Where Does Bingo Come From?

Have you ever wondered where Bingo came from? Here is the full history of this popular game.



Posted: 03/06/2020

We all love bingo. And this is not a surprise, given the fun and exciting nature this game has. Bingo is one of the most popular gambling games worldwide, and you’ve probably played it at some point in your life. Bingo games are won when the player matches the called numbers on their card. The excitement of being the one to yell “Bingo” is amazing, as well as the prize that comes with it. 

Bingo became increasingly popular across the UK and there are more and more bingo halls opened each year. In addition, people are starting to enjoy online bingo that has its own benefits. For that reason, the number of online bingo sites, games and players is constantly increasing. You can always find a bingo game that you will surely enjoy. But, have you ever wondered where Bingo came from?

History of Bingo

You might not believe it, but the history of bingo starts in Italy way back in 1530. Then, bingo appeared in the form of a national lottery called “Lo Giuoco Lotto Italia”. The most interesting fact is that bingo still runs every Saturday in Italy. 

The 1530s Saturday Night Lotto was very similar to the popular 90-ball bingo that people play today. Players had cards with rows and numbers, and winning numbers were pulled from a sack. Players had to match the numbers and that’s how the winners were revealed. People started to really enjoy this game due to the entertainment it brings. By the late 1770s, bingo has become so popular that it crossed borders and spread to France. The French modified the bingo cards and made them with the standard rows that we play today.

The bingo spread to Germany in the 1800s and the Germans used it as a child’s game for learning numbers, nouns, verbs, adjectives, etc. On the other side, this game came in the USA in the 1990s. The Americans called this game “Beano”. Legend has it that in 1929, toymaker Edwin S. Lowe gathered his friends to play beano. Acting as a caller, he started calling the winning numbers. When one player’s final number was called, he called out “Bingo!”, and the name stuck.

From what we can see, throughout the years, this game had many changes and modifications, depending on the country where it was played. However, no matter where and how bingo is being played, one thing is for sure - it brings the same joy and excitement!

Bingo in the UK

It is not very clear on how bingo came in the UK, but it is known that bingo made its way to Britain through France. It is believed that bingo came in the UK in the 18th century and was widely playing around British towns and cities before moving into other countries. The British people also called this game “Beano” until the name “Bingo” started to expand.

Bingo became very popular in Britain quickly after it was introduced in the country. People started opening bingo halls to play and bingo became a great way for people to socialise and have fun. Every town in the UK had a large bingo hall where drinks were served apart from the game. People were able to meet and catch-up, but they were pretty quiet when the caller announced the winning numbers. Up until 2005, there were over 600 bingo halls in the UK.

Online Bingo

Bingo has grown to become one of the most popular games worldwide and it is loved by people of all ages. It is widely played for fun and entertainment, while the jackpots and prizes come as an extra advantage for the players. Thanks to the revolution of the Internet, players can now enjoy playing bingo from the comfort of their home. Now, bingo is closer to every player by being available online, at bingo sites.

What’s more, most of the bingo sites are supported by smartphones, so you have the freedom to play bingo anywhere you want. The online bingo community is a plus, where you are able to meet with hundreds of bingo players and experts all over the world. For that reason, Bingo Scanner aims to provide you with only the best online bingo sites where you can play bingo and have fun. 

Are you ready to play? Check out the featured bingo sites on Bingo Scanner and make your pick!

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