Who Invented Bingo? The History of Bingo Explained

Bingo is a game loved by many, but have you ever wondered where it all began? The origins of Bingo can be traced back hundreds of years and span several countries and cultures. From its early beginnings in Italy to its modern-day popularity in the UK, Bingo has a rich and fascinating history. 

Initially called “Il Gioco del Lotto d’Italia,” the game began in Italy during the 16th century. It then found its way to France, where it became known as “Le Lotto”, a favourite among the French aristocracy. 

In the early 20th century, Bingo made its way across the Atlantic to the United States, where it gained massive popularity and got its familiar name. Fast forward to today, and Bingo is a staple in British culture, enjoyed in bustling Bingo halls and online. 

Understanding where Bingo came from adds another layer of intrigue to this classic game. So, let’s take a brief journey back in time to explore the captivating history of Bingo. 

Who First Invented Bingo?

The origins of Bingo date back to 16th-century Italy. The game began in 1530 and was originally known as “Il Gioco del Lotto d’Italia”. Italians played it as a form of lottery, and it gained popularity quickly. 

From Italy, the game spread to France in the late 1770s. Here, it was called “Le Lotto” and became particularly popular among the French aristocracy. 

In France, the game underwent several changes that made it resemble the Bingo we know today. Frenchmen enjoyed using cards, tokens, and calling out numbers. 

Bingo’s journey continued to Germany in the 19th century. Here, it was used as an educational tool to teach children maths and spelling. 

The game finally reached the United States in the early 20th century, where it was initially called “Beano”. Edwin S. Lowe, a toy salesman, is credited with popularising the game in the US. He noticed people playing it at a carnival and saw its potential. 

Lowe renamed it “Bingo” after hearing someone accidentally shout the word during a game. He further developed and marketed the game, leading to its immense popularity. 

So, while the exact invention of Bingo is a collective effort across countries and centuries, Edwin S. Lowe played a crucial role in giving us the version we enjoy today. 

The History of Bingo: How It Started

Bingo’s story begins in 16th-century Italy. In 1530, Italians enjoyed a game called “Il Gioco del Lotto d’Italia”, which functioned much like a lottery. This game became quite popular and soon caught the attention of other countries. 

By the late 1770s, the game had made its way to France. The French called it “Le Lotto”, and it gained popularity, especially among the elite. The French version involved selecting numbers in a very similar way to modern Bingo. 

In the 19th century, Bingo arrived in Germany. Unlike in Italy and France, the Germans used the game as an educational tool. It helped children learn maths, spelling, and history through play. 

The game’s next major development occurred in the early 20th century in the United States. It was initially called “Beano” and was played at carnivals. Participants used beans to mark their cards, hence the name. 

Edwin S. Lowe, an American toy salesman, saw the game’s potential. He adapted and marketed it, renaming it “Bingo” after a player excitedly shouted the word by mistake. 

Thus, Bingo’s evolution is a fascinating journey across countries and centuries, involving various adaptations that eventually shaped the game into what it is now. 

Why Is The Game Bingo Called Bingo?

The name “Bingo” has an interesting backstory. Initially, the game was called “Beano” in the United States because players used beans to mark their cards. This version of the game was popular at carnivals and fairs. 

One day, a toy salesman named Edwin S. Lowe observed people playing Beano at a carnival. The game intrigued him, and he decided to develop it further. Lowe saw the potential for it to become a popular pastime. 

The story goes that during one of Lowe’s trial games, a player got excited and accidentally shouted “Bingo” instead of “Beano” after winning. This enthusiastic slip of the tongue gave Lowe an idea. 

Lowe found the term “Bingo” catchy and easy to remember. He decided to rename the game, and it quickly gained popularity under its new name. 

So, the game we all know today as “Bingo” owes its name to a fortunately-timed mistake, which Edwin S. Lowe was quick to embrace. 

Is Bingo British or American?

Bingo, as we know it today, has influences from both sides of the pond. The game’s roots stretch back to Italy, but its journey has touched many lands, including both the UK and the USA. 

In the early 20th century, Bingo became popular in the United States. Originally called “Beano”, it quickly caught on at fairs and carnivals. Edwin S. Lowe, an American toy salesman, saw its potential and popularised it under the name “Bingo”. 

Around the same time, the game was also gaining traction in the UK, where it became a beloved pastime. During the 1960s, Bingo halls sprouted up across Britain, turning the game into a social event enjoyed by millions. 

So, while Bingo has strong ties to both the UK and the USA, it isn’t exclusively British or American. It is a game that has evolved through contributions from various countries, making it a global favourite. 

In summary, Bingo has a rich history that encompasses influences from both British and American cultures, making it a truly international game. 

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