History of Bingo
A Brief History of Bingo
The basic concept of Bingo is said to descend from the Lo Giuoco del Lotto d’Itallia
– to you and me that’s the Italian Lotto that’s been going since
1530! ‘Bingo’ has existed in some for or another since the time of medieval
showmen, handed down from one generation to the next, however, what’s for
sure is the true commercialization of the game we love today has its roots with
game of Beno.
Beno was a game promoted by carnival showmen during the 1900’s. The game resembled
a basic bingo game, with cards and numbers marked with beans and hence the shout
of ‘BENO’ when someone won!
Failing toy manufacturer Ed Lowe, one of the great promoters of the game, was so
amazed at the popularity and excitement of the Beno stall that in December 1929
he took the idea home with him to share with his friends. The excitement built in
the Lowe house and during one game the winning player got so over-excited that she
shouted BINGO instead of Beno. Lowe loved the name so much that it’s stuck
ever since!
As the game became increasing popular Bingo brought Lowe riches, and although he
couldn’t patent the concept of the game Lowe asked competitors to pay him
one dollar and to call their games by the same name! The game of bingo was born
and it’s grown into one of the most popular leisure pursuits in the world.
Following the dawn of the internet, bingo has developed online enabling players
the chance to play from the comfort of their own home. Dream Bingo is now the premier
online bingo room today, and with its vibrant community, wide array of promotions
and selection of casino games it is a safe bet that Ed Lowe would have found himself
very much at home here!
