Bingo is such a popular game around the world, and nowadays you can get easy and instant access to various different types of the game at an online casino. Whether that be the UK favourite of 90-ball Bingo, or the new and exciting hybrid game of Slingo. For example, you can play Bingo on this website https://bingo.paddypower.com/, to experience all variations of the exciting game.
But did you know that nations across the globe play the 500-year-old game in varying ways? Let us take you on a journey and discover how the game of Bingo is played around the world!
Italy
You may not know the history of the game of Bingo, but it did in fact originate in Italy. In the 16th century the Bingo-style game was invented and called Il Gioco del Lotto d’Italia. Over the years, it made its way across Europe and developed into the modern game that we know today.
The game is still popular across Italy, with 90-ball Bingo being the most commonly played variation. There are allegedly 300 Bingo halls in operation across the country, with the social game resonating particularly with the younger generation. In 2007, online Bingo was legalised in Italy, and this has gone to grow in popularity too.
United States
Bingo is at the heart of the United States (US) when it comes to gaming. The most popular Bingo game for this nation is the 75-ball variety. This style of game became standardised in the US in the beginning of the 1920s, and as a result was commonly played across the country by the ‘40s, continuing to this day.
There are fairly strict gambling laws in the US, so you won’t come across many commercial Bingo halls, but it is a firm favourite in terms of events run by churches and charities. Of course, the famous state of Nevada has more liberal legalisation for gaming and gambling, so is one of the areas you’re allowed to play in a fully fledged Bingo hall.
Sweden
Bingo is so loved in Sweden, that the country has developed its own version of the game. Swedish Bingo is a variation on the 75-ball game, sometimes known as five-line Bingo or High Five Bingo.
Compared to the US version of 75-ball Bingo, there is no free space in the centre of the ticket, and there are five ways to win in Swedish Bingo – hence the appropriate nicknames for the game. You can win a prize for one, two, three and four lines, and finally a full house.
The country goes one step further, as a typical pastime for the people of Sweden is drive-in Bingo. Forget the drive-in cinema, this all about meeting up in the countryside to play a collaborative game of Bingo!
Russia
You’re familiar with online Bingo and the traditional Bingo hall in countries, but have you heard of TV Bingo? Well, this form of the game is a popular show in Russia, and has been an established part of televised gaming since 1994.
90-ball is the most common Bingo variant used for this, and prizes can be won for a line and full house. There is also a special jackpot for the lucky person who wins a full house in the first 15 numbers. If there is no winner at the end of the show, the jackpot rolls over to the next episode. Some handsome amounts could be won in Russia, through this unique version of Bingo.