A bingo caller organises and runs the game of bingo in a public bingo hall, social club or other entertainment venue.

The Work

You could be:

• choosing the numbers to be called, randomly, by hand or by computer
• making sure that players understand the game and the rules for collecting prizes
• calling out the numbers, using a microphone
• keeping the pace of the game going but allowing enough time for players to check their numbers
• using a computer to check the winning card is correct
• presenting the prizes, speaking to the audience confidently and cheerfully
• working with other bingo halls and social clubs to organise regional or national contests.

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual salaries may vary, depending on:

• where you work
• the size of the company or organisation you work for
• the demand for the job.

Starting pay is often based on the National Minimum Wage (NMW) or the National Living Wage (NLW).

As of 1 April 2026 the National Minimum Wage is £10.85 an hour for workers aged 18 to 20. The National Living Wage for those aged 21 and over is £12.71 an hour. This may rise to £8.50 an hour with experience. As a manager you might earn around £30,000 a year or more depending on the size of the club.

Conditions

• You might work in crowded halls.
• You would probably work shifts. Bingo halls are usually open from 10am until 11pm, 7 days a week.
• You might be able to work part time.
• You might also be able to travel about by working in holiday centres or cruise ships.

Getting In

• You do not need formal qualifications but a good general education is useful. Personality is more important than qualifications to entertain the customers.
• You must be over 18.
• You must be willing to learn about the gambling laws which apply to bingo.

What Does it Take?

You need to be:

• good at keeping up entertaining chat
• friendly and outgoing with a sense of humour
• able to speak clearly
• decisive
• confident - to keep very large audiences involved
• observant
• honest, diplomatic and tactful
• able to work calmly under pressure.

Training

• Training is usually on the job.
• You would first work with an experienced member of staff.
• You then work some of the quieter sessions and finally stand in for experienced callers in busy sessions.

Getting On

• You might move from a hall operated by a small concern to one run by a larger company.
• You might move into calling major national games, covering different clubs in a large area.
• There are better chances of promotion in larger companies and with experience you may become a supervisor.
• You might move into a management position.