Connecting with friends and family online can take many forms. FaceTime, online gaming and digital quizzes are all popular ways people stay in touch with others they can’t see in person, but have you ever considered a virtual bingo night?
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just looking for something a bit different to your normal routines, a virtual bingo night promises lots of fun and entertainment. Here are some essential tips to help make your night a resounding success.
Choose the right platform
The foundation of a successful virtual bingo night is finding an appropriate platform to host your event. You’ll need something that’s accessible and easy to use for all participants.
Zoom, Google Meet, Skype and others are all popular choices that allow screen sharing, which is crucial to display the board for your bingo game of choice. It’s always worth testing the platform ahead of time to ensure you know how it all works.
Plan ahead
Sending out invitations at least one week in advance gives your guests plenty of time to RSVP. This will also give an idea of how many people will be playing, so you can prepare for the virtual bingo night more thoroughly.
You’ll need to plan how the games are going to work, whether you’re all playing in the same lobbies in online bingo or having a private game with digital cards. This depends on how far you want to customise the experience and how long you have to prepare!
Explain the rules and proceedings
To avoid confusion, clearly explain the rules at the beginning of the game or send an email in the days leading up to the night. Games always run smoother if everyone knows what to do, what they’re aiming for and what they’re playing for.
If you’re creating your own prizes and incentives, tell everyone beforehand so they know what to expect. These don’t have to be extravagant; something as simple as food and drink, gift cards or even just bragging rights can be enough to keep things interesting.
Engage your guests
The art of hosting includes your ability to entertain players during and between bingo rounds. Be prepared to encourage small talk, share jokes or perhaps even introduce sporadic trivia rounds to keep everyone engaged.
Background music can help to build the atmosphere, but make sure it doesn’t interfere with the callouts. Whatever you do, create a virtual bingo night that you’re proud to call your own.