History of Bingo: Who Invented the Game & Where It Began
Have you ever wondered where the game of bingo originated and who came up with the idea? Bingo is a familiar pastime in the UK, from halls to online rooms, but its roots stretch much further back than many might expect.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the origins of bingo, how the game has changed over the years and how it became a popular pastime.
What Is The Story Behind The First Version Of Bingo?
The story of Bingo begins in 16th-century Italy, where a long-running lottery called “Il Gioco del Lotto d’Italia” drew numbers in public each week. Players marked selections on simple sheets and checked them against the draw.
As time passed, the idea spread to France in the 1700s. The French version, known as “Le Lotto”, was mainly played by wealthier circles. Printed cards with rows and columns of numbers were used, and small tokens were placed on the called numbers, laying the groundwork for the card format we recognise today.
Eventually, the game spread across Europe, with each country adjusting the rules and how it was played. When it reached Britain, it developed into a lively group game at fairs and later at social clubs, helped along by engaging callers who kept the sessions moving.
Those early versions looked different from today’s formats, but the core idea was already in place: numbers are called, players mark their cards, and set patterns determine the winners.
How Did Bingo Spread Across Different Regions?
After its beginnings in Italy and a fashionable stint in France, other countries picked it up and gave it a local flavour. In Britain during the 18th and 19th centuries, the game became frequent at seaside and travelling fairs before settling into community centres and clubs.
The style of calling developed its own character, and regular sessions turned it into a shared social occasion. By the mid-20th century, purpose-built halls had become part of everyday life for many towns and cities.
The American version settled on a 5×5 card labelled with the letters B I N G O, while the UK standardised around a 90-ball game using longer tickets with three rows and nine columns. The two variants grew side by side, each suiting local habits and venues while keeping the same basic rhythm of called numbers and checked cards.
Who Invented Bingo As We Know It Today?
Bingo, as you play it today, didn’t come from just one person, but a few people did guide it towards a standard format. In the early 20th century, a fairground game similar to bingo was already being played in Britain and America, often known as “beano”.
The turning point came in the 1920s, when Edwin S. Lowe, an American toy salesman, saw a busy session at a country fair and decided to create his own version. He popularised the name “bingo” after a player blurted it out in excitement, and he set about making the game reliable for larger groups.
Lowe worked with a maths professor called Carl Leffler to produce thousands of distinct cards, reducing repeated number combinations and reducing the chances of multiple winners on the same call, making organised sessions smoother and more practical.
His commercial version spread quickly, and British operators adopted and refined it into the 90-ball format seen in clubs. With clear rules, reliable cards, and engaging callers, the game had everything it needed for long-term appeal.
Why Did Online Bingo Become So Popular?
Online bingo became popular in the UK because it made the game easier to access, as there was no need to travel or follow set opening times; players could join a room from home at convenient times, whether on a laptop or a phone.
The online version also widened the options available for players. Different rooms, ticket prices, and game speeds meant people could pick sessions that suited how long they wanted to play and how much they wanted to spend. Chat features kept the social side in play, with hosts welcoming regulars and newcomers alike, much like a bingo hall.
Auto-marking removed the risk of missing a call, mobile apps made games smooth on smaller screens, and software handled multiple tickets without fuss. Many sites also offered low-cost tickets and occasional free-to-play rooms, which made it easy to try different formats without a big outlay.
What Parts Of The Game’s Past Still Shape Bingo Today?
Several traditions from bingo’s early days remain central to the game, with the numbered card being the most obvious one. Whether on paper or a screen, the grid structure is instantly recognisable, and the routine of marking called numbers is unchanged.
The way numbers are called is another link to the past. In the UK, playful calls such as “two little ducks” for 22 continue to keep the room engaged and the game entertaining. Even online, chat hosts and regulars keep that spirit alive.
Community halls, clubs, and online rooms bring people together around a shared activity, with a mix of conversation, anticipation, and the occasional full house. Formats have evolved, but the essentials remain straightforward and welcoming.
That blend of tradition and adaptation is why bingo still feels exciting. From Italian draws to British halls and today’s online rooms, the core idea has stayed steady while everything around it has evolved with modern technology.
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**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.
