Virtual Bingo – A Brief History & its Different Versions

Bingo is an engaging game played for entertainment, cash, and prizes. The matches are won when players match the numbers on their cards with the ones drawn out randomly by the Bingo caller. The first player to complete the pattern yells “Bingo,” and their numbers are checked before awarding the prize or cash. Throughout a gaming session, the patterns might vary, which keeps players interested.

Today, virtual Bingo games are readily available, and players can download an app to fulfill their cravings. Most of them are fast-paced matches with daub-timers. Players must daub the number appearing on the screen on their cards as quickly as possible to score. They can compete against real-life online opponents and even participate in cash-winning multiplayer tournaments. The trick to winning these contests is playing at odd hours with fewer participants. First, however, let’s take a look back in history to know the origins of this game and the different versions that exist.

Bingo’s Origins and Why It’s called Bingo

Although there are different Bingo types, the traditional game has its roots in 1500s Italy. Over the following few hundred years, it spread throughout Europe. It started as a game called Il Giuoco del Lotto d’Italia (the clearance of the lot of Italy) in 1530 and was similar to the National Lotto. Then, the French adopted the game and called it Le Lotto. The wealthy French elite enjoyed these sessions during their free time.

As for how the name was born, you must look Stateside. According to the legend, Edwin S. Lowe, a New York toy salesman traveling from New York to Jacksonville in Georgia in 1929, coined the name. He had some time to spare before the next day’s meeting and was exploring around when he came across a carnival packed in the town. Here, he came across a Beano stall involving a caller pulling out numbered balls and players using dried beans to cover those numbers on their cards. The first player to completely cover a straight line with the beans shouted ‘Beano’ and won a teddy bear.

The toy salesman patiently waited until the carnival closed and then quizzed the stall owner, who revealed he came up with this game after playing a version of the German lottery. Lowe didn’t hesitate to bring the fun back with him to New York, and he created his set of Beano cards to play with friends. His friends were immediately hooked on this new game to his utter delight, and their excitement knew no bounds. Finally, one of his friends shouted ‘Bingo’ instead of ‘Beano,’ and that’s how the game got its name.

The Different Bingo Versions

Are you interested in playing Bingo but don’t know where to start? Here’s a breakdown of the different versions available for you.

• 75 Ball Bingo – The game uses seventy-five balls, and it is called American Bingo. The objective is to create patterns on the grid, which vary per game. The pattern might be diamond, cross, blackout, etc. It is the most commonly played version in America.
• 90 Ball Bingo – The traditional form of Bingo is also called British Bingo. It is played in different halls across the country. The rules are different per game, but the objective is to mark either one or two lines. Players can make a full house of match numbers within ninety ball calls.
• 52 Ball Bingo – It is a mix of 90 and 75 Ball Bingo games, as mentioned above. The difference is that the balls are playing cards. Therefore, the number is fifty-two because that’s the number of playing cards in a standard deck. Each player is dealt five cards and must mark them off as the numbers are called.
• Slingo – It is a mashup of Bingo and slots. Players are given Bingo cards of numbers, and they must spin the reels to cross them out. You will receive a Slingo card with twenty-five neatly arranged numbers in five columns. Players need to hit the spin button to get five digits at a time. These numbers appear at the card’s bottom. If the numbers are present on your card, you will mark them off. The objective of these gaming sessions is to win a prize. Players achieve a Slingo when they mark off five numbers diagonally, vertically, or horizontally. They are awarded points, and the player with the most points is the winner. Special symbols might also appear during the match sessions instead of numbers. Also, the rules might vary between the different versions. However, the most basic rules remain the same in all matches.
• Speed Bingo – 30 Ball Bingo, AKA speed Bingo uses the least numbers of all the variants. While this version isn’t as standard as the rest, you can find it on various online websites. The matches are played with just thirty balls or numbers. It is desirable to players who don’t have much time on their hands or those who are seeking a different kind of thrill. The gaming cards have nine numbers, filling every square within a 3X3 grid. The game is played quicker, and there’s only one grand prize.

Wrapping Up

Participating in Bingo games online is the time to get your heart racing. These variations are available online, and you can sign up on websites or download gaming applications. Register with your existing account or create a new one to get started. Best of luck!