Bingo callers are given utmost importance as far as the game of Bingo is concerned. For some years now, Bingo players across UK have been voting every year to nominate their favorites as the national ‘caller of the year.’

This contest is conducted by the National Bingo Game Association (NGBA) which links more than 300 Bingo clubs across the nation annually. While regional caller awards are also given, the race is for the ‘national caller’ award.

Along with the coveted National Bingo Caller of the Year award, comes fame and fortune and opportunities to travel the world. Winners also get to call Bingo numbers at Las Vegas, the mecca of casinos.

For a Bingo caller, it is nothing less than a dream come true to win the award. In the words of Blake Robson, 2007 National Bingo caller of the Year, in the UK: “When they first announced me as the winner I was absolutely elated. Everything seemed to happen in a blur – I barely remember receiving the trophy. Within a few hours I was being interviewed on Radio Five Live, then the next morning I was a guest on BBC’s Breakfast programme.”

There are others who have also won the award. Brett Hyrjak, Karl Seth, Mandy Gargan, Mike Vyse, Peter Lewis, Alan Stockdale, Phil Groom, and Steve Linder – have all won this trophy in the past.

Alan Stockdale, one of the winners, became so excited that he called his job “the best job in the world” after winning the award.

With the Bingo industry growing at a fast pace, many Bingo clubs and sites have also started hosting in-house Bingo caller competitions. Michael Edwards won the award for Best Caller at the Gala Bingo Club in 2007. Last year when the NGBA failed to conduct the competition, Gala Club stepped in and Edwards was chosen as the Bingo Caller of the Year.

Wonder who would be the chosen one in 2009?

For those who are new to Bingo, a Bingo caller is the person who calls out the numbers printed on Bingo balls as the balls are drawn. Though that sounds routine and mechanical, it is the ability of a Bingo caller to call numbers in an interesting and engaging way, that makes the game interesting. People enjoy the style of a Bingo caller so much that they elevate them to the status of a hero, celebrity or role-model.

A Bingo caller actually runs the show in a Bingo event. After all Bingo is all about numbers, isn’t it? As a Bingo caller is always at the center of attraction, Bingo clubs and websites organize several events involving celebrities.

Celebrities are only too happy to join in as a participant, a Bingo caller, a chat host or as a guest. Celebrities are also seen taking on the role of a Bingo caller when a Bingo event is organized for charity, awareness or to support a cause. Celebrities from sports, politics, silver screen, music and politics have been known to take part in Bingo events.

Music manager, Sharon Osbourne, American actor David Arquette and British TV star Alison Hammond are some celebrities who have called Bingo numbers in the past. Sometimes online Bingo sites offer recordings of celebrities’ voices doing the calling and players can pick the celebrity voice that they want!

However, it is not all glitz and glamor. The job of a Bingo caller can be very challenging indeed. Not only do callers have to keep track of the numbers called, they have to keep players happy by repeating numbers when required. They also need to crosscheck claims made by players to see if the numbers called have indeed been daubed on the winner’s Bingo card. They have to avoid confusion, resolve issues if there are multiple claims to the prize and of course. They also have to give away the gifts or money in a cordial manner, though it may be the Bingo cashier who actually handles the cash. All of this while ensuring there is  fun and enjoyment during the course of the Bingo game.

Usually, Bingo clubs hire full time callers, but there are clubs who hire part time callers, and some even hire callers on “event-basis.” It’s a good job if you want to go for it –take a call.

There are many professional Bingo callers out there who have done Bingo calling every day for many many years! So much so that there is a contest in the UK to name the best caller. More on that soon. Watch this space!