6 Facts About Bingo

If you're like us and you love to shout "bingo" while marking off those numbers as they're called out, or if you're just curious about this classic game and want to know more, stay where you are.  

In this blog, we've got six interesting facts about bingo that might surprise you. So, grab your cuppa and let's start.  

Origins lost in time

Believe it or not, bingo has its origins in an Italian game called "Lo Giuoco del Lotto D'Italia", that translates to the national lottery of Italy, and goes back to the 16th century.  

Bingo, as we know it today though, became popular in the United States by a toy salesman, Edwin S Lowe, who discovered the game in a Georgian fair in 1929.  

Educational fun

Bingo wasn't always just about entertainment. During the mid-20th century, it was used as an educational tool to teach children spelling, multiplication tables, and even history.  

Since then, bingo has been used by multiple educational settings, including schools, classrooms, and educational programs. Who knew learning could be so much fun?

The name game

Ever wondered how bingo got its name? Legend says that it was originally called "Beano" because players used beans to mark their cards. The name later changed to "Bingo" after a player accidentally yelled out "Bingo" instead of "Beano" in excitement. And the rest is history.  

"Eyes down"

 If you've ever played bingo, you'll be familiar with the classic call to action: "Eyes down!" This phrase gives players the signal to focus on their cards and pay close attention to the numbers being called out. It's a kind reminder to stay alert and be ready to shout those magic words when they've completed a winning pattern. 

You don't need to listen out for "Eyes down" when playing online (you can even make yourself a fresh brew and we'll play some games out for you!) but be sure to keep your ears open if you're heading to a brick-and-mortar bingo venue. 

Bingo lingo

Part of the fun of playing bingo is getting familiar with its unique language. From "Two Little Ducks" for the number 22 to "Legs Eleven" for - you guessed it - number 11, bingo has its own special lingo.  

Usually used in brick-and-mortar bingo halls, bingo lingo helps players to easily hear which numbers have been called – and save time dabbing away as a result!  

There might not be the same need to use bingo lingo in online bingo games (we've got automatic dabbers in charge of keeping up with the latest calls), but it's still fun to hear the quirky nicknames pop up in chat. Why not challenge your fellow bingo players knowledge the next time you're having a natter? 

There's more than just one type

Bingo isn't just one game: it's a whole family of different versions. From classic 75-ball bingo to the fast-paced 90-ball version, there's something for everyone. Other popular variants include 80-ball bingo and even themed bingo games featuring specialised cards and patterns.  

The general gist of the popular game stays the same in all versions, but you might find the number of balls used changes, or the ticket layouts, or even how many games you play at once. 

Digital transformation

In today's digital age, bingo has moved from traditional halls to the world wide web. Online bingo offers a convenient and accessible way to enjoy the game from the comfort of your own home. With features like chat rooms and live shows, players can experience the excitement of bingo while connecting with fellow fans from around the world. 

Whether you're an experienced player or a curious newbie, there's always something new to discover and enjoy when playing a game of bingo.  And now that you know all these fun facts, you can easily win the next bingo quiz or pop them into a bingo chat room and impress everyone!  

New to online bingo? This handy guide includes everything you need to know!