For something that we in the UK consider to be wholly English, bingo is in fact far from that. It began back in 16th century Italy as a lottery game called Lo Giuoco Code Lotto. It proved to be very popular, moving to France in the 18th century and then Germany for educational purposes.
The French were the first to read out the numbers. Previously, Bingo had been a kind of lottery game, but the French and Germans developed it to such an extent that it could not escape the attention of those new-worlders, the Americans.
By that time, 'Beano' as it was known, was played with beans, a rubber stamp and a cardboard sheet. Legend says that Beano became Bingo when someone got confused, excited and probably a little embarassed, and shouted 'Bingo!' when he had won.
By the second world war, Bingo had spread throughout the US and the UK, with bingo halls popping up everywhere. Today, the game, having suffered a knockback in popularity, has become popular again as younger players pick up the dauber online.
So how did this revival come about? Doubtless, online bingo has caught the imagination. Even Vic Reeves feels he can dress up as a woman to advertise bingo on TV - and nearly half a million players have opened bingo accounts. With an equal opportunity to win, it is certainly something that people appreciate - more than poker, perhaps!
With secure online billing making it possible for anyone over the age of 18 to play, online bingo is a not a game of skill, but is a high-tech game for everyone. It's come a long way since the days of beans and carboard - and don't show your age by shouting out Beano!
The French were the first to read out the numbers. Previously, Bingo had been a kind of lottery game, but the French and Germans developed it to such an extent that it could not escape the attention of those new-worlders, the Americans.
By that time, 'Beano' as it was known, was played with beans, a rubber stamp and a cardboard sheet. Legend says that Beano became Bingo when someone got confused, excited and probably a little embarassed, and shouted 'Bingo!' when he had won.
By the second world war, Bingo had spread throughout the US and the UK, with bingo halls popping up everywhere. Today, the game, having suffered a knockback in popularity, has become popular again as younger players pick up the dauber online.
So how did this revival come about? Doubtless, online bingo has caught the imagination. Even Vic Reeves feels he can dress up as a woman to advertise bingo on TV - and nearly half a million players have opened bingo accounts. With an equal opportunity to win, it is certainly something that people appreciate - more than poker, perhaps!
With secure online billing making it possible for anyone over the age of 18 to play, online bingo is a not a game of skill, but is a high-tech game for everyone. It's come a long way since the days of beans and carboard - and don't show your age by shouting out Beano!
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