Housie Boards

In this section you will learn more about Housie boards and Housie numbers.

About Housie Boards

Learn about Housie boards, which reflect the ball numbers as each ball is released from the blower or cage.

Here is how these number boards work:

  • As each ball is dispensed, the caller announces the ball number and enters them onto the Housie board.
  • These numbers are then highlighted on the Housie board for players to see.
  • Also known as the number board or flashboard, Housie boards can either be used separately or as part of a Housie unit.

Housie Machines

Housie machine types range from advanced high-tech machines with special features, to simpler, old-fashioned machines with just the basic functions.

There are two types of Housie machines:

  • Portable machines are generally made of durable plastic. These Housie machines include a number generator, number display, check board, and jackpot functions.
  • Consoles are free standing units made of good quality wood. These machines are larger than the portable machines, and generally have more features. Many are fully computerised, which means that the games and features can all be programmed.

Housie Numbers

As the Housie numbers come out of the ball cage or blower, the caller announces the number.

This is done not just by calling the number; callers use special Housie slang terms for each number.

Here are some examples of calling slang terms:

  • Legs Eleven/ Number 11. This gets its name from the number 11, which resembles a pair of legs.
  • Two Little Ducks / Number 22. This is due to the duck shape of the number 2.
  • All The Threes / Number 33. Double digits are usually called in this way.
  • Halfway There / Number 45. The number 45 is half of 90, making it half the numbers called.
  • Knock On The Door / Number 34. There is no clear reason for this name, but it rhymes with the number.
  • Key To The Door / Number 21. Keys are a symbolic gift given at a 21st birthday party, so number 21 would refer to this gesture.

Learn more about number calling on the Housie Caller page.