Bingo callers wanted — and fast — at Potawatomi Casino Hotel. Think you have what it takes? Here's what to know.

Hannah Kirby, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Updated ·4 min read

Bingo callers wanted. And fast.

With Potawatomi Casino Hotel's bingo offerings getting back to seven days a week in mid-February, it's looking to double its number of bingo callers from three to six.

Do I have what it takes? Is prior experience required? What does the interview process look like?

We spoke with director of bingo Frank Fisher to find out all of this and more:

What are the main duties and responsibilities of a bingo caller at Potawatomi Casino Hotel?

"In this fast-paced, high energy environment where great guest service is essential, how do we provide our Bingo guests with an exceptional gaming experience while ensuring the accuracy of our many Bingo transactions?" the job listing said. "As a Bingo Caller you will serve guests by conducting and calling bingo games and drawings."

A list of principal duties and responsibilities can be found here.

What are some of the qualities Potawatomi Casino Hotel looks for in a bingo caller?

"They've got to be people that are available to speak to the public — obviously, can't be shy," Fisher said. "We're looking for strong personalities, and people that can think on their feet."

They have to be a "people person" and a multitasker, he noted.

What are some of the requirements to be a bingo caller at Potawatomi Casino Hotel?

Some of the requirements Fisher highlighted include:

  • Experience with public speaking, whether it be in a professional or nonprofessional setting.

  • A good attendance record.

  • Availability seven days a week. And, flexibility, with shifts falling between 8 a.m. and midnight.

A list of qualifications can be found here.

Is prior bingo-calling experience required?

Nope. It helps, but isn't required, Fisher said.

What does the interview process for a bingo caller position at Potawatomi Casino Hotel look like?

Those interested can apply for a bingo caller position at careers.paysbig.com/us/en/job/BINGO001992/Bingo-Caller. If there's interest in an applicant, a recruiter will reach out to them to set up an interview, Fisher said.

Normally, Fisher and a couple of managers sit down with an interviewee for a general discussion. They're looking at the candidate's personality and if it would be a good fit, as well as how they discuss and talk, Fisher said.

If the interviewee moves to the next stage of the process, they're put on the mic in front of about 20 to 30 staff members.

They read off of a bingo script of sorts and have to do some multitasking, he said. The staff members grade the candidate on clarity, how they came across, and if tricky-sounding letters and numbers, like s and 8, were clear and precise.

If hired, here's a glimpse into bingo caller training at Potawatomi Casino Hotel

At Potawatomi, bingo callers start off with learning the paperwork aspect of the game, Fisher said.

In between sessions or on off days, the new hire will be brought in to get comfortable calling bingo games.

"You've got to know how the patterns work, and what balls to call and what not to call," he said.

How much does being a bingo caller at Potawatomi Casino Hotel pay?

The starting pay for a bingo caller at Potawatomi is $14.78 per hour, plus tips, according to the job listing. It can get up to around $25, plus tips, Fisher said.

When is Potawatomi Casino Hotel looking to fill these bingo caller positions?

Short answer: ASAP.

"We want them as soon as possible," Fisher said. "We'd love to have them fully trained and ready to go by the 19th. The sooner the better."

About bingo at Potawatomi Casino Hotel

Currently, there are two bingo sessions Wednesdays through Fridays, a fluctuating number of sessions Saturdays and one Sundays.

Starting Feb. 19 — for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic — bingo will also be held Mondays and Tuesdays. To start, one evening session will be offered on those days.

Eventually, at least two sessions will be held every day of the week, Fisher said. Pre-pandemic, Potawatomi offered four bingo sessions a day, seven days a week, he said.

"We're trying to get back to that level — just not ready to climb that far yet," Fisher said.

The hall's doors open approximately three hours — sometimes a little earlier, sometimes a little later — before the start of a bingo session.

Potawatomi bingo is held in a 630-seat hall, with future plans to move into a substantially larger one, Fisher said.

Where can I find more info on bingo calling at Potawatomi Casino Hotel? Where can I apply?

For more information on the bingo caller position or to apply, visit careers.paysbig.com/us/en/job/BINGO001992/Bingo-Caller.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Bingo callers wanted and fast at Potawatomi Casino Hotel in Milwaukee