Bringing Bingo Home

From the fair grounds to the internet, from Europe to America. The game of bingo has been around for many years, some even estimate a number of centuries. The origins of the game are not clear, however, it is rumoured to have been founded in 18th century Europe. So how has the game managed to evolve from this point to the modern version of the game now?

The first evidence of the bingo bug takes place between 1910 - 1960. Originally called lotto or housey, the game attracted a large amount of people in places such as Catholic Churches, workingmen's clubs and holiday camps. Early games were also noted to take place at local fairs.

The game of bingo in its current format takes shape after 1960. At this point in history many bingo clubs would offer glamorous prizes and large cash sums in order to attract custom. The clubs were involved in other gambling activities and were given lots of bad press. During this period a man named Eric Morley helped change the attitude of the press and the appearance of bingo altogether. Morley made the game appear as a social activity that can be enjoyed without the glamorous awards instead of just a plain and simple gambling game.

After this period bingo clubs started popping up all over the country. With a rapid rise to fame bingo soon become a favourite game for many people. These large clubs would make large amounts of profit from its large number of participants. Also bingo machines started to appear in arcades across the country, allowing a faster paced experience and for less money.
In modern times the 2007 smoking ban threatened the bingo industry as it is estimated that 50% of bingo players are smokers. After an immediate drop in custom and a few closures of bingo clubs, the customers started to return. The clubs also found other ways to make the game appeal to a wider audience.
The introduction of online bingo is the most modern form of the game. With hundreds of prizes and hundreds of games everyday, bingo now caters for a larger audience.
From the fairgrounds to the internet bingo has found a way into the nations heart.

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From the fair grounds to the internet, from Europe to America. The game of bingo has been around for many years, some even estimate a number of centuries. The origins of the game are not clear, however, it is rumoured to have been founded in 18th century Europe. So how has the game managed to evolve from this point to the modern version of the game now?