What to Buy for a Bingo Night

A bingo night needs more than bingo cards and prizes. You will also need a reliable way to call numbers, enough seating and tableware, drinks that can be prepared ahead, and a few backups for missing cards or equipment. This checklist covers the practical shopping and equipment needs for the night, including coffee service, coolers, serving items and prize-table supplies. Adjust quantities to your registered guest list rather than estimating from the room size.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 70
Prize table
Reception desk

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 100
Reusable platesqty 80
Reusable cutleryqty 80
Coffee cupsqty 40

Game materials

Bingo cardsqty 140
Bingo cardsqty 500
Bingo ballsqty 90
Bingo cage
Bingo numbers
Reserve bingo cardsqty 20
Bingo prizesqty 18

Equipment

Portable speaker
Microphone
Coffee maker
Kettleqty 2
Coolersqty 2
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3

Kitchen

Coffee thermosesqty 3
Serving traysqty 6
Serving jugsqty 4
Small bowlsqty 12
Pliersqty 4

Decorations

Bingo flagsqty 2
Buntingqty 8
Tableclothsqty 8
Balloonsqty 50
Balloon ribbonqty 2
Balloon pump
Name stickersqty 80

Office

Attendance formsqty 10
Pensqty 20
Tapeqty 3
Scissorsqty 3
Price listsqty 10

Cleaning

Washing-up bowlsqty 2
Reusable cleaning clothsqty 12

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea assortment - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Lemon juice - 2 bottles
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 5 bottles
- Bitter lemon - 3 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 6 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Tortilla chips - 4 bags
- Salted peanuts - 3 bags
- Snack nuts - 3 bags
- Salted breadsticks - 3 bags
- Mini pretzels - 3 bags
- Cheese soufflés - 60 pieces
- Mini frikandellen - 60 pieces
- Vegetarian mini snacks - 40 pieces
- Bitterballen - 60 pieces
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Curry - 1 bottle
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Mustard - 1 jar
- Mini cheese cubes - 2 kilo
- Grapes - 2 kilos
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Cucumber - 4 pieces
- Carrots - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Crackers - 4 packs
- Cookies - 5 packs
- Stroopwafels - 4 packs
- Chocolate bars - 30 pieces
- Ice cubes - 8 bags
- Napkins - 250 pieces
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Garbage bags - 30 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 1 bottle
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Rubber gloves - 3 pairs

Tips

Buy bingo cards for every registered player, then add at least 10% extra as reserve cards. For 40 players, that means 44 cards before allowing for damaged or misplaced cards.
Plan one reusable cup, plate and set of cutlery per guest, plus 10% extra. For 40 guests, prepare 44 of each so you are not washing items during the games.
For drinks, use enough cooler space for the full first serving and keep a second batch chilled if the evening lasts more than two hours. Prepare coffee and tea equipment before guests arrive, not between rounds.
Label each prize before placing it on the prize table, and keep small bowls or serving trays nearby for snacks. This prevents prize handling and food service from competing for the same table space.
Check the bingo cage, balls, numbers, cards, speaker and microphone at least one day before the event. Keep extension cords and power strips available, and test the sound system in the actual room before doors open.

Frequently asked questions

How many bingo cards do I need per person?: Prepare one card for each player for every round you plan to run. Add at least 10% reserve cards; for 50 players, have 55 cards ready so replacements are available.
How many prizes should I buy for a bingo night?: Buy at least one prize for each winning round, then add two or three extra prizes for ties, bonus rounds or damaged items. Confirm the final number of rounds before shopping, ideally at least one week ahead.
How much tableware do I need for bingo night?: Plan one cup, plate and cutlery set per guest, plus 10% extra. For 30 guests, prepare 33 of each item; coffee cups should be counted separately from drinking cups.
When should I prepare the bingo equipment?: Check the cards, balls, cage, numbers and sound equipment at least 24 hours before the event. Set up and test the microphone and speaker 30 to 60 minutes before guests arrive.

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