Blog Posted on 21/08/2014 | Author: Karen Macarthur
Bingo Timeline – History of Bingo
The current version of Bingo, popular throughout the world has its origins in Italy. We should be thankful to them not only for the delicious pizzas, pastas or their excellent cultural history. Also for giving an exciting and fun filled game. The earlier version of the Bingo was seen as late as 1530’s as an Italian lottery game, ‘Lo Guioco del Lotto D’Italia’. The game can be still seen being played as Lotto.
History of Bingo – Travelling across the world
The History of Bingo can never be traced with accuracy. Vague references to the different variations are littered throughout the game’s history. Undergoing changes as it travelled across countries, the most closest to the modern Bingo can be seen by the ones played in the 19th century Germany.
Bingo seems to be moving around a lot during the 16th century with the French picking it up during the 1700’s. One popular version involved the use of the same 3×9 grid with four empty spaces per row. The Germans were really creative in using this game as an educational tool to teach children maths, history etc.
History of Bingo – From Beano to Bingo
The popularity of Bingo spread across Europe and entered North America. During this time the game had undergone gradual changes to the current form. The players were playing the variation of the Lotto called Beano. It involved the same number calling by a caller and players checking their cards to complete the game. A bean was placed on it to indicate the called number. The player would shout Beano on completing the card.
Around 1929, the story goes that a toy salesman, Edwin S. Lowe arrived at Georgia to witness the event that changed his life. At a carnival, the popular game of Beano was in progress. Fascinated by this addictive game he went back and introduced to it his friends.
This same simple miscalling of the name from “Beano” to “Bingo” by one of his friends changed the course of his life, and added a new page in the History of Bingo. He introduced the world to the modern version of Bingo that is currently played.
The first versions of Lowe’s Bingo had a set of 12 cards worth $1 and a set of 24 cards worth $2. Realising the potential money making opportunity, his game became an instant hit.
Bingo – Jumping from small to big community events
The History of Bingo shows that when a priest wanted to use the Lowe’s Bingo game as a means of fund raising, there were not enough numbers. It resulted in lots of players winning the game. Another event in the Bingo timeline was the creation of the 6,000 numbered cards by mathematician Carl Leffler. This virtually opened up the popularity of Bingo across the country.
It wasn’t long before large community Bingo halls started with attractive prizes. As a social event it attracted players from all over the region. The legalisation of gambling in 1960 increased the popularity of Bingo throughout UK. The National Bingo Game proved this fact with the same game being played across the region.
Present and Future of Bingo
The Bingo game is continually changing with variations in themes, designs or layouts. But the basic gameplay remains the same. At present the Bingo is the most loved game. With varied demographics ranging from young to the old belonging to different social structures, it is no longer limited to the old stereotypes.
Easy to pick up with both the young and the old enjoying the game, Bingo has moved from its simple origins. Gaining worldwide attention, it is the tremendous jackpots and prizes that continue to attract players both on the internet and in the traditional Bingo halls.
The widespread use of mobile devices and tablets is making casinos to offer apps catering to these games and Bingo is all set to join these ranks. From the looks of it the History of Bingo will have a new entry is days to come.
