Virginia
What are bingo halls?
Bingo halls are anywhere you can play bingo! In many states, this will mostly be commercial bingo halls, but in Virginia, bingo is only legal for charity. This means that you won't find any commercial bingo halls! Instead, you'll often find that charity organizations use other buildings to host their bingo fundraisers. For example, a bingo game held to raise money for your local community projects may be held in your local church hall! Or a game to raise money for a veterans' club might be held at the club itself. This means that instead of a for-purpose commercial bingo venue, your local bingo hall will likely be a venue that also serves a different purpose, like a bar, a place of worship, a fire station, or a school gym! Don't worry; you'll be able to see all the bingo halls nearest to you in Virginia by using BingoPort's handy listings. This way you can find a fantastic new bingo hall to join!
How does a bingo game work?
Bingo is fast-paced, and if you've ever watched a room of bingo experts play, it can be hard to keep up! Luckily, BingoPort is here to explain the rules and make bingo simple, even for a complete beginner. Here's your easy guide to the game of bingo. It's always good to be a little early for bingo. This is because there are a couple of things to do before the game starts! You will need to find the venue, and you may need to pay an entry fee. Once inside, you'll need to get your bingo cards and find a seat. Some venues even offer refreshments, so you may need time to buy a drink for example. Once the game is about to begin, everyone will take their seats and fall quiet. The bingo caller will welcome the players, and announce the prize at stake. They will also ensure that players know the winning pattern- that is, which boxes on the bingo card must be daubed for you to win. Then the game begins! The bingo caller will draw numbers and call them out. Players daub the numbers on their card as they are called. The first player to mark all of the boxes required for the winning pattern must shout BINGO to claim their prize!
How do I pick a bingo hall in Virginia?
Choosing a bingo hall to play at can feel like a huge task, but BingoPort is designed to make it simple. Don't panic, choosing a hall will be fun! The first step is to find halls in your local area. If you live in Virginia, you don't want to be looking at halls in Alaska! For bingo halls in Virginia, you're in the right place. Select your closest town or city to see your nearest bingo halls. Once you've got a list of venues, it's time to pick a hall to visit. One might just catch your eye- maybe it's a charity you'd like to support, or a venue you already visit- but if not, you can take a look at each hall's listing to see what they offer. Aim for a hall that meets your needs; do the games run at convenient times? Do they have good prizes? What charity are they in support of? You can also consider the facilities on offer at the bingo hall; smoking shelters, parking lots, disability access, and refreshments can all make a hall great for those who need or want them. Pick one hall, pick two- pick as many as you like, and then get playing!
What makes a great bingo hall?
Everyone wants to find a great bingo hall to join, but what is it that really makes a bingo hall stand out as excellent? The truth is, different players will have different ideas about what makes a bingo hall great. The best way to find a fantastic bingo hall is to consider what makes a bingo hall great for you, and then seek out a hall that fits your preferences. Do you want a big hall, or a small one? Do you care if there's a big jackpot, or are you more interested in having a fun experience? Would free entry tip a hall as great in your eyes? There are so many things to consider, you'll be able to figure out exactly what kind of hall you'd love. This will make shopping around for a new bingo hall much easier, too!
Virginia and Gambling
In Virginia, many types of gambling are illegal, but there are some ways you can play games of chance legally. Betting on horse races is allowed in Virginia, and this includes pari-mutuel betting and off-track betting at licensed places. However, casinos, slot parlours, and gambling establishments of any kind are nor permitted. That being said, gambling at private residences (like a poker game with buddies at home) is legal. Aside from horse race betting, there are a few other ways you can gamble, and these largely come under the umbrella of charitable gambling. Bingo games and raffles conducted by charitable organizations are permitted, as are duck races- which are quite popular in Virginia! After all, who wouldn't want to race rubber duckies down a river? Contests of skill or speed are also allowed, for people, animals, and vehicles, although greyhound racing specifically is outlawed. But if you want to race chickens, llamas, snails, or any other animal, you're free to do so!
Interesting Facts
- The Chesapeake Bay is home to tons of diverse sea life, and it makes Virginia one of the biggest seafood producers in the country.
- Virginia is steeped in history; almost half of all the battles in the Civil War were fought on Virginia soil.
- The world's largest naval base is Naval Station Norfolk, VA. Currently home to 78 ships, visitors can enjoy guided tours to learn about the base.
- Virginia is known as the 'Mother of Presidents'. Eight presidents have been from Virginia; more than any other state.
- The state motto is "Sic Semper Tyrannis", meaning 'thus always to tyrants'.