Bingo

The series “Bingo” were shot in Tampere and Turku in Finland and in Toronto, Canada.

In Finland people spend from four to six hours in front of a machine that automatically plays bingo for them. When they win, a small light turns on at the top of machine to indicate that they have won. No one yells “bingo!” anymore. And everyone smokes.

In Canada bingo halls are silent places of constant excitement. Winning matters, statues and lucky charms are brought along. Everyone has a favourite seat. And everyone comes alone.

Maija Tammi (1985) is a Finnish photojournalist. She has her masters in Visual Journalism and has also has studied with Magnum photographer Christopher Anderson in New York. In March 2011 Tammi won Finland’s press photographer of the year award.