In the United States, the game of bingo was originally named “Beano”. Beans were placed on cards to mark squares and would jump up to yell “beano” when they won.
It is traced back to Italy and France, where it was an early lottery, played, ironically, by the wealthy nobles.
Today, it is a well-established, incredibly fun game that everyone can understand and play. Essentially, everyone receives a 5×5 card with the letters B-I-N-G-O across the top. Under the letters are corresponding numbers (you might hear a caller in a bingo hall announce “under the B, 5, B-5″). People examine their cards and mark off any “5″ under the “B” column.
Once a pre-determined pattern appears marked on the card, the player yells bingo. The standard pattern are 5 squares in a row, either horizontal, vertical or diagonal. Most often the middle square (3rd under the “N” is a free square that is automatically marked). There are numerous variations to the winning pattern options, however. When a player yells “bingo”, the card is authenticated. If, in fact, it is a legitimate bingo, the jackpot goes to the player.
Playing bingo online is shockingly similar to playing in a bingo hall.