What to buy for a bingo night

A bingo night needs more than cards and prizes. You also need a clear way to call numbers, enough markers for every player, serving supplies, hot drinks and a separate place for registration. Use this list to check what must be bought, packed or brought to the venue before guests arrive. Plan quantities around your guest count, then add a small buffer for spare cards, cups and markers.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 60
Registration desk
Bingo table

Tableware

Reusable drinking glassesqty 70
Coffee cupsqty 60
Small platesqty 60
Cake platesqty 70
Teaspoonsqty 70
Serving spoonsqty 6

Equipment

Bingo cage
Microphone
Speaker
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3

Game materials

Bingo cardsqty 70
Bingo markersqty 70
Number cardsqty 90
Prize envelopesqty 30
Score padsqty 10

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 8
Bingo buntingqty 2
Balloonsqty 30

Kitchen

Coffee makerqty 2
Kettleqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Coolersqty 3

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Trash bag holderqty 2
Cleaning clothsqty 12

Lighting

Atmosphere lightsqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea bags - 120 pieces
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Mints - 1 box
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 5 bottles
- Ice tea - 5 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 6 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 3 packs
- Orange juice - 3 cartons
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Cheese and onion chips - 3 bags
- Snack mix - 3 bags
- Snack nuts - 3 bags
- Popcorn - 3 bags
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Speculaas - 3 packs
- Mini apple pies - 60 pieces
- Mini cupcakes - 60 pieces
- Cheese cubes - 2 kilogram
- Grapes - 3 kilograms
- Cucumber - 5 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilograms
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Butter - 2 packs
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper straws - 100 pieces
- Cling film - 1 roll
- Aluminum foil - 1 roll
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Hand soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 30 pieces
- Sponges - 6 pieces

Tips

Prepare one bingo card and a set of markers for every player, plus at least 10% extra. Spare cards and markers cover late registrations, lost pieces and damaged materials.
Plan prizes before shopping for envelopes and labels. Have one clearly labelled prize envelope for each winning round, with two or three spare envelopes in case the programme changes.
For drinks, allow two reusable glasses per guest if people will be moving between the buffet and tables. Prepare coffee cups, small plates, cake plates and teaspoons for the full guest count plus 10% extra.
Do not leave the calling setup until the last minute. Test the bingo cage, microphone and speaker at least 60 minutes before opening, and pack extension cords and power strips with them.
Set aside cleaning supplies before decorating the room. Put waste bins and a trash bag holder near the drinks and buffet table, and keep cleaning cloths within reach throughout the evening.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need for a bingo night?: You need bingo cards, bingo markers, number cards and a bingo cage, plus score pads and prize envelopes. For the venue, plan tables, chairs, a registration desk, a bingo table, a microphone, a speaker and power supplies. Add drinks, serving items, decorations and cleaning supplies.
How many bingo cards and markers do I need per person?: Prepare one card and enough markers for each registered player. Buy or pack at least 10% extra, so a group of 40 needs supplies for 44 players. Keep the spare set at the registration desk.
How many bingo prizes should I buy?: Buy one prize for every planned winning round, then add two or three backup prizes. Label each prize before the event and place it where players can see it without blocking the bingo table.
How early should I set up a bingo night?: Open the venue at least 60 minutes before guests arrive. Use that hour to arrange tables and chairs, test the microphone and speaker, check the bingo cards and numbers, chill drinks and set up the buffet.

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