The bingo hall is somewhat of a western phenomenon, which is not surprising considering the godfather of bingo, Edward Lowe, was from the United States. The game of bingo has its foundations in Europe and only spread to the Americas through the pioneering explorers trekking through the new world. It was in Italy in 1530 that the game first took roots. The aristocracy of Italy began to play a game with similar rules to the game of bingo today. The bingo hall concept soon spread to other areas of Western Europe.

European Bingo Halls

The French took on a similar game design and called it "Lotto" it was a national game but only really played by the affluent in French society. Interestingly the German people used the concept to teach children maths and history. Employing it as a symbolism memory exercise, they found it to be quite effective.

After nearly a century the concept of the game remained in Europe but eventually, with the European explorers, it followed into the new world. This is where Edward Lowe would develop the modern game of bingo.

The name actually came as a result of mistake. Initially Lowe called the game "Beano" but in one particular game he heard a player shout "Bean-go" and thus the name became "Bingo".

These games became hugely popular with church parishes as a way to raise money with the community. Often the church itself would be the venue and it is this use of the church, which gave birth to the idea of bingo halls.

Online Bingo Halls

The influence of gaming and gambling corporations has resulted in a vast amount of halls being built in most major cities throughout Britain and the U.S., and now with online bingo dominating the gaming world the virtual bingo hall is open to everyone. You could be the next one to win! Check out the best place to play bingo for free and start your bingo career at a great bingo hall today.