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, spare supplies for mistakes, and a clear setup for registration, refreshments and prize collection. Plan drinks, snacks and tableware around the number of guests, then check the equipment before the room opens. This list also covers the easily forgotten items, such as pens, winner forms, extension cords and extra cards.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 60
Prize table
Registration desk
Clothing rack

Equipment

Bingo machine
Bingo cage
Microphone
Speaker
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3
Laptops
Printer
Calculatorqty 2

Bingo supplies

Bingo ballsqty 90
Bingo cardsqty 150
Bingo markersqty 60
Spare cardsqty 20
Raffle drum
Number plate
Winner formsqty 30
Pensqty 20
Clipboardsqty 4

Tableware

Coffee cupsqty 60
Glassesqty 60
Pastry platesqty 60
Cutlery setsqty 60
Coffee spoonsqty 60
Serving traysqty 6

Kitchen

Coffee makerqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Coolersqty 3
Ice spoonsqty 2
Small bowlsqty 12
Sugar bowlsqty 4
Milk jugsqty 4

Decorations

Bingo banner
Tableclothsqty 8
Balloonsqty 50
Balloon ribbon
Table décorqty 8

Lighting

Mood lightingqty 3
Light Stripsqty 2

Cleaning

Broomsqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Bucketsqty 2
Cleaning glovesqty 6
Toilet brushesqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Chocolate milk - 3 liters
- Semi-skimmed milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Coffee milk - 2 bottles
- White sugar - 1 kilo
- Mints - 1 box
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Ice tea - 3 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 6 bottles
- Spa Rood - 3 bottles
- Apple juice - 3 packs
- Orange juice - 3 cartons
- Alcohol-free beer - 12 bottles
- Beer - 24 bottles
- White wine - 3 bottles
- Red wine - 2 bottles
- Paprika chips - 3 bags
- Plain chips - 3 bags
- Cheese cookies - 3 packs
- Snack mix - 3 bags
- Savory snacks - 2 bags
- Mini pretzels - 2 bags
- Cheese cubes - 2 kilos
- Grapes - 2 kilos
- Apples - 20 pieces
- Cucumber - 4 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Baguettes - 6 pieces
- Unsalted butter - 2 packs
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Brownies - 3 boxes
- Cream puffs - 3 boxes
- Napkins - 300 pieces
- Teaspoons - 100 pieces
- Coffee filters - 1 pack
- Stirrers - 100 pieces
- Cocktail picks - 1 pack
- Cling film - 1 roll
- Aluminum foil - 1 roll
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 1 bottle
- Disinfectant - 1 bottle
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Microfiber cloths - 12 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Garbage bags - 30 pieces
- Hand soap - 3 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 3 bottles
- Disposable wipes - 2 packs

Tips

Buy or prepare one bingo card and one marker for each player, plus at least 10% spare cards and markers. For 50 players, that means 55 of each.
Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then one additional drink per person for each following hour. Include coffee and tea, with one cup per serving.
Allow two snack portions per person and use serving trays, pastry plates, cutlery and glasses so food and drinks can be served without interrupting a round.
Prepare prizes before shopping and label the prize table by round. Keep the prize money, winner forms, pens and a calculator together at registration.
Check the microphone, speaker, bingo machine or cage and all power connections at least 60 minutes before guests arrive. Bring extension cords and power strips rather than relying on wall sockets.

Frequently asked questions

How many bingo cards do I need for a bingo night?: Prepare one card per player for each round, plus at least 10% spare cards. For 40 players, bring at least 44 cards per round so damaged or missing cards do not stop the game.
How many bingo markers should I buy?: Provide one marker for every player and keep 10% extra available. For 60 players, plan for at least 66 markers, especially if players may lose or share them between rounds.
How much food and drink do I need for bingo night?: Allow two to three drinks per person during the first hour and one more per person for every later hour. Plan two snack portions per guest and add 10% if registration numbers are uncertain.
When should I check the bingo equipment?: Test the bingo machine or cage, balls, microphone, speaker and power connections at least 60 minutes before the doors open. Keep spare cards, pens and winner forms ready at the registration desk.

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