Whatever you might think about Bingo, it’s long been an extremely popular game in the UK. Between April and September 2020, the annual turnover of main stage bingo here was £82.51 million – this version of the game involves an old-fashioned pen and paper. In recent years, new renditions of the game have been created to attract a different crowd or appeal to people playing online, however, the old-school Bingo halls are still in full swing. Here are some fun facts that you might not know about Bingo…
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The history of Bingo
Did you know that Bingo originates from Italy? It was created in the 16th-century and didn’t make its way over to the UK until the 18th-century. The premise is simple, with players marking off the numbers of their ticket as and when they are called out. Its simple, yet genius formula never got old and it still attracts millions of players across the globe – many of which play online.
It was Edwin Lowe from New York who popularised the game in the 1920s by turning it into a game that could be enjoyed by households. Before Lowe got his hands on it, the game is said to have been called ‘beano’, in reference to the beans that were used as counters by soldiers in the army.
American Bingo is different to UK Bingo
Although Bingo is widely played around the world, there are a few differences in some countries. For instance, in America they play a 75-ball game of Bingo instead of the 90-ball version played in the UK. Both versions are usually played with five-by-five squares. Typically, the Americans play Bingo in casino settings, whereas in the UK, it’s used as a form of socialisation and an excuse to get friends together.
The biggest bingo wins
Intrigued to know what the biggest Bingo wins are?
- John Orchard won £5.9 million in 2012 (online – Butlers Bingo)
- Anne Marie Farrar won £3.4 million in 2015 (online – Iceland Bingo)
- Soraya Lowell won £1,1 million in 2008 (in club – the National Bingo Game)
Not bad for such a light-hearted and seemingly simple game! It’s also great to see a mix of online and in-person wins. Imagine being there in the moment when Soraya Lowell won the big cash prize!
Bingo can be good for the brain
As with any game that encourages coordination, speed and logic, Bingo is a great way to keep your brain stimulated, helping you feel more alert. A study by the BBC from 2002 highlighted how playing the game can ‘boost the brain’ and is especially good for elderly players.
Are you a fan of Bingo? Tell us, do you enjoy playing it online or in a good old-fashioned Bingo hall? Leave a comment down below!
