Bingo is one of the most loved casino games across the world. From its early days as an Italian Lottery game in the 1530s, to the modern day, where people play Bingo online from the comfort of their own sofa. Bingo has developed massively over time and still remains a firm favourite.
However much, or little, you play this casino classic – you’ll want to know these five fun facts, so keep on reading to find out more…
The game wasn’t always called Bingo
When the game was first created it was called Il Giuoco del Lotto d’Italia, the Italian lottery. However, the French aristocrats soon adopted the gaming style and name it ‘Le Lotto’.
By the time the game landed in America in the 1920s, the name had changed to Beano. This was because players covered up the numbers on the card with beans, to show they had called that number – clever right?
When players had a full house, or a line, they would shout “Beano!”
This didn’t stick for very long, as a US businessman Edwin S. Lowe, was playing the iconic game and one of the group yelled out “Bingo” by mistake in their excitement at winning. Since then, the name Bingo has stuck!
Winning big!
In 2012, Christine Bradfield was said to have won the largest Bingo prize, after having won more than £1.1 million at The Castle Club in Merthyr Tydfil in Wales.
She shared her winnings with her close friend and sister-in-law, as they had agreed to split any prizes they won at their Bingo games.
Do you think you have what it takes to win big?
UK vs. US Bingo
The most commonly played Bingo game in the UK is 90-ball Bingo, which involves 90 numbered balls and a card consisting of 27 spaces in nine columns and three rows.
Players can win one line, two lines or a full house when marking off the numbers called out.
This differs from the Bingo game in the US, where typically 75 balls are used. The Bingo card is also slightly different, as it’s made up of 25 squares, in a five-by-five grid. The middle square remains as a free space, with the winning pattern revealed at the beginning of the game.
Listen up!
Did you know that 23 Bingo numbers are announced, on average, in 60 seconds?
Get your dauber at the ready and make sure you are listening – the numbers will be called out quickly!
Famous Bingo calls
Even if you have never played Bingo, you are sure to have heard some of the iconic calls which are used. Here are some of the most popular…
- Number three, cup of tea
- Number four, knock at the door
- Number 5, man alive
- Number 22, two little ducks
- Number 71, bang on the drum
- Number 88, two fat ladies
We are certain you’ve heard some of these calls before, but did you know they were from Bingo?
Now you have all the Bingo fun facts you need, will you be heading to your local Bingo hall anytime soon, or will you be joining an online game and take your chances?
