A bingo caller from Houghton Le-Spring, Washington is celebrating 50 years in the business after starting his bingo calling career way back in 1973 in the Empire Bingo Club.
Despite reaching this major milestone of half a century as a bingo caller, Billy Ritchey says he has no plans to retire in the near future. He still loves his job and stated that he wants to carry on doing it for as long as possible.
Ritchey used to attend the prize bingo as a child with his mum, which is what started his passion for bingo and lead to him taking his first bingo caller job at the Empire Bingo when he was 18. He worked at various bingo halls in the North East before making his home at Buzz Bingo in Washington in 1994.
Well done and congratulations Billy.
Other Latest Industry News
10. Mar 2026 15:47
We’re excited to invite you all along to enjoy a free night of laughter and bingo. WhichBingo is the brand new sponsor of the Dabbers Bingo Comedy Caller Contest 2026 — the competition that’s been making bingo the most fun night out in London for the past six years. Come and Watch For Free You won’t want to miss these nights of laughs and dabs. And thanks to WhichBingo‘s sponsorship,…
4. Mar 2026 12:01
We’ve had a look at the live and online bingo and casino events and offers across the UK this month, and there’s a lot to like. Two proper occasions: one to show Mum she’s loved, one to wear something green and pretend you’re a little bit Irish. Both are a great excuse to get out and do something memorable. Mother’s Day – Sunday 15 March If Mum’s your bingo partner…
26. Feb 2026 16:53
A 60-year-old Wigan local has become the very first person in the UK to claim the new £250,000 jackpot in the National Bingo Game. The woman’s Tuesday night catch-up with her daughter at the Wigan Club 3000 turned into a moment she’ll never forget. “When my numbers were called, I was in total shock. “At first, I thought it was a false call, but when I realised it wasn’t, I…
13. Feb 2026 16:14
The National Bingo Game clearly doesn’t care about omens because, despite it being Friday the 13th, they have just launched a new jackpot. To celebrate the launch, they’ve also released new research into the quirky habits and traditions of bingo fans across the country. A quick heads-up: Whether you’re wearing your lucky socks or sitting in your “magic” chair, remember that bingo is a game of pure chance. We love…
Updated October 16, 2024







Reader comments