The History of Bingo
While it may seem like a simple game of chance today, Bingo has a rich and fascinating history. The bingo game has entertained people for centuries, has transcended time and borders, delighting players worldwide. But where did it all begin? What is the country of origin for this much-loved pastime? This article will delve deep into the origins of Bingo, its early development, how it spread to different countries, and how it became a beloved game, especially in India.
The Country of Origin of Bingo And Its Spread
Evolution of Bingo from a lottery game in Italy to the social phenomenon it is today is a story worth telling.
Italy’s Role in the Early Days
Bingo’s origins can be traced back to Italy in the 1530s, where it was initially a lottery game known as “Il Giuoco del Lotto d’Italia.” This lottery-style game became immensely popular and spread throughout Italy, paving the way for similar games in other European countries. However, it wasn’t until much later that the game evolved into the Bingo we know and love today.
Le Lotto: The French version
During the 18th century, the game gained popularity across Europe. In France, the game was known as “Le Lotto,” which closely resembled the Italian version. The French played the game with 27 cards, each containing numbers from 1 to 90, and they would mark off numbers as they were called. The goal was to be the first to complete a row, column, or full card. The French version was the foundation for the modern game of Bingo.
American Upgrade
Bingo’s modern transformation began in the United States in the 1920s, when a man named Edwin S. Lowe stumbled upon the game while attending a carnival. Lowe saw a similar game called “beano,” where players used beans to mark their numbers on cards. When one player accidentally shouted “Bingo!” instead of “Beano!” the name was born. Lowe then patented the game, turning it into a commercial success and spreading it across the United States. From there, Bingo became a household name, with variations and adaptations emerging around the world.
Bingo’s Journey to India: The Game’s Growth and Popularity
In India, Bingo made its entry much later than in Western countries, but once it arrived, it found an enthusiastic audience. The game’s widespread appeal can be attributed to its simple rules, low-cost participation, and social aspects. While the game didn’t evolve in India as it did in Europe and the United States, it quickly adapted to local tastes and was embraced by players across the country.
In the early 2000s, online Bingo platforms began to surface, making the game even more accessible to Indian players. With the rise of internet use and mobile gaming, Bingo quickly gained traction in urban areas. It wasn’t like the big-time, high-tech online platforms we see now, though. The first games were played in small local halls and clubs, mostly in cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Goa, where people would gather to try their luck.
Local casinos and online gambling platforms also began to feature the game prominently, leading to its growing popularity in India. From there, it just snowballed into the massive hit it is today!
Bingo Timeline: Key Events in Its History
| Date | Event |
| 1530 | Bingo first introduced in Italy as “Il Gioco del Lotto d’Italia” (The Lotto Game of Italy), played every Saturday. |
| 1700s | Bingo spreads to France, where it is called “Le Lotto” and introduces the first Bingo card. |
| 1880s | In Germany, educators adapt “Le Lotto” to teach children numbers, logic, and spelling. |
| 1900s | Bingo arrives in the UK and US, and is played in ballrooms, local halls, and carnivals. |
| 1910s | British troops coined the term “Housey-Housey” during WWI. |
| 1920s | Hugh J. Ward brings Bingo to Pittsburgh, and it is called “Beano” by players. |
| 1929 | Edwin S. Lowe hears ”Beano” and renames it “Bingo” after mishearing the call. |
| 1930s | Bingo has become a popular fundraising activity in churches and social organizations in the US. |
| 1933 | Bingo rulebook created by Hugh J. Ward, describing the game for commercial use. |
| 1942 | E.S. Lowe Co. patents and mass-produces Bingo. |
| 1960 | The UK’s Betting and Gaming Act legalizes Bingo halls. |
| 1960s-1970s | Bingo Daubers are invented to replace beans as markers. |
| 1973 | Edwin S. Lowe sells his company to Milton Bradley for $26 million. |
| 1986 | The National Bingo Game begins in the UK. |
| 1996 | The first recorded online Bingo game occurs in the UK with CyberBingo.com. |
| 2005 | The Texas Charity Advocates are founded, promoting charitable Bingo in Texas. |
| 2006 | The world’s largest Bingo game, with 70,080 players, takes place in Bogota, Colombia. |
| Early 2010s | Online game version sees major growth, especially with Bingo Blitz on Facebook. |
The digital transformation of bingo games
| Year | Stage |
| Early 2000s | The Birth of Online Bingo – Bingo moved to online platforms, allowing players to enjoy the game from home. |
| 2010 | Bingo Goes Mobile – Mobile Bingo apps allowed players to play anytime, anywhere on their smartphones. |
| 2012 | Social Media Bingo – Bingo Blitz launched on Facebook, allowing players to compete and socialize with friends. |
| 2015 | Live Bingo with Real Dealers – Live streaming introduced real Bingo rooms with live dealers for a more immersive experience. |
| 2017 | Virtual Reality (VR) Bingo – VR tech gave players the experience of 3D Bingo halls, bringing the game to life in virtual environments. |
| 2020 | AI and Smart Bingo – Artificial Intelligence personalized the Bingo experience with tailored offers and smarter gameplay. |
Noteworthy Incidents in Bingo’s History Around the World
Throughout its long history, Bingo has been involved in some interesting and sometimes unexpected incidents that have added to its allure. One such event occurred in 2010 when a UK player won a massive ÂŁ1.2 million jackpot in an online game, making headlines across the world. This was one of the largest online Bingo payouts in history, highlighting how much the game has evolved from its humble beginnings.
In the United States, one of the most famous Bingo-related incidents occurred in 1986, when a player at a hall in New Jersey won a $1 million jackpot. This was the largest Bingo payout at the time, and it set a precedent for larger prize pools in Bingo games worldwide. The prize attracted widespread media attention, leading to a boom in Bingo halls and online Bingo platforms in the U.S.
Biggest Winners in the History of Bingo
Bingo’s potential for big wins has always been one of the game’s most alluring aspects. The largest single-ticket Bingo win in history occurred in 2012 when a player in the United Kingdom won £3.1 million in an online Bingo game.
In 2016, an Australian woman made history by winning a $1.5 million jackpot in a game, marking one of the largest wins in the country’s history. Her story went viral, leading to a surge in Australian players flocking to both online and land-based Bingo halls in hopes of claiming their own jackpot.
List of the biggest Bingo wins in India:
- 2014: A player won a â‚ą1 crore jackpot in an online Bingo game, making headlines as one of the largest wins in India.
- 2016: A player in Goa won â‚ą50 lakhs in a local Bingo hall, drawing attention to the growing popularity of the game.
- 2018: A lucky winner from Mumbai scooped up â‚ą25 lakhs in an online game, boosting online Bingo’s presence in India.
- 2020: A â‚ą1.2 crore win was recorded in an online Bingo tournament, marking one of the biggest wins in the country.
- 2022: Another significant online win of â‚ą75 lakhs took place on an Indian Bingo platform, showcasing the increasing stakes in digital Bingo.
