If you’ve searched for bingo in Lebanon, Oregon and landed here, here’s the short answer: American Legion Santiam Post 51 hosts 40/8 Bingo twice a week, it’s open to everyone in the community, and you don’t need to be a veteran or a Legion member to play.
This guide covers the full schedule, what a night at Post 51 actually looks like, where your bingo dollars go, and how Post 51’s bingo compares to other bingo options around Lebanon — so you know exactly what to expect before you walk in the door.
What Is “40/8 Bingo,” and Why Does an American Legion Post Host It?
“40 and 8” isn’t a typo or a game variant — it’s the name of the hosting organization. La Société des 40 Hommes et 8 Chevaux, known as the Forty and Eight, is an honor society within the American Legion founded in 1920. The name comes from the World War I French rail boxcars stamped “40 Hommes/8 Chevaux” — cars built to carry either 40 men or 8 horses.
Today, Forty and Eight chapters (called “voitures”) are known for community fundraising, and bingo nights are one of the most common ways local chapters raise money for veteran and community causes. At Post 51 in Lebanon, Oregon, that tradition shows up as a standing, twice-weekly bingo night open to the public.
Bingo Night at Post 51: Schedule at a Glance
Post 51’s bingo schedule has stayed consistent, but hours can shift around holidays — it’s always worth a quick call to the Post before you drive over for the first time.
| Night | Doors Open | Bingo Begins | Host |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday | 5:00 PM | 6:30 PM | Mark Bilodeu |
| Wednesday | 5:00 PM | 6:30 PM | Mark Bilodeu |
Post 51 is located at 480 South Main Street, Lebanon, Oregon 97355. You can reach the Post directly at (541) 451-1351 to confirm the current week’s game.
What to Expect at Your First Bingo Night
Walking into a Legion hall for the first time can feel intimidating if you’ve never been part of the veteran community. It shouldn’t — Post 51’s bingo night is deliberately casual and open to anyone.
Who Can Play?
- Bingo is open to the public — no Legion, Auxiliary, or S.A.L. membership required.
- All ages are welcome, though prizes and cash payouts typically follow standard bingo-hall norms for adult players.
- First-timers are welcome to ask the host or canteen staff for a quick rundown of house rules before the first game.
Food and Drinks
Meals from the Club 51 canteen menu are available during bingo, so you can order dinner and stay for the whole session instead of rushing in from somewhere else.
Tips for First-Time Players
- Arrive at 5:00 PM, not 6:30 PM. Doors open 90 minutes before the first game so you have time to buy cards, get food, and find a seat.
- Bring a dauber or ask if one’s available. Regulars usually bring their own, but the canteen can point you in the right direction if you don’t have one yet.
- Cash is the safest bet. Small community bingo nights don’t always run card payments the way a casino would — bring cash for cards and any raffles.
- Sit anywhere that’s open. Unlike some bingo halls, there’s no strict seating hierarchy — regulars are usually happy to explain the house rules if you ask.
What Your Bingo Dollars Support
Bingo nights aren’t just entertainment — they’re one of Post 51’s steady fundraising channels. Proceeds from Post 51 bingo have gone toward causes including:
- Nurses’ scholarships
- Boys and Girls Club programs
- School programs
- Special Olympics
- Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)
- Shriners Hospitals for Children
- Cystic fibrosis research and support
That’s part of what separates Legion-hosted bingo from a purely commercial bingo hall: every card sold on a Sunday or Wednesday night at Post 51 is also a small donation to local kids, veterans, and medical research.
Where to Play Bingo in Lebanon, Oregon: How Post 51 Compares
Post 51 isn’t the only bingo option in town. Here’s how it stacks up against other bingo nights that have run in Lebanon, based on publicly listed information — always confirm current schedules directly, since hours change more often than websites get updated.
| Venue | Typical Schedule | Open to Public? | Supports |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Legion Post 51 | Sunday & Wednesday, doors 5:00 PM | Yes | Veteran & community charities |
| Forty & Eight Bingo Hall (2nd St.) | Varies weekly — call ahead | Yes | Charitable gaming proceeds |
| Lebanon Senior Center bingo | Afternoon sessions, low-cost cards | Yes, senior-focused | Senior center programs |
If you want the community feel of a Legion hall — where the person calling numbers might also be a veteran you’ll meet again at the Memorial Day observance or a Post fundraiser — Post 51’s Sunday and Wednesday nights are the easiest starting point.
More Than Bingo: What Else Happens at Post 51
Bingo is a good low-pressure way to see the Post without committing to anything. Once you’re in the building, you’ll notice it’s a genuinely active organization — not just a bingo hall with a flag out front.
Post 51 has been part of Lebanon since its charter in 1926, and today it runs alongside its Auxiliary, Sons of The American Legion, and Legion Riders programs, plus community traditions like the Memorial Day observance at I.O.O.F. Cemetery. You can read the full story on the Post 51 history page.
If you’re a veteran, or related to one, bingo night is also a low-key way to ask questions about membership before deciding whether to join. Post 51’s membership eligibility page covers who qualifies for the Legion, the Auxiliary, and the Sons of The American Legion.
Getting There
American Legion Santiam Post 51
480 South Main Street
Lebanon, Oregon 97355
Phone: (541) 451-1351
Post hours vary by day — Sunday 9:00 AM–9:30 PM, Monday 9:00 AM–9:00 PM, and Friday 9:00 AM–10:30 PM, with the building closed Tuesday through Thursday and Saturday outside of scheduled events. For bingo specifically, plan to arrive by 5:00 PM on Sunday or Wednesday.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is bingo at American Legion Post 51 open to the public?
Yes. You do not need to be a Legion member or a veteran to play — 40/8 Bingo at Post 51 is open to everyone in the Lebanon, Oregon community.
What time does bingo start at Post 51?
Doors open at 5:00 PM and bingo begins at 6:30 PM on Sundays and Wednesdays.
Is food available during bingo night?
Yes. Meals from the Club 51 canteen menu are available during bingo, so you can get dinner before or between games.
What does “40 and 8” mean?
It refers to La Société des 40 Hommes et 8 Chevaux, a Legion honor society founded in 1920. The name comes from World War I French boxcars that carried 40 men or 8 horses. Local chapters raise money for veteran and community causes, including through bingo nights like the one at Post 51.
Are there other places to play bingo in Lebanon, Oregon?
Yes. Beyond Post 51, Lebanon has had bingo through venues such as the Forty & Eight Bingo hall and the Lebanon Senior Center. Schedules change, so it’s worth calling ahead to confirm before you go.
Come See for Yourself
The easiest way to understand what Post 51’s bingo night is like is to show up. Bring a few dollars for cards, expect a friendly crowd, and stay for a canteen meal if you’re hungry. If you like what you see, see our full guide on how to join the American Legion in Lebanon, Oregon or follow along with the Post’s contact page for updates on hours and events.