So you want to be a Bingo CM?

Bingo CM's are the life and soul of all good bingo websites. They provide the anecdotes that get you crying with laughter, they offer you a shoulder to cry on when you’re feeling blue and they are the person at the other end of the line you can always chat to if you feel lonely. Indeed, this job sounds like it has more in common with Oprah Winfrey than a normal 9-5 and many bingo players dream of going from regular roomies to a Chat Moderator.

First Steps

So, what does it actually take to become a CM? Sure, hard work, a passion for bingo and friendliness are all key qualities, but most bingo players can already tick these boxes off; they may work hard at home or work, they clearly love bingo or else they wouldn’t be playing it and, if they are popular roomies, of course they are already friendly. What we at BingoTimes.com want to uncover is what separates a CM from the rest of the ‘herd’, if you like, what makes them tick, what do employers look for in a CM and, of course, how can you get ahead of the rest and become a chat moderator?

First off, chat moderators will tell you their job is not as easy as it looks. If CM roles were all about just chatting with players and handing out bingo bucks, then they would be the luckiest people alive. However, there is a lot that goes on behind the scenes, as CMs are responsible for calling out the numbers, making sure the games run smoothly, dealing with problem players and ensuring the bingo site they work for turns over a keen profit.

Life as a CM

Chat Moderators are the face of the bingo website - they are the ones who first greet you when you enter the room, they are the ones that start and uphold conversations and they are one of the key factors as to whether or not a player will either keep visiting a site or leave for somewhere better. As a Chat Moderator, you can’t have a day when you’re feeling blue, as you are the one that consoles everyone else. Nor can you roll into work (or out of your bed) half asleep or hung-over; roomies need a vibrant, cheery host who can make them laugh, not someone who clearly doesn’t care. If this wasn’t enough, chat moderators have to be all of these things, every single shift. With popular bingo sites, you’ll see a daily influx of new players who need to be impressed by your attitude if you want them to return, which you of course do.

As most roomies will know, it’s the regulars that can make or break a CM. If you are taking over a room from a popular CM, then be prepared to feel a bit of an icy reception at first. Chat moderators often build strong relationships with their regulars and if you’re starting out for the first time in place of a popular CM, then roomies may treat you as a bit of a usurper. Still, all it takes to get them to warm up to you is friendliness and consistency.

Now we move on to the game of bingo - after all, that’s why everyone is there! While roomies will allow a few mistakes here and there, as well as the odd typo, as a chat moderator you are being relied on to deliver clear information to the roomies about the game, the numbers called and side-games available. While this might sound easy enough, remember the speed at which bingo games go. Unlike the traditional bingo halls, you are often dealing with a blur of text that reads “2TG”, “5TG”, “GLXXX” and so on, meaning that navigating your way through this minefield and ensuring every player can read the information provided clearly is essential to the CM role.

Getting techy

Then there’s the technical side of things: as all the games take place online, you need to be aware of different browsers (such as Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari etc) and how they can affect game play. While CM’s aren’t required to have PC skills that would impress Bill Gates, the ability to use Office programmes and online payment systems is integral. Newbies will often approach a CM to ask questions such as why hasn’t their bonus been paid in, why they can’t use certain debit cards and how to change their account details? CM’s need to be available at all times during their shifts, as there can be no quick cigarette breaks outside if someone is waiting for a reply online.

Problem Players

Occasionally, CM’s will come across a few bad apples that try to spoil a bingo game for everyone else. When this happens, you will soon know if someone is destined to be a chat moderator or not. The key to dealing with these sour grapes is the ability to hold your ground but never become aggressive. If you’re rude to a rude player, they can complain about you and you could be warned, but if you’re polite and firm then they have nothing to bicker about later. The best CM’s will remain level-headed during these conflicts and worry more about how their roomies are feeling as opposed to themselves.

Let’s not forget the easier parts of being a CM though. There’s the fact that alongside all the work you can chat to a variety of interesting people, quite a few of whom you may make a real connection with. You also get to work with some of the most dynamic and exciting companies around and, of course, you are paid to moderate a bingo game. If you think you can win over hundreds of roomies at a time, constantly show a stiff upper lip, understand and utilise the latest technology and be a walking encyclopaedia on all things bingo, then a role as a Chat Moderator is definitely for you!

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