmosphere? A great location? These things can all make a bingo hall a fantastic place to play. The trick is to find one that does everything you need. Do you need disability access? Check the review to see if the hall offers it. Nothing can ruin a bingo night faster than realising the hall isn't suitable for your needs!
Is bingo legal in Arkansas?
Bingo and raffles are legal in Arkansas as long as they are for charity. Other gambling is mostly illegal; casinos and slot games are not permitted. Pari-mutuel betting is permitted on race tracks, which are either horses or dogs. There is also a state-run lottery. Arkansas didn't used to be so strict on gambling; back in the early 1900s, a town called Hot Springs was gaining notoriety as a hub of games and gambling, with casinos putting down roots and drawing in players from all around. In 1947 this all came to a crashing halt when legal action was taken against several casino owners, and the town that might've rivalled Las Vegas sank back into normality.
Interesting Facts
- Arkansas has plenty of waterways; there are over 600,000 acres of lakes, as well as 9,700 miles of rivers and streams.
- Pike County, Arkansas has the only diamond mine still running in the US. Crater of Diamonds State Park is open for tourists to visit!
- Maya Angelou, Johnny Cash, and Bill Clinton are all from Arkansas.
- The first woman ever elected to the U.S. Senate was Hattie Ophelia Caraway from Arkansas.
- The state flag has 25 stars to represent Arkansas becoming the 25th state to join.