What to Buy for a Bingo Night

A bingo night needs more than bingo cards and prizes. You’ll need enough cards and markers for every player, a few spare sets, serving items for snacks and drinks, and working audio equipment so every number can be heard. Buy prizes early, especially if you need several winners per round. This checklist covers the supplies for the game, the refreshment area, guest arrival and room setup without adding items to your existing plan.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 48
Reception desk
Prize table

Game materials

Bingo cardsqty 50
Bingo cage
Bingo ballsqty 90
Bingo markersqty 50
Spare cardsqty 10
Bingo prizesqty 12
Prize ribbonsqty 12

Equipment

Wireless microphone
Speaker
Music player
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3
Rechargeable batteriesqty 8

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 60
Coffee cupsqty 50
Platesqty 60
Cutlery setsqty 60
Serving plattersqty 8
Serving tongsqty 4
Coffee potsqty 2
Teapotsqty 2

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 8
Bingo garlandqty 3
Balloonsqty 40
Balloon ribbonqty 2
Name badgesqty 50

Lighting

String lightsqty 3

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Broom and dustpanqty 2
Mop and bucket

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea assortment - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Mints - 1 box
- Milk - 5 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Sinas - 3 bottles
- Iced tea - 3 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 6 bottles
- Spa Rood - 3 bottles
- Beer - 48 cans
- Alcohol-free pilsner - 12 bottles
- White wine - 4 bottles
- Red wine - 2 bottles
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Tortilla chips - 3 bags
- Salty breadsticks - 3 bags
- Mixed nuts - 2 bags
- Spiced nuts - 2 bags
- Cheese cubes - 1,5 kilo
- Sliced sausages - 1 kilo
- Grapes - 2 kilos
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Cucumber - 4 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 1 kilo
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Baguettes - 6 pieces
- Gluten-free crackers - 2 packs
- Vegan snacks - 3 boxes
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Mustard - 1 jar
- Paper napkins - 200 pieces
- Coffee filters - 1 pack
- Stirrers - 100 pieces
- Ice cubes - 5 kilos
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 1 bottle
- All-purpose cleaner - 1 bottle
- Sponges - 4 pieces

Tips

Count one bingo card and one marker set per player, then add at least 10% spare cards for damaged or misplaced sheets. Keep the reserve cards at the reception table rather than mixing them into the main pile.
Plan prizes by round before you shop. If you expect 8 rounds with 3 winners each, prepare at least 24 prizes and a few extra small prizes for ties or mistakes.
Allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then about one drink per person for each additional hour. Chill reusable cups, coffee and tea supplies early so the refreshment table is ready before guests arrive.
Check the wireless microphone, speaker and music player at least 24 hours beforehand. Charge the batteries, pack extension cords and power strips, and test the setup in the actual room if possible.
Buy tableware for the full guest count plus roughly 10% extra: plates, cutlery, cups and serving items are easy to underestimate when snacks are served in several rounds.

Frequently asked questions

How many bingo cards do I need for a bingo night?: Prepare one card per player and add at least 10% spare cards. For 40 players, that means 44 cards so you can replace lost or damaged cards without interrupting the game.
How many bingo prizes should I buy?: Buy one prize for every planned winning result, then add two or three extras. For 8 rounds with 3 winners per round, prepare at least 24 prizes and a small reserve for ties.
How much food and drink do I need for bingo night?: For drinks, plan two to three per person during the first hour and one per person for each following hour. For snacks, provide around 4 to 6 small portions per guest per hour, plus about 10% extra.
When should I buy bingo night supplies?: Buy prizes, bingo materials and disposable or reusable serving items at least 7 days before the event. Check the microphone, speaker, batteries and power cables at least 24 hours before guests arrive.

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