Few games are as instantly recognisable as bingo. Most people in the United Kingdom, regardless of their age, have played a round or two of the game at some point. Over the years, bingo has become a much-loved part of life around the world, including in pop culture. Movies and TV shows are not immune to the allure of a deceptively easy game with charming rules and a large fanbase. Let’s take a look at the history of bingo and how it has become so commonplace in the mainstream thanks to fictional works.
History of bingo
As with many other mainstays of modern culture, bingo traces its origins back hundreds of years. The game hails from a 16th-century Italian national lottery. Although its popularity has waned throughout the years, it began to pick up speed in the United Kingdom after the Betting and Gaming Act of 1960 legalised the activity.
Initially known as “housey-housey” and still sometimes referenced by this name, bingo quickly became a popular pastime, with hundreds of bingo halls opening throughout the country. Note that the UK and US versions of bingo are slightly different, with the former consisting of 90 balls and the latter of just 75.
The current state of bingo
Today, bingo remains a popular and widespread activity, although its popularity has notably waned a bit in recent years. In 2005, there were roughly 600 bingo clubs in the UK. In 2014, however, there were fewer than 400. That doesn’t mean that bingo is at risk of disappearing; more than three million people still play the game every week. Some experts question whether it is truly losing popularity at all, instead suggesting that many formerly in-person bingo players have simply gravitated online. Sites like Oddschecker detail the truly impressive number of online operators offering the game, but be sure to have a read to the terms and conditions of different bingo providers and the bonuses they offer.
Bingo in film and TV
Bingo has made its mark on popular culture in more ways than one. It has become one of the most socially accepted games of chance in the world, making it a common addition to TV and film. Both media genres tend to portray the game as a normal part of life that is particularly beloved among slightly older generations. You can see this quite clearly in the TV shows Eyes Down and Emmy-award-winning Curb Your Enthusiasm, as well as the film Rampage.
In Eyes Down, bingo was the backdrop of the show’s most hilarious and dramatic moments. The show follows a bingo hall manager as he interacts with staff members and customers. It paints a picture of a highly entertaining game with loyal fans of all ages willing to make the trek to a dedicated bingo hall for the chance to win.
Curb Your Enthusiasm doesn’t feature bingo as a major plot point, but it does reference the game quite a few times. Perhaps the most memorable is a moment when the protagonist attempts to make it through a game with his father, only to lose his cool halfway through. The other bingo players really make these scenes, portraying fans of the game as easy-going and dedicated, albeit on the slightly older side.
Similar to Curb Your Enthusiasm, Rampage doesn’t feature bingo as a major plot point. It does, however, use the game to illustrate one common characteristic of bingo players: focus. While the antagonist wanders around the hall in a conspicuous costume, the players never even glances up. They were far too engrossed in their game to notice him.
From dedicated players to lighthearted atmospheres, bingo occupies a place of great affection in pop culture. We hope our brief overview of the game inspires you to do your own research and maybe even make your own bingo-focused film!
