Bingo, a beloved game of chance enjoyed by millions around the world, has a fascinating history that dates back to 16th-century Italy. Originally known as “Lo Giuoco del Lotto d’Italia,” it was a lottery-style game that became popular among the Italian nobility. By the 18th century, the game had spread to France, where it was played as “Le Lotto,” involving players marking off numbers on cards as they were drawn from a pool.
The game’s journey continued in the 19th century when it crossed the Atlantic to the United States. It was in the 1920s that bingo gained significant traction, particularly at fairs and carnivals. The American version of the game was refined when a New York toy salesman named Edwin S. Lowe created a 12-card game called “Beano.” Players would mark their cards with beans, and when someone called out “bingo” instead of “beano,” the name stuck.
Bingo’s popularity surged in the mid-20th century, especially in the context of fundraising for churches and charitable organizations. The establishment of standardized rules and the introduction of electronic bingo machines further propelled the game’s growth, making it accessible in casinos and dedicated bingo halls.
Today, bingo is a global phenomenon, enjoyed in various formats, including online gaming platforms. The game has evolved but remains a cherished pastime that fosters community and excitement, proving its staying power across centuries and cultures. Join our friends at the American Legion to get your BINGO! fix on Mondays and Tuesdays!
