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WILKES-BARRE — Bingo has a rich history in Northeast Pennsylvania.

In fact, one area church lays claim to the invention of the game.

With that history in mind, the Times Leader Media group is bringing back its popular version of the game — Blackout Bingo.

The Times Leader Media Group’s popular game kicks off with one game card placed in each edition of today’s paper. The newspaper, along with The Meadows and Rainbow Jewelers, is hosting Blackout Bingo with three big prizes for the eighth consecutive year.

“We are so pleased to bring back Blackout Bingo with our sponsors The Meadows and Rainbow Jewelers,” said Kerry Miscavage, the Times Leader’s publisher. “This is our eighth year, and our readers just love it. Our winners are so excited to bring us their winning cards and often show up at our office before we open. We can’t wait for this day again this year. Save the card that is in your paper today.

“Each day, you will find a new Bingo number, only in the Times Leader. Remember, this is Blackout Bingo so every number on your card needs to be covered. Have fun!”

As the name suggests, Blackout Bingo is a game of coverall. In other words, a player wins when all the numbers on his or her card have been called.

Starting Monday, one number will be published in each edition of the Times Leader. Players will need to cut out the numbers that match numbers on their cards and tape them to their cards. E-edition readers can stop into the Times Leader office to pick up your Bingo Card. If a number appears on your card, mark the number with the date it ran. Once your card is covered completely, bring your card into the Times Leader.

The first three players to bring a completed card to the Times Leader office at 90 E. Market St. — now officially known as Blackout Bingo Headquarters — will be declared winners. Bingo inspectors will be on hand to confirm winning cards.

In the case of more than three people with completed cards arriving at Blackout Bingo Headquarters at the same time, winners will be selected through a random drawing.

A complete list of rules will be published every Sunday in the Times Leader until three winners are declared.