BINGO!

All players must be 18 years old. Players must have an appropriate base I.D. card or be signed in by a sponsor. Sponsors are allowed to bring three guests.

"I transferred here in 1996 from Little Creek, Va. and I have been playing Bingo here ever since. I love Bingo! I am a Bingo fanatic," said Bernice Wilson.

Bingo players purchase cards with numbers on them in a grid corresponding to the five letters in the word B-I-N-G-O. Numbers such as B-2 or 0-68 are then drawn at random until one player completes a 'Bingo' pattern, such as a line with five numbers in a vertical, horizontal or diagonal row on one of their cards and wins the prize. There are many possible patterns to play for.

George Tatum organizes his cards before the Bingo session starts.

Day Bingo cards are sold individually at $1 per card for regular games and $2 and $5 per card for jackpots.

Night Bingo has 35 different games and has two packages one for $22 and one for $25. The $30,000 jackpot card and Bingo appreciation cards are sold separately.

Wacky Wednesday is special as patrons play pattern Bingo, which adds a bit of extra 'spice' to the game. The caller announces certain patterns that are a bit more complex than a vertical, horizontal or diagonal pattern. This pattern is usually based on shapes and takes a bit of creativity and imagination to devise. Also, on Wednesday nights the payouts are higher.

"The success of this Bingo program depends on the customer service you provide. We strive to give our customers the best service we can which is why they are so loyal. Some of them have been coming for years," said MWR Bingo Program Manager Rodney Brunson.

Starting Sept. 3, the lunchtime sessions will begin at 11 a.m.

For more information, call 542-5007.

Bernice Wilson gets to work marking her Bingo cards.

NAS Jax Morale, Recreation and Welfare employee Marisol Sofar selects random balls and announces the results.