At its heart, bingo is a simple game. Cards are daubed when they list the number called and play continues until someone has five of the numbers called in a row on a card. But with a variety of games and playing options at Mystic Lake, getting started can be a bit daunting. That's why we've created Bingo University – a way for you to learn all you need to know to get in on the fun!

How to Play Bingo

Conventional 75-number bingo (played at Mystic Lake) is a well known game. Players purchase bingo cards that typically have a grid of five horizontal rows and five vertical columns. The columns are labeled 'B' 'I' 'N' 'G' 'O' from left to right across the top of the vertical columns. Each card would typically have five numbers down each column and a center 'FREE SPACE' in the 'N' column.

Bingo balls individually numbered 1 through 75 are mixed together and are randomly selected one at a time. As each ball is selected, the number (and letter) is announced to the players, who will mark or daub the corresponding number on their bingo cards with an ink dauber. When a player completes a predetermined pattern (arrangement) of covered numbers on a card (face), the player yells out "bingo!" Once the bingo card is verified as being valid, that player wins the game.

Players will purchase bingo cards for use during a bingo session. A package of cards is typically required to play a bingo session. Winning players will receive a pre-announced cash or merchandise prize. Normally, a bingo session includes a number of individual bingo games with different winning patterns. The session will offer a number of regular games (part of the package) and some jackpot games.

Paper Bingo vs. Electronic Bingo

Most bingo sessions can be played on either paper cards or on a hand-held electronic unit.

Paper cards vary in color and sizes (six faces, three faces, one face – also known as 6-on, 3-on and 1-on). These paper cards are marked with an ink dauber during a bingo game.

Electronic bingo is played on a hand-held device. The bingo cards are downloaded into the unit when it is purchased prior to the session. Guests may purchase up to 84 cards per game during weekend evening and matinee sessions. The limit for all weekday sessions is 63 cards. The hand-held unit is fully automated, daubing all cards appropriately and alerting the player when a bingo has been achieved.

Winning Bingo Patterns

Although most bingo games are won with straight-line bingos, there are several variations that can be played. The type of bingo that will be awarded is always announced prior to the game being played. See examples of bingo variations below.

Understanding Regular Game Payouts

Most regular session bingo games have payouts based on what package (Level 1, 2, 3, or Intro) is purchased. Payouts are split according to the prize level divided by the total number of bingos. For example, say during an evening session a game finishes with four winners – with one winner at each level. The Intro player would receive $38 ($150/4, rounded up), the Level 1 player would receive $75 ($300/4), the Level 2 player would receive $150 ($600/4), and the Level 3 player would receive $250.

Sideboards

Sideboards – also called side packs – are additional 3-on cards that are played during specific regular session games. They can be purchased at the bingo sales counter. Sideboards can also be downloaded to an electronic hand-held unit. Sideboards are available in all package levels.

Purchasing Extras

Guests can purchase extra cards for jackpot games in two places. Extra cards for electronic hand-held units must be purchased at the bingo sales counter prior to the session. Each session has a maximum number of cards allowed per game. See the session program for details.

Paper extras can be purchased from bingo floor clerks until the game begins. Paper extras are unlimited, but it is recommended that a player only purchase a number of cards he or she can comfortably play. The costs for extras are detailed in the session programs.

Bingo Jackpots

Bingo sessions offer a wide variety of jackpots with different ways to win them. Jackpots can range anywhere from a few hundred dollars up to $150,000. You can find out the current bingo jackpot numbers and prizes on the right side of any bingo page in this website or by calling our bingo hotline at 952-496-7272.

Mystic Bingo Sessions

Doors open at noon every weekday with matinee bingo sessions beginning at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday feature early bird and warm-up sessions beginning at 1 p.m. with the regular session beginning at 2:30 p.m. Doors open seven days a week at 6 p.m. for evening bingo sessions, with early birds and warm-ups starting at 7 p.m. and the regular session beginning at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday nights also feature Cosmic Bingo, with 11 p.m., midnight at last call sessions.