The game that we know and love today as Bingo did not begin in its current format. This popular pastime has a rich history that traces its roots back to the 16th century. As it crossed countries and cultures, it evolved, took on various forms and eventually became the Bingo we recognise today. It’s an enthralling journey of a simple lottery-type game that won the hearts of millions worldwide. So let’s delve into the interesting history and evolution of Bingo.
16th Century Origins
The earliest form of Bingo can be traced back to Italy in the 16th century. This game was known as “Il Giuoco del Lotto d’Italia,” a kind of national lottery that is still played to this day. The game would involve players selecting a series of numbers, and they would win if their numbers were called.
The Game Moves to France
By the 18th century, the game had made its way to France. The game morphed into a social card game called “Le Lotto”, played primarily by French aristocrats. Each player would have cards with unique number combinations. A caller would pull out wooden disks from a bag, with numbers from 1 to 70, and read them aloud. The first person to cover a horizontal row was the winner.
Bingo in Germany
Bingo also played a significant role in 19th century Germany. But, unlike its French cousin, the game wasn’t primarily for gambling or entertainment. Instead, it was used as an educational aid to help children learn maths, spelling, and history. Bingo games would often contain questions or prompts related to these subjects.
Bingo Across the Pond
The game transitioned into the version we’re most familiar with when it moved to America in the early 20th century. The game was then dubbed “Beano”, since players used beans to cover the numbers. The term “Bingo” was coined when a particularly excited player accidentally yelled “Bingo!” instead of “Beano”.
Fascinated by the game’s popularity, a toy salesman named Edwin S. Lowe decided to professionalize it. He hired a Columbia University math professor to create more number combinations, and Bingo was officially patented in 1930.
The British Bingo Boom
After World War II, the popularity of Bingo boomed in Great Britain. Halls that were originally used for cinema and theatre became Bingo halls. The game, simpler and easier to follow and play, was incredibly popular among the post-war population.
Bingo In The Modern Era
The digitisation of the world in the 21st century equipped Bingo with a new avatar: Online Bingo. With the advent of the internet, players no longer needed to visit physical halls but could enjoy the thrill of the game from the comfort of their own homes. Online Bingo platforms also introduced unique features like auto-daub, which automatically marks off the numbers as they are called, enhancing the player’s experience.
Over centuries, Bingo has evolved, adapted, and proved its timeless charm. From Italian lotteries to French parlours, from American carnivals to British Bingo halls and to online platforms, Bingo’s journey exemplifies how a simple game can capture the global imagination and continue to delight people of all ages and backgrounds.
