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A History Of Bingo In The UK By Carolyn Downs - Old News Archive

Posted On: Monday, 123 October, 2008

I'm really pleased to introduce this new piece in the history section of the site - A History Of Bingo In The UK. It replaces my old hobbled together history of Bingo in the UK with a scholarly piece by the historian Carolyn Downs. The piece focuses on the earliest origins of the game and it's development through the 20th century, up to the dawn of the modern era with the 1968 Gaming Act and its impact on commercial Bingo.

It's a fascinating read, and throws up a few surprises. I was amazed to see that Bingo was regularly played in the army, even in the trenches of World War One (more proof positive that men like a game of Bingo me thinks). Her research also questions the claim that the word Bingo was coined in the USA by Edwin Lowe, and shows that it was in potentially in use in the UK before the famous 1929 Beano incident that is often cited as the origination of the name.

Carolyn's research looks at the popularity of the game as a fund raiser during the 20th century, as well as its illegality and the illicit Bingo parlours of the pre-legalised era. It features the history behind the mechanics of the game as well, looking at the reason the famous Bingo rhymes were necessary for the game. It's a brilliant piece of writing, expertly researched and a must read for anyone with an interest in Bingo. As far as I can see, it's the best and most comprehensive history of Bingo available on the web, and I hope feature Carolyn's work again in the future.

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