Bingo is a game that delights players of all ages. While it’s evolved throughout history, the premise of the game has remained the same – and it’s continued to bring people together, whether at in-person bingo halls or online.

It’s a game that can be enjoyed by every generation. Between April 2021 and March 2022, bingo generated almost £500 million in revenue in the UK and is showing great signs of recovery after the pandemic.

But where did it all start? Here’s a rundown on one of society’s timeless games, including where it originated from and how it’s changed over the years.

The history of bingo

It’s claimed that the earliest iteration of bingo dates as far back as the 1500s and was played in Italy under the name ‘Il Giuoco del Lotto d’Italia’. It spread across Europe, evolving as the years passed, before featuring 27 squares laid out in three rows and nine columns and using numbers from 1-90.

This version is similar to the bingo we love today. It continued to spread across the globe, eventually reaching North America in the 1920s and being named ‘Beano’ due to the use of dried beans to cover the numbers. However, the name changed to ‘Bingo’ after a player shouted it in sheer delight after winning.

The impact that the game had in bringing people together remains an important part of the experience today.

Evolution of gameplay

The way in which we play bingo has changed in recent times, mainly to integrate more contemporary themes, wackier prizes and spin-off games. The race mentality has remained, as people aim to tick off all their numbers before their competitors, however these days, a brilliant cash prize tends to encourage people to play, while embracing the social element it creates.

Technological integration

Online bingo has been a key part of its evolution – and you can even play on the go using a bingo app. Players can tune in from their phone, tablet or desktop.

The creation of additional games also gives players more options beyond classic games of bingo. While some may fear that online bingo diminishes the social element, others will argue that the options to socialise are heightened in a whole new way with chat rooms and messaging tools that allow you to chat with friends as you play.

To conclude…

Bingo continues to fly the flag for social gaming – and there are several ways for you to experience it, whether online or in person. Plus, the prizes are bigger and better than ever, attracting more and more players to shoot their shot at winning large, while enjoying the experience the game creates.