What Is a Bingo Dauber? How Daubers Work, Types and How to Use One

Walk into any American bingo hall and you’ll see rows of brightly colored bottles lined up next to the cards. Those are daubers, the signature tool of paper bingo. Here’s what they are, why players love them and how to choose and care for one.

What is a bingo dauber?

A bingo dauber is an ink marker shaped like a small bottle, with a foam tip on one end. You turn it upside down and press, or “daub,” the tip onto a square. It leaves a round, see-through spot of color that marks the number as called.

The word comes from “daub,” meaning to smear or apply a substance with quick strokes. In the UK the same tool is usually called a dabber. Both names are used on bingo sites and in halls.

How does a dauber work?

The bottle holds liquid ink that soaks into a foam or felt tip. When you press the tip onto paper, the ink transfers in a circle roughly the size of a bingo square.

A few design features make daubers fast:

• One tap per number. No drawing or coloring in, just a quick press.
• Translucent ink. Most dauber ink lets you still read the number underneath, which matters when a caller checks your card.
• Fast-drying ink. You can stack sheets or move your hand across the card without smearing as much as with ordinary markers.
• Big, easy-grip bottles. Helpful for long sessions and for players with stiff hands.

What sizes and types of daubers are there?

Most daubers are sold in 3- or 4-ounce bottles, often in packs of a dozen in assorted colors. Within that, you’ll find several styles:

Many players keep different colors for different games, so they can tell at a glance which numbers were called in which game on a multi-game sheet.

How do you use a bingo dauber?

1. Remove the cap and give the dauber a gentle shake if the tip looks dry.
2. Hold it upside down over the square of the called number.
3. Press once, briefly. You don’t need to push hard or rub.
4. Lift straight up. Sliding the tip smears ink onto nearby numbers.
5. Recap between sessions so the tip doesn’t dry out.

If you’re playing several cards, work column by column. When the caller says “G-52,” scan only the G column on each card, then daub. Our how to play bingo guide explains the column system.

How do you care for a dauber?

• Cap it tightly whenever you’re not using it.
• Store it the way the maker recommends. Many daubers are stored upright or tip-down so ink stays in the tip.
• Keep it away from heat, such as a hot car dashboard.
• Replace worn tips if your brand sells replacements.

Dauber ink can stain clothes, tables and skin. Wipe spills right away, and cover nice tablecloths at home games. Check the label if you need ink that’s non-toxic or washable, especially around children.

What can you use instead of a dauber?

Anything that clearly marks a square works. Your choice depends on whether the card is paper or reusable.

For home games, printing cards from our printable bingo cards collection and using chips or crayons is the cheapest way to start.

Do daubers matter for older players?

They can make a real difference. A wide-tip dauber in a bright color covers each square boldly, which makes it easier to see which numbers you’ve marked. Researchers at Boston University found that making bingo cards larger and higher in contrast improved how well players performed, especially those with Alzheimer’s disease, who benefited from bolder numbers.

Combining large-print cards with a bright, wide-tip dauber is a simple way to apply that idea. See our guide to bingo for seniors and our large-print bingo cards.

Where do you buy bingo daubers?

Most bingo halls sell daubers at the counter. They’re also widely available at dollar stores, big-box retailers and online, usually in multi-packs. If you play every week, a dozen-pack in assorted colors is the most economical choice.

More bingo terms

“Daub” is just one piece of bingo slang. For “sleeper,” “hardway,” “perm,” “early bird” and dozens more, see our A-to-Z bingo glossary.