Bingo, where it all began

The game of Bingo can be traced all the way to its origins in 1530 in Italy, but the game, as it is currently been evolved into began in 1929 but was then referred to as BEANO.Beginning first as a carnival game, this beloved game, has spread across the world, entertaining all ages and generations throughout the centuries.

A traveling toy salesman in 1927 encountered the game during a trip to a carnival in Jacksonville. He noticed the huge popularity of a particular booth during the carnival.Within this booth was a slew of people were sitting listening intently to a host who was calling out numbers and the players, highly focused, were playing each with their own individual playing card. When the host called out a number and letter, they were all placing their beans onto the cards where the combination was matched. If the players were able to match a line either horizontal, vertical or diagonal than they received a doll prize.

Edwin Lowe, upon doing research found that the game had been introduced to the carnival by from Germany where the game originally was called Lotto. He also was taught the rules and the specifics on how to play the game. Upon returning home, the Edwin Lowe, the salesman, so intrigued by the game held a party and invited people over to play the beloved game. In the midst of the game, one of the party-goers became so excited upon winning that instead of yelling “beano” as you were supposed to, she yelled out “bingo”. This mishap at the pronunciation of winning at the game, became the new American version of Bingo.

For years and generations since, Bingo has become one of America’s favorite past time played by just about every age and every generation. It has become an awesome fundraising tool, party favorite, and learning game within our schools. Bingo is the perfect combination between game, thrill seeking gambling and learning device. Although it started as a simple game, Bingo has also grown in popularity among people who frequent casinos or enjoy a night out of gambling and at times has gotten a funny reputation for the elderly who enjoy staying current while playing the odds to win a little at the local bingo hall. Now it is even available to play online. Everyone seems to have caught bingo fever.