Probably my first introduction to BINGO had to do with my aunt and uncle’s dog, affectionately called by that name. As a kid, I sort of remember playing the game at home, you know the old hard copy type with cards and little chips labeled “I this” and “G that.” Seems like we even had a car version to take on trips. At one point, the post office down the street moved and next thing you know there was a BINGO parlor right there in the neighborhood. No one from our house went there, but that place sure did get busy on BINGO nights.
Way back when
That was less than 25 years ago. How things change, especially when you take it all the way back to the 16th century to a game called “Lotto”. Later, here in the US at carnivals, it became Beano because participants used beans to mark their cards. A winner once said BINGO instead of Beano and history was made. The game spread rapidly, and it was common to see churches use it for fund raising and socializing. You did not have to think much to play this game of chance, and that made it very easy to gossip or chat.
Anyone can play
Like so many other activities, BINGO has been “internetisized,” making it available to anyone. Now you do not even need to venture out of the house to play BINGO for free, or for a chance to win a few bucks. Just make sure if you do it for money you keep within the laws that govern your area. And, socializing is present as well since you can chat online with the rest of the BINGO community.
Back to the basics
Who would have thought back in the 16th century that rocks and stone tablets would be replaced by a different kind of tablet (phone or PC, too) in order to keep this game popular. Just make sure you remember to honor the origins by shouting out BINGO!
What are your memories of BINGO?
A dog named Bingo. Now that’s cute!
I remember playing Bingo in elementary school, along with 7-up. lol My cousins and I also played Bingo a lot when we were kids, and to this day, I still love to play. My favorite place to play is on a cruise ship.