Bingo is a game with very ancient origins and is now popular all over the world, thanks to its simplicity. Just get together with a few friends and pay attention to the drawing of numbers, after which the evening goes on by itself. It has become ingrained in many folk traditions and is often played during festivities. With the digital age, this game has also had to adapt to more modern times, landing online and spreading rapidly over the Internet via special apps or websites. From the 16th century to the present day, Bingo has become entrenched in the culture of many countries including the UK, let’s see how it has developed to this day.
Rules and variations
Bingo is a game of chance in which participants try to complete patterns on a numbered folder as random numbers are drawn. Each folder has a grid with numbers arranged in rows and columns; the main goal is to complete a predefined pattern, such as a horizontal, vertical, diagonal line or the entire folder (the ‘bingo’).
Each game begins with the announcement of the numbers drawn, and players must mark them if they are on their cards. The first to complete the required pattern wins, announcing it with ‘Bingo!’.
There are several variations:
- 90-number Bingo: more popular in Europe, uses cards with 3 rows and 9 columns.
- 75-number Bingo: more popular in USA, the grid is 5×5 with a free centre square.
- Online Bingo: many different versions of this game are widely spread on the internet
Online Bingo
A game as easy and intuitive as this could not fail to find its place on the Internet. Digitalisation has helped to spread the game even further, one of the reasons behind the enduring success of bingo in the UK is the accessibility and variety offered by online platforms. Players can enjoy their favorite game from the comfort of their homes while choosing from a list with over 20 bingo operators, each offering unique themes, bonuses, and community-driven experiences. This diversity has helped the game maintain its appeal across different generations, ensuring its status as a timeless favorite in the ever-expanding world of online entertainment. Players can participate in games on the go, connect with others through interactive chat options, or explore new variations of bingo that bring fresh twists to traditional gameplay.
Historical background
This game has its roots in Italy in 1530, specifically in ‘Lo Giuoco del Lotto d’Italia’, a kind of lottery aimed at raising funds for the state. Between the 17th and 19th centuries, it also spread to the rest of Europe and became firmly established in all walks of life. Finally, the game landed in the United States, where in the 1920s Edwin s. Lowe codified it in a more modern key and made it a mass market product. In England, the game began to spread in the 1930s mainly in social settings such as churches and recreation halls.
In 1960, with the Betting and Gaming Act, the British government regulated gambling, making bingo legal in licensed halls. This led to the establishment of numerous bingo halls throughout the country. Today, bingo is often associated with festive gatherings, especially with Christmas, bringing people together to celebrate and share laughter. Everyone has likely experienced the warmth of preparing a special dish in their cozy kitchen, while in the next room, family or friends set up the table for a lively bingo game. The tradition adds a touch of nostalgia and joy to many occasions.
A new generation of Bingo lovers
Bingo is experiencing a resurgence among younger generations, becoming an increasingly popular social phenomenon. One of the most iconic examples is Bongo’s Bingo, which this year celebrates its 10th anniversary. This event was launched in 2014, blending the traditional bingo game with live music, theatrical performances, and a party-like atmosphere. Events like this have revitalized bingo, attracting a lively and youthful audience and making it a favorite once again for a new generation of enthusiasts.