Bingo through the ages: A look at its history and popularity
They say that the classic lotto game of numbered balls hails from Italy in the early 16th Century, but for North Americans, the history of bingo begins in 1929. It was this year that an American toy salesman brought the game in the form of a bag of beans to the continent, which then spread and evolved tremendously over the near-century since.
Known for delivering low-cost entertainment in a way that’s random, fair, and fun, bingo is drawn upon for all kinds of events and evenings. In Red Deer, Alberta, just this year, the Rotary Club put on its 29th annual black tie bingo night, raising money for the organization’s scholarship program through the bingo play and its auctions. Events such as this show how the classic game remains a hot favorite in the country.
Embracing Every New Trend
Image by Abbie Fyre
The straightforward and accessible nature of the game means that people can create a whole host of different ways to draw from its central gameplay loop. Ontario has also become particularly fond of quirky bingo formats. In January 2025 alone, there is Glitz and Glam Drag Bingo at the Block Three Brewing Company, Burlesque Bingo at the Shenkman Arts Centre, and The Drake Hotel’s Other People’s Treasure Bingo. Importantly, because people can get the hang of it so quickly, it’s also a fan favorite among online players.
Online bingo provides convenient playing options, as well as all the fun of the gaming halls. The popularity of online bingo has been further aided by streams of bingo promotions that expand the ways to win. Offers often include jackpots, free daily spins for extra bingo prizes, a sign-up bonus to help new players enjoy even more of the action, and even live bingo events. People can tune in and play along around the biggest days of the year to revel in themed events and special prize live bingo games.
All of these promos have greatly expanded the reach and appeal of online bingo. After all, bingo halls carved out a low-stakes niche that could hold its own in casino halls and as standalone venues. Online, casinos have adapted to increase their appeal, bundling in promos and other low-cost options.
Bingo Without the Numbers
Photo by Marcela Laskoski
Aside from online bingo, there are other formats that are also in the spotlight. One such format has been brought back from the 1950s, and it’s making a big comeback.
Replacing the numbers with tracks, music bingo has become the hit new way to play. From a set list of 75, 80, or 90 songs – depending on your chosen format of bingo – players write their songs into boxes or are given preset, randomized cards with those songs. Then, the playlist is set to shuffle, everyone listens along and dabs as the songs play. You could even narrow it down with a themed night on an artist with a huge song catalog.
So, whether it’s in its traditional form, for fundraising fun, convenient entertainment, or by switching out the numbers for some songs, bingo remains a hot favorite for Albertans, and across the country.
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