Get your daubers ready because we’re about to delve into some of the best facts about Bingo that you might not know!
Whether you think you can play the game with your eyes closed or are a beginner, the rules of Bingo are pretty straightforward.
Simply purchase as many tickets as you’d like, and as the caller reads out the numbers, check to see if it’s displayed on your ticket. If it is, mark it off!
There’s usually a prize for the first person to complete a line and a full house, so get ready to call “Bingo!”
With this in mind, brace yourself for these 10 fun facts, so you can sound like a pro the next time you play…
1. Bingo originated in Italy
It is believed that Bingo originated from the Italian National Lottery, otherwise known as ‘Il Giuoco del Lotto d’Italia’, which has been played since 1530.
2. A New York toy salesman made the game famous
It wasn’t until 1929 that Bingo was made popular. It was thanks to New York toy salesman Edwin Lowe, who came across the game at a fair in Georgia, US. At this time, the pitchman told him he had originally come across the game in Germany. And so, Lowe created his own version of the game and took it home for his friends to try.
3. Bingo was first known as Beano
When Edwin Lowe discovered the game, numbers were being marked off with beans, and the game was known as Beano in the US. It was when his friends played the game and became so excited that “Bingo” was shouted out instead. Somehow, this is the name that stuck.
4. The game was first known as Housey Housey in the UK
You may have heard some British players yelling out “House” instead of Bingo. This is because, at the time of Beano being played at fairs and carnivals, Housey Housey – a similar game – was being played throughout the UK.
5. In the 18th century, women were arrested for ‘Dicing’
A Bingo variation known as ‘Dicing’ – a game played using a wheel marked with random numbers, had become popular in the UK in the 18th century. It would see women meet at night to place their bets and play for the chance to find a way out of poverty.
This became illegal, and anyone caught would’ve been arrested!
6. Over three million people play Bingo twice a week in the UK
In the modern-day, Bingo, which is no longer illegal, is played frequently in the UK. Over three million people play Bingo regularly – which equates to twice each week!
7. Bingo is more popular amongst women than men
With 8% of the UK’s population playing Bingo, and 10% of all women, compared to 5% of men enjoying a game, it’s clear that Bingo is more popular amongst women.
8. An average game of Bingo lasts between three to six minutes
It probably depends on how quickly your Bingo caller is saying the numbers, but the average land-based game is said to last between three to six minutes. Will you be timing your next game?
9. The first ever online Bingo site was called Bingo Zone
Bingo Zone was launched in America in 1996. Whilst the site was pretty basic, it helped pave the way for the Bingo sites we know and love today.
10. There are around 350 Bingo sites in the UK
Due to the popularity of the game, as of 2018, there were around 350 online Bingo sites in the UK alone!
