Bingo callers are individuals who are charged with the responsibility of announcing the numbers during the course of a bingo game. The successful bingo caller will have a clear voice that carries well, as well as be able to modulate his or her tone and emphasis in a way that keeps the process of calling number after number interesting for the players. While no special training is required to be a successful bingo number caller, a winning personality and a positive attitude can make a huge difference in how well the caller is received.
There is actually more to the job of bingo caller than simply announcing numbers to the players present. Callers must also keep track of the numbers they’ve called during the current game. At the same time, they must be capable of repeating the numbers when asked by any of the players. In many bingo parlors, the caller is also responsible for participating in the verification process when a player announces that he or she has scored a bingo. This is usually accomplished by having an official visually inspect the card used by the player, and calling out the numbers involved in the bingo; as the official calls out the numbers, the bingo caller verifies that those number were in fact called during the course of the game.
It is not unusual for a bingo caller to also have the responsibility of awarding prizes to the winner of each bingo game. In situations where two players announce a bingo simultaneously, the caller is usually the individual who must make a determination of how to proceed. Assuming both parties have a legitimate bingo, the caller may determine to divide the prize among the two players, or apply any rules or regulations that are inherent in the operational procedures of the bingo parlor. The bingo caller must show a spirit of impartiality during this process, while remaining firm but respectful with all parties involved.
Many bingo parlors choose to retain the services of full-time callers. There are situations when a parlor may choose to also employ part-time callers that can work on an as-needed basis. There are also individuals who work as freelance callers, often providing their services at events where bingo games are played as a fund-raising strategy, or for private parties arranged by bingo aficionados. While not considered the most lucrative of career options, work as a bingo caller can be ideal for a student who needs to work around a class schedule, or a retiree who wishes to work a limited number of hours per week.
In recent years, software created as online bingo callers have been developed. These electronic bingo callers are usually utilized with Internet gaming sites, or as part of gaming software for home use. There are also some traditional bingo parlors that make use of the calling software, although most still prefer the personal touch that is provided by a live caller.