Illinois

What is a bingo hall?

You may have heard the term 'bingo hall', but what is a bingo hall really? It's quite simple. A bingo hall is just anywhere that hosts a game of bingo! It might be a commercial hall, whose only function is to run bingo games, or it might be another venue that becomes a bingo hall just one night a week. This is often the case in Illinois, where bingo is for charity. Lots of organizations host bingo fundraisers at their own venues, so you might find that your local church, school, fire station, or social club becomes a bingo hall! This of course means that bingo halls often look very different to one another, and gives players a nice variety to choose from. No matter what your bingo hall does for a day job, once it's set up ready for a game of bingo, it will look very familiar. All bingo halls will have tables and chairs so that the players have somewhere to sit. There will also be a place for the bingo caller to stand or sit where they can be seen and heard by everyone. Pair this with someone selling/handing out bingo cards, and you know you're in a bingo hall!

What happens during a bingo game?

Not played bingo before? You might be feeling a little nervous about turning up for your first game unprepared, but no need to panic. Here's BingoPort's rundown on what happens during your typical bingo game, so you can know exactly what to expect! It's always a good idea to arrive a little early for a game of bingo. Before the game starts, you'll need to find the venue, get a parking space, buy your tickets, and find a seat. You don't want to be rushing, and once the game has started, latecomers will have to wait for the next round! When the game begins, the bingo caller will announce the combination of squares (or the pattern, as it's called) that the players must match to win. This might be a line or a full house, or it could be a fancy shape like a diamond or a paper doll. Then it's eyes down as the caller begins to read off the numbers that are drawn. Players mark off the numbers on their card using a special dauber pen that doesn't obscure the numbers, so they can be checked later. When someone matches the winning pattern, they shout BINGO! Their card will then be checked, their prize awarded, and another game can begin.

How do I pick a bingo hall to visit in Illinois?

If you're wondering how to choose a bingo hall in Illinois, you've come to the right place. BingoPort is designed to help players find a great place to enjoy bingo. The first thing to consider when choosing a hall is location. All the bingo halls listed here are located within the state of Illinois! To find the bingo halls closest to you, select your nearest town from the list. This will show you the closest bingo halls to you, so you can browse the selection and see what's available. Take a look at each hall listing to see what they offer. Different halls will have different facilities, so it's important to pick one that matches your needs and your schedule. If a hall only opens one day a week, and you're busy that day, it'll be no good for you! If you work during the day, a venue that only does lunchtime or afternoon games isn't going to suit; you need one that does evenings. All of the information you need is listed in the BingoPort hall pages, so have a browse and see which halls look good. Then all that's left to do is try them out!

What makes a bingo hall great?

So you've found the bingo halls nearest to you, but... what now? How do you know which of the venues where you can play bingo are any good? Well, the secret is, there's no such thing as the perfect bingo hall. What there is, is the perfect bingo hall for YOU. Every player wants something different from their bingo experience, so knowing what you want from your bingo hall will make having having a great time even easier. Are you on the hunt for big jackpots? Or perhaps you value a very social atmosphere at your bingo games? Are you looking for snacks while you play? Whatever it is that you enjoy about bingo, you're sure to find it at the venues listed. So when you're looking for a great bingo hall, bear in mind what that means for you.

Is it legal to gamble in Illinois?

Most types of gambling are legal in Illinois, if properly licensed, and gambling is more accessible in Illinois than in many other states. Illinois has a state lottery, and other lottery and scratch card tickets are available to purchase as well. Casinos are permitted in Illinois, but only on riverboats. There are currently nine riverboat casinos in the state. Card games like poker and blackjack, as well as slots, craps, video poker, and roulette can all be played in Illinois casinos. Unusually, gambling games are accessible outside of casinos in Illinois. Slot games and video poker machines are available all over the place, including bars, gas stations, and more. Racing is also a popular betting pastime in the state. Bingo is legal in Illinois, when played for charity. It is enjoyed by many as a fun way to raise money for great causes.

Interesting Facts

• John Deere, the agricultural machinery company, was founded in Illinois.
• Walt Disney is from Illinois, specifically Chicago! He was born December 5, 1901.
• The first McDonald's restaurant opened in Illinois in 1955. The headquarters of the company is still located in Illinois!
• 80% of Illinois is farmland. That's a lot of fields!
• Illinois generates the most nuclear power of all the states.

Towns in Illinois