The Bingo Caller

25 January 2012

Walk into a bingo hall and the first thing that a player will take note of is the bingo caller. First time encounters mean everything because in the first 7 seconds 11 impressions of a person are already formed. That means a bingo caller has to be on top of his game literally if he plans on capturing the attention of his audience.

What defines a good bingo caller? There are several factors to consider including appearance. He doesn’t have to look like Brad Pitt, although that would be awfully nice on the eyes. As long as the caller is neatly groomed with clean conservative clothes and a recent shower he is good to go. Probably the most important element of the bingo caller is the voice. A clear speaking voice with an inflection of their personality is ideal.

But one thing a bingo caller should never do is clown around too much while calling numbers. That is an open door to disaster when it comes to dealing with serious bingo players. It is best to save the talent for intermission to charm the lovely ladies and break out in song and dance. I wonder what Russell Crowe did to wow his audience when he was a bingo caller. Yes, it’s true, the now famous actor started out as a bingo caller.

The bingo caller needs a tough exterior because they are the target of ridicule when players are on a losing streak or need one number to go and it’s not called. The player has to blame someone for losing, it might as well be the caller right? He has been cursed at, given the evil eye as the mumbles can be heard throughout the club to get a new caller. They are also considered a local celebrity and are in many ways. Some bingo players will only play on certain days or halls when their favorite bingo caller is there.

Though online bingo doesn’t have the visual of the caller there are some voices that players just don’t like! Many online bingo sites give players an option to change the caller that best fits their preference from a male/female caller.

In essence the bingo caller is the heart and soul of the game and without them it wouldn’t have the charm that it does. One alternative would be to have a no caller at all as some clubs have contemplated. Now that may just be the medicine the doctor ordered to appreciate the bingo caller and the important role he plays.