Bingo has been a popular pastime for decades. For centuries, in fact. The version we know and love dates to the 1500s.
There are lots of reasons why it continues to be popular. Here, we look at why it’s still a firm favourite.
The History Of Bingo
The game we know today is thought to have originated in Italy in the 16th century. At that time, it was part of the Italian lottery, Il Gioco del Lotto d’Italia. From there, France adopted bingo, where it was known as Le Lotto. It eventually reached Great Britain in the 18th century.
But it wasn’t called bingo at first. Brits called it ‘Housey-Housey’, which is why in the modern version, we shout ‘house!’ when we’ve marked off all the numbers. By the 1920s, the game we recognise today was being played at carnivals and fairs.
It was in 1961 when bingo became a game that offered big prizes, however, due to the introduction of the Betting and Gaming Act. This attracted more people who wanted to join the fun and win cash.
Easy To Play
As well as being able to win prizes, bingo is so popular because it’s easy to follow. Once players get into the rhythm, they get to know where the numbers are on their bingo card and can mark them off quickly as they go along.
It’s Fun
It’s not just easy; it’s fast-paced and fun. This game is filled with quirky catchphrases and each number has a nickname. Some numbers when called have a stock response from players. For instance, when the number 22 is drawn, the response is often ‘quack quack’ because the number looks like two ducks.
This call-and-response adds an element of fun for players and serves as a reminder that this is a sociable game. Lots of people play with friends, both in bingo halls and online. It’s an opportunity to get together and enjoy the familiarity that comes with this type of game.
It’s Evolved
This is a game that’s shifted over time. From its origins when it formed the lottery through to the bingo halls that opened in the 60s and 70s in response to the introduction of the Betting and Gaming Act, bingo has evolved to suit its audience.
Today, players continue to attend events, with the game being one big party – it even attracts Hollywood stars. And with so many of us playing games on the go, it makes sense that it’s also accessible on our smart devices.
Bingo is an enduring game that’s sure to be popular in the years to come.