The 1960s was an era marked by social change, fashion trends and rock ‘n’ roll music; bingo became one of the pillars of community support by drawing people together and raising funds for charitable projects.
American history of Bingo began in 1929 when New York toy salesman Edwin S Lowe discovered it at a traveling carnival and discovered its predecessor game called Beano; following an unexpected winning combination of numbers Lowe decided to change its name to Bingo.
Origins
Bingo is a dynamic and engaging way to spend time with friends, dating all the way back to 1530 in Italy when its first incarnation as Lo Giuoco del Lotto d’Italia national lottery took place. Since then, modern bingo has spread worldwide and now takes place weekly across many countries around the globe.
After World War II, bingo saw immense growth as community centers and churches hosted bingo nights to raise funds for schools and local projects – further cementing its popularity as an engaging and family-friendly pastime.
Edwin Lowe is widely credited with popularizing bingo as a commercialized game in the United States after witnessing it being played at a carnival. After adapting it, he gave it its current name – an amalgamation of Lowe’s initials and an excited woman’s exclamations when she won a round, and her shouted out “beano.” Soon enough, bingo had become an instantly recognisable gaming brand name.
Rules
Bingo has long been considered an enjoyable, clean activity despite its inherent elements of chance. Bingo nights have become staples at church basements and community centers across the country where regular Bingo nights help raise funds for charity while simultaneously uniting people together. Furthermore, Bingo has found its way into literature and movies as an integral social pastime in small-town or suburban America.
Bingo’s rules are relatively straightforward: when each number is called, players mark off each number on their card with a marker (traditionally beans were used, while today most use ink daubers) until one completes a pre-selected pattern and shout “BINGO!” Once verified by the caller, winners receive prizes as compensation. There are numerous variations on this classic game of Bingo as well. Some variations offer prizes exclusively while others have different rules altogether.
Variations
Bingo is a timeless classic, offering both thrills and camaraderie at community gatherings. Thanks to its worldwide appeal and simplicity, Bingo makes an excellent fundraising option.
After World War II, bingo’s popularity in the US reached unprecedented levels. Community centers, churches and schools all across America hosted bingo nights as a fundraiser and social activity. Large halls could accommodate hundreds of players playing simultaneously!
Bingo’s basic rules involve using a caller and marker (commonly referred to as a dauber) to mark called numbers on a bingo card. When one or more cards lacks only one number that was called out, this player is considered “on.”
Payouts
Payouts for bingo games vary based on the size and layout of a game hall, but can be substantial. Along with winning a line or column prize, there may be progressive jackpots as well as bonus payments for completing specific patterns. Bingo markers typically cost $2 to $5. (ThePricer Media).
Bingo is an affordable form of socializing that brings people together without breaking the bank. Many churches and social organizations hold regular bingo events to raise funds for local charitable initiatives; the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks hosts bingo games across the country to benefit local projects – these games can especially appeal to senior citizens who can’t afford other forms of entertainment such as movies or dining out.