Fun Facts About Bingo Daubers

Bingo, Casino

Fun Facts About Bingo Daubers

Bingo, Casino

A dauber hovers above a bingo card.

Fun Facts About Bingo Daubers

Bingo, Casino

A dauber hovers above a bingo card.

There are millions of enthusiastic bingo players all over the world and since the introduction of bingo as an online casino game, even more people from different age groups and backgrounds are giving it a try. 

What are the most essential tools for playing bingo? Bingo daubers – also known as bingo dotters, dabbers and dobbers! These ink pens are shaped like small plastic bottles with spongy tips and are used to mark off numbers on bingo cards. What you might not know, though, is that they’re a lot more interesting than you might have originally thought, especially if you’ve only been grabbing for the basic, standard variety at every bingo session you’ve attended! If you’re a fan of bingo and other casino games, or even if you’re still a newcomer, here are some fun facts about bingo daubers that we think you’ll enjoy.

Beans were the original markers used for bingo

Image from above of blue, green, and red bingo daubers.

Before bingo daubers or bingo markers were introduced in bingo halls and casinos across the globe, the most commonly used markers during gameplay were dried beans. These beans are actually also responsible for the game’s name back in the 20th century – Beano!

Unfortunately, it quickly became clear that beans weren’t an ideal choice to use as markers, especially considering how easily they could be bumped out of place and lead to inaccurate bingo results. From there, the innovations began and beans were soon replaced with brightly colored plastic discs or little see-through windows that could be moved over the numbers and, eventually, in the 1980s and 1990s, daubers as we know them today.  

There are lots of different kinds of daubers on the market

For some bingo players, daubers for bingo are merely functional. However, for others, they can be quite sentimental and are often thought of as “lucky charms,” unique to each player. As such, it’s unsurprising to find out that there are lots of different kinds of daubers for sale, ranging from minimalistic disposable daubers to creative, refillable novelty daubers. Daubers also differ when it comes to their nibs. Some are simple and round, while others come in a variety of shapes, like stars, hearts and moons. In short, there’s a special dauber for everyone!

Grown quite attached to your “lucky” dauber? You’re probably worried about what you’re going to do when its nib or tip eventually wears down. Fear not! It’s easy to replace the nibs of most reusable daubers, especially if you buy the replacements online. Most online bingo stores have various sizes for sale. 

It’s possible to make your own

Not sure where to buy a bingo dauber? Why not make your own instead? True bingo lovers often take great pleasure in putting their own spin on their bingo markers, which is why they might decide to try a DIY approach. The great news is that daubers are quite easy to make, as long as you find a good quality bingo supplier offering access to ink, nibs and bottles. Remember to protect your work surface using an old towel or plastic sheeting when making your own dauber, as working with and replacing the ink is bound to get a little bit messy!

Also, always remember to keep in mind what makes a quality, functional and unique bingo dauber when sourcing your supplies. For example, it’s important to ensure that the ink flows freely and dries quickly to avoid smudges. Plus, it’s a good idea to choose lightweight materials so that the dauber doesn’t weigh your hand down.

Think before you choose your ink

Yes, there is indeed a standard bingo ink available. However, it’s not the only option on the market when buying a dauber or when making your own. It’s certainly the safest option, but there’s nothing stopping you from getting creative with your selection if you’d prefer a brighter color over the more traditional translucent varieties. You can even feel free to splurge on an eye-catching fluorescent ink if you want something especially eccentric! Just remember to always choose an ink product that is both non-toxic and non-staining, for obvious reasons.

Daubers are now available when playing at online casinos

Technology has enhanced the joy and flow of bingo and if you prefer to play casino games online rather than at a land-based casino or a traditional bingo hall, there’s no need to forget about your trusty dauber. Many online casinos specializing in online bingo now offer the freedom to create your own custom digital dauber, paying special attention to its size, color and embellishments that make it unique to you.  

Bingo daubers can be used for more than just bingo

While their primary use is in casinos and bingo halls, daubers have experienced a rise in popularity among those other than bingo players. For example, they are often sought-after tools among teachers, crafters and DIYers. Kids and teenagers even love to use them when doing their creative art projects or dying their hair different colors of the rainbow.  

A man and woman mark off numbers on their bingo cards.

Put your bingo dotters to good use with our bingo tips

Now that you know all there is to know about bingo dotters and daubers, it’s time to turn your attention to your bingo card, strategy and mindset. Here are some of our top tips for making the most of your bingo game, whether playing online, at a casino or inside a bingo hall:

  • Buy as many cards as you can manage: It stands to reason that the more bingo cards you have, the higher your chances are of winning. That being said, avoid buying too many and risking missing out on some of the numbers being called. The bonus when playing bingo online is that you can take advantage of the auto-mark feature, which automatically marks off the relevant numbers for you as the game progresses. 
  • Familiarize yourself with probability theories: While bingo is a game of luck, some players believe that understanding probability theories increases their chances of winning. For example, the Tippett theory revolves around the belief that the longer a game runs, the more the numbers will move toward the median number of 45. On the other hand, if the game is shorter, the numbers called will usually be closer to the “edges” (1 and 99.) If you’re keen to form a strategy when playing bingo, these theories could be a good place to start. 
  • Set a budget: Bingo is a lot of fun and it can be tempting to play for longer periods when you’re enjoying yourself. This could mean spending more on bingo cards than you can actually afford. Steer clear of this mistake by always setting a budget for yourself before logging in or arriving at the bingo hall. 
  • Practice makes perfect: Bingo can be intimidating at first, particularly if you find yourself surrounded by experienced players in a bingo hall or casino. Help boost your confidence by practicing with online bingo and learning all of the rules before trying your luck in person. 

Play the best online bingo games at Borgata Bingo

At Borgata Bingo, anyone can try their luck on a range of exciting games, including the classic 75-ball and 90-ball bingo games, as well as online bingo slots, jackpot bingo,  jackpot slots, Slingo and many more exciting titles. See what incredible gameplay is on offer when you play online bingo. Download the app via iOS or Android or register online to join the party at Borgata Bingo.