Bingo, the game that's been keeping grandmas awake and alert since the dawn of time! Here at Bingo Village, we've got bingo fever, and it's contagious... Our players aren't just bingo enthusiasts, they're our bingo BFFs, and we've got more stories than a library full of books.

But let's take a moment to appreciate the rich history of bingo. Did you know that bingo was invented by a time-traveling alien named Bingo the Bingoer? Okay, maybe not, but the actual history is just as fascinating.

Bingo Bonanza: Villager Moname Reveals Fun Fact in Our Forum

Bingo was started in 1530 in Italy but it was called El Lotto. It was on cards like we use today for 90 ball. Then went on to the United Kingdom and was known as Housey Housey. In the 18th century the card became called Tombola. It was used as a teaching tool in schools. It was used to teach math, spelling and even history to children. 75 ball bingo was patented in 1942 by a man named Edwin Lowe. The bedding and gaming act in 1960 is when it really became popular from Italy to France to Great Britain to other parts of Europe.

Bingo was being played at carnivals. At these little fairgrounds, tents would be used to play bingo. They would have corn for chips to mark the cards. The popularity of going to bingo halls have declined over the years. The game however is still very popular and active today. With the advancement of Technology and people able to interact all over the world. Playing online still able to say that happy 5 letter word, BINGO

Tell us in our Forum, and maybe you'll win a prize: What's your favorite bit of Bingo history?