National Bingo Day

Group of diverse people in a lively bingo hall, filled with excitement and colorful daubers, wearing casual outfits, joyful expressions on their faces.. — National bingo day illustration

Calling all bingo lovers! Get ready to shout 'BINGO' at the top of your lungs because National Bingo Day is here to bring out your competitive spirit and test your luck! Whether you're a seasoned player or a newbie dabber, this day is all about having a rollicking good time and crossing off those numbers with precision. So grab your lucky charm and settle in, as we explore the fascinating history of this beloved game!

When is Bingo Day?

It's national bingo day on the 27th June.

The Birth of Bingo

Believe it or not, the roots of bingo go back centuries. The game originated in Italy in the 16th century and was known as 'Il Giuoco del Lotto d'Italia.' It quickly gained popularity across Europe, eventually making its way to France in the late 18th century. The French added their own twist, introducing playing cards and tokens to the game.

But it wasn't until the early 20th century that bingo found its way to the United States. During the Great Depression, a toy salesman named Edwin S. Lowe discovered a similar game being played at a carnival in Georgia. He loved the concept and decided to develop his own version, which he initially called 'Beano' because players used dried beans to mark their cards.

The Name that Stuck

Legend has it that during one of Lowe's games, an excited player accidentally yelled 'bingo' instead of 'beano' when they achieved a winning combination. Lowe loved the name so much that he decided to rename the game 'bingo,' and the rest, as they say, is history.

Rise of Online Bingo

In the age of the internet, it's no surprise that bingo has also taken its place in the online realm. With the ability to play anytime, anywhere, online bingo has made the game even more accessible and convenient. Now you can experience the thrill of shouting 'BINGO' without even leaving your living room!

Celebrating National Bingo Day

On National Bingo Day, enthusiasts from all over the world come together to celebrate this classic game. It's a day dedicated to enjoying the camaraderie, excitement, and nail-biting moments that bingo brings. Whether you gather with friends at a local bingo hall or join an online community, the main objective is simple: win and have fun!

History behind the term 'Bingo'

1530

Le Lotto

The origins of bingo can be traced back to 1530 in Italy, where a game called Le Lotto was played. Le Lotto was a type of lottery game in which players would mark numbers on their cards as they were called out. The player who marked all the numbers on their card first would win the game.

1778

The Origins of the Name

The term 'bingo' as we know it today was not used until the late 18th century in England. The game that was played at that time was similar to Le Lotto, but it was called 'Beano.' The name 'Beano' was derived from players marking their cards with beans. When a player completed a row, they would shout 'Beano!' to signal their win.

1929

Edwin S. Lowe and the Naming of Bingo

The term 'bingo' originated in the United States in 1929 thanks to toy salesman Edwin S. Lowe. Lowe encountered the game while attending a carnival near Atlanta, where players shouted 'Beano' when they won. Inspired by the game, Lowe decided to introduce it to his friends and renamed it 'bingo.'

1930

Popularity and Legalization

After Edwin S. Lowe introduced bingo to his friends, it quickly gained popularity. People enjoyed the game's simplicity and the excitement of marking their cards to complete a row. In 1930, the game was legalized for charitable purposes in parts of the United States, further fueling its growth and widespread adoption.

1960s

Bingo Halls and Modernization

In the 1960s, bingo underwent a significant transformation. Bingo halls began to emerge, providing dedicated spaces for people to come together and play the game. The introduction of electronic bingo machines in the 1970s brought further modernization, allowing for faster gameplay and automated number calling.

Online Bingo

21st Century Evolution

With the rise of the internet, bingo has evolved once again. Online bingo has become increasingly popular, providing players with the convenience of playing from the comfort of their homes. The social aspect of the game has also been adapted, with online chat rooms allowing players to interact and create communities while playing.

Did you know?

Did you know that the largest recorded bingo game took place in 2006 in Colombia? A staggering 70,080 participants came together to play, setting a Guinness World Record!