The History of Bingo – A Game Enjoyed by Millions
This age-old game has made its rounds around the world and back since its inception in Europe. The history of bingo is packed with oddities and quirky details, and the game has picked up new modifications along the way, spawning offshoots in both land-based bingo halls and online, much to the satisfaction of the estimated 4 million players in the UK alone. We’ll take a close look at what hides behind the façade of this social game. Bingo as we know it today is already an evolved version of a much older game, origins of which date back to the 1530s Italy. Il Giuoco del Lotto d’Italia was indeed the 16th century predecessor of the game as we know it today, making its way to France where players added cards, tokens and calls to the game. An 18th century variant Le Lotto was spotted having the tell-tale layout of 27 squares UK players are familiar with today. Fast forward to the 21st century, you’ll be hard pressed to find someone who’s never played bingo. Whether at church, at a fair, or as a learning tool at school, the BINGO catchphrase is something each of us has surely uttered or heard at one point or another.
The Growth of the Earliest Bingo Halls
Bingo entered the United Kingdom in the 18th century as it inadvertently spread around other parts of Europe. Nevertheless, nowhere else has the game made a bigger splash at the time than in the United States. A savvy man named Hugh Ward brought a standardised version of the game to county fairs and carnivals around the US, including a rule book and a catchy name ‘Beano’. An even more savvy chap, Edwin Lowe, made bingo history when he went ahead and produced his own version. This spread like wildfire at social gatherings and parties, setting the foundation for today’s bingo rules. The neatly packaged 12 and 24-card sets enabled bingo’s rapid spread through around the US and beyond. Eventually, bingo crawled its way into a fully organised public play space by way of friendly get-togethers, church dos, charity events or auctions, landing in bingo clubs around the UK as well as at major gambling hubs.
Detailed Look at Bingo History: Old Bingo Machines
The 20th century brought on a considerable amount of innovation – and this did not bypass bingo halls, either. From simple cage tumblers to fully electronical bingo machines, bingo callers have employed various ways to make their job easier across the board.
Old bingo machines would simplify the process of drawing numbers. Looking at the large amount of numbers, it would have been tedious to have to somehow mix them by hand. Instead, first a mechanical and later on an electric-powered tumbler would provide the numbers. These dispensers often had a number grid attached to them. During the game, the caller would place the numbered balls as they came out. It was all a very simple process, really. The only thing that speaks against holding on to the old school style of bingo is the speed.
Eventually, mechanical and electronic tumblers gave way to electronic random number generators. These eliminated the need for bingo balls, while the paper tickets where players mark numbers still remained.
Electronic Bingo Machines
Though using old-school cards to play bingo carries a certain charm, many people have turned to electronic bingo machines for increased efficiency and a glimmer of hope that they might land a win easier this way. These portable electronic devices are small enough to hold in your hand, and you can play several bingo tickets simultaneously, what gives players the added advantage of having a bigger winning chance.
The numbers are marked automatically, and the electronic bingo machines also possess the function to sort out your ticket in a way that you see your best playing ticket first. Wins are logged automatically, and any accrued wins are automatically applied to your player account – which is also linked to the electronic terminal in your hand. Sounds too complicated? Well think of it as a mix of playing online with a user account, and actually being present in person as well.
Bingo in the Modern Era – Online Bingo Websites and Casinos
It didn’t take much longer for online casino operators to start offering online bingo. By now, you’re looking at dozens of bingo sites all around the UK, with each offering competitive sets of bonuses, prizes and perks. If you’re keen to play bingo online, you’ll be happy to know that there are several bingo variations to choose from online, including the classic 90-ball British variant, as well as the American 75-ball bingo, apart from other creations like Speed Bingo or Flash Fives. There’s bingo rooms for every type of mood, and fans of progressive jackpots can get their hands on progressive bingo as well and hopefully land that coveted mega jackpot. Playing online is just as easy – if not easier – as at a land-based bingo hall: you pick the room, purchase tickets and wait to hit a win. Chat functionalities allow for a bumbling and friendly atmosphere, and there are tons of thrilling prizes to be had.
Playing on the move is also not an issue for bingo fans: mobile apps set up by bingo sites let you either play directly-in browser or even download a dedicated bingo app for easier, hassle-free access and increased gameplay convenience. Curious where to go for the best in online bingo? Then take a look at our roundup of top bingo sites and find the right fit for you. There are many bonuses to claim, so make sure you check the small print as well and familiarise yourself with the terms and conditions before you click ‘Play’.
Bingo in the UK
One of the top bingo-playing nations, the UK, has got no small part in in the history of bingo and its integration into today’s social life. Bingo clubs are ubiquitous and provide players with a space to play this game favourite on mechanized boards or colourful tables with built-in bingo cards. These bingo clubs provide a space to socialise and hang out with friends, while the prospect of winning is surely a welcome side effect. The pace is laid-back, with plenty of space for banter and a few drinks in between, and you’ll likely come across bingo callers yelling out the regional bingo number nicknames loud and proud with each draw. The social nature of UK bingo clubs attracts a diverse clientele, which is slightly different from the more senior US audience.