Amsterdam | New York, New York

Located in the county of Montgomery, Amsterdam is a city holding a population of over 18,000 people. Named after Amsterdam in the Netherlands, the city of Amsterdam became what it was in 1803 through New England settlers. The Erie Canal runs right through the town, which, while providing great outsourcing of energy, it has a history of flooding during hurricane seasons. True to many water-side towns, Amsterdam has seen it's fair share of hurricane damage as well as repercussions from the Great Depression. However, through redevelopment, it has always bounced back and thrived in a way it knows how to: through many historic notable places and a rich history of architecture.

Where Can I Play Bingo in Amsterdam, New York?

New York has one of the highest concentration of sports bars as horse racing in the state is incredibly popular. Despite the demand for sports bars, there are two major bingo halls over the town of Amsterdam, both with long-standing histories and names that claim their notoriety. Much like the town they belong to, most Amsterdam residents will know the names of the bingo halls: Elks Lodge--a fraternity organisation with lots of lodges all over the US; and Knights of Columbus, another fraternity organisation for Catholics, with groups that span parts of the US as well. Both names carry recognition. While the location of the Knights of Columbus is a council headquarters, it is linked directly with a building in Oceanside, located further down the map in New York.

What Happens During a Bingo Game?

Bingo is a super straight-forward game but no less fun for it's simplicity. The fact that it is a very simply played game only heightens the fact that bingo is completely unpredictable. It's a game of chance. Some local bingo halls have a variety of other chance games; others even have card games or the odd low-stakes table games. Even raffles can be added into the bingo night mix! Usually, admission fees include a ticket, access to refreshments, and a bingo grid. Often, bingo hosts have bingo books--or extra bingo sheets for those wanting to try their luck numerous times--on hand to buy in the venue. Ink daubers are a popular pen tool for avid bingo players: they make marking your way through a grid very easy and low fuss! Players can either go solo or team up with friends and family to try their luck! Once all players are seated, the bingo host calls for the game to start. The host or caller will draw numbers and that puts the game in motion. The numbers are randomly called and if a player has that number, they cross it off on their grid! Eventually, someone hits the first win - this can a vertical or horizontal line (or all corners) and the win is verified! After that, all players continue to strive for the full house bingo. Here, expect and hope for your bingo grid to be fully crossed off! If you're the fortunate winner of any bingo game, your win will be confirmed and if there is a jackpot or prize, you'll get your reward! A lot of bingo games can be played in five-game segments, with a break afterwards before diving right back into things!

How Do I Pick a Bingo Hall in Amsterdam, New York?

If you're looking at where to play bingo locally, you want it to be as easy and stress-free as possible, right? BingoPort takes all that stress right off your shoulders with the click of a button! On the site, you can view all the information you'll ever need for each bingo hall in order for you to make the decision that best suits you! By simply scrolling through the pages for a town and the halls within that town, you'll be equipped with all the knowledge you'll need to find a bingo hall! Faced with choices and you don't know what place to pick to check out? You could always try both! Amsterdam has two bingo halls that have regular weekly games so if one doesn't work out for you, you won't have to wait long to check out the next one! Depending on if you want your bingo hall to have super accessible parking or availability for refreshments, BingoPort can help you narrow down your options!

What Makes a Bingo Hall Good?

When you picture a bingo hall, don't go to the drab uneventful, sparsely decorated interior of a hollow hall. What Amsterdam, New York, offers is the complete opposite! From the moment you walk into either of these venues to the second you leave, you're encompassed with friendliness, a welcoming community, and laughter guaranteed! So if you're looking for a place to feel comforted and right at home, check out either the Elks Lodge or Knights of Columbus! Not only that but these venues both have the added element of refreshments being available during bingo games. Perhaps another element you want for your bingo game is good parking. Coming straight from work to bingo, and driving? You'll definitely want a guaranteed space to park. Knights of Columbus has a small parking lot but plenty of street parking available, while Elks Lodge has a specific designated large parking lot for players to take full advantage of!

Gambling and New York

Some forms of gambling are legal in New York, but not all of them! Bingo is legal, which is the most exciting thing! Bingo is popular and it's available all over the state in a variety of bingo venues. Betting on horse races is allowed, and there are a few racetracks within the state. Slot machine games are also available at racinos. There are Native American tribal casinos throughout New York, and these can offer slot games, roulette, craps, and other table games.

Interesting Facts

Amsterdam was greatly hit by the Great Depression; afterwards, there was a major urban redevelopment in order to bring tourists and turning profit back to the town.
Prior to moving location to Texas in 2015, the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame was in Amsterdam as a major point of interest for tourists.
The Amsterdam Free Library is one of the remaining Carnegie libraries, built in 1903.
Gary Aldrich, an FBI agent assigned to George W. Bush and Bill Clinton, was from Amsterdam, New York.
Another notable person in Amsterdam's history is actor Kirk Douglas.