Who Invented Bingo and Why Is It Called Bingo?

Ever wondered about the origins of Bingo and how it got its name? 

This classic game of chance has an interesting history that stretches back a few centuries. In this Dream Jackpot casino blog post, we’ll uncover the origins of Bingo, explore how it evolved over time, and reveal why it’s called Bingo. From its early beginnings in Italy, to its popularity in British halls, join us as we embark on a journey through the intriguing story of this beloved game. Ready to get started? Let’s dive in!

Who First Invented Bingo?

Bingo’s beginnings date back to 16th-century Italy. It started as a lottery game called “Il Gioco del Lotto d’Italia”, which was quite popular in the country.

The game made its way to France in the 1770s. There, the French aristocracy enjoyed a version of it called “Le Lotto”. It featured cards with rows of numbers and small wooden tokens.

In the 1920s, the game reached the United States. Edwin S. Lowe, a toy salesman, encountered a similar game called “Beano” at a fair.

The name “Bingo” is believed to have originated from a player accidentally shouting it instead of “Beano”. Lowe saw the potential of the game and adapted it, giving us the Bingo we know today.

In Britain, Bingo became widely popular in the mid-20th century. It transitioned from local halls to online platforms, becoming a favourite for many.

So, there you have it—a brief journey through the history and invention of Bingo. Fascinating, isn’t it?

When Was Bingo Invented?

The origins of Bingo can be traced back to 1530 in Italy. It began as an Italian lottery game named “Il Gioco del Lotto d’Italia”, which was popular amongst locals.

By the 18th century, the game had crossed borders into France. There, it evolved into a pastime for the French aristocracy and was called “Le Lotto”. The game featured unique playing cards and markers.

In the late 1920s, Bingo arrived in the United States. The game gained a new name and widespread recognition thanks to Edwin S. Lowe, who commercialised it after seeing it played as “Beano” at a carnival.

Bingo’s popularity continued to spread and reached Britain by the 20th century. Local halls became the venue of choice, with the game quickly becoming a favourite pastime.

Since then, Bingo has evolved further, making its way online in recent years, offering an alternative to the traditional hall-based game.

So, Bingo’s rich history spans from 16th-century Italy to modern-day Britain, with each era adding its own twist.

Why Was Bingo Named Bingo?

The name “Bingo” has an interesting backstory. The game was originally known as “Beano” in the United States during the 1920s. It involved players marking numbers on their cards with beans.

The transformation from “Beano” to “Bingo” is credited to a slip of the tongue. During a game, a player excitedly shouted “Bingo!” instead of “Beano” after completing their card.

Toy salesman Edwin S. Lowe was present when the incident occurred. He saw an opportunity and decided to market the game under this catchy new name.

The name stuck, and “Bingo” became the official title. Today, it’s a game recognised by millions across Britain and beyond, all starting from that spontaneous exclamation.

And that’s why we call it Bingo!

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