But the prize can also be a car, a trip, or even novelty prizes (in New York, one restaurant gives away margaritas to the lucky winners). The usual prize at bingo is cash, from $50 or $100 for a simple bingo at a small hall all the way up to $1 million or more in special high-stakes games on Native American reservations or in casinos. The bottom line? Bingo is fun for everyone. And both men and women enjoy playing the game, whether by themselves or with a spouse or friend.

Most regular players are over the age of 45, surveys show, but bingo is being discovered by young people every day as a new way to socialize. Most like to socialize, which is why they go to bingo, and they may also enjoy other competitive group activities, such as bowling, that combine fun and friends. Who Plays Bingo?īingo players come from all walks of life.

Games range from small enough to fit in a church basement to big enough to pack a 1,800-seat hall. Today, 48 states (and more than 100 Native American reservations) offer legal bingo on some scale. 'Lowe's Bingo' became a sweeping success, and by the mid-1930s, bingo games were popping up all over the country, in part because churches and social clubs quickly realized the fund-raising potential. During one game, a lady got so excited by her win that she blurted out 'Bingo!' instead of the accepted cry.Īnd just like that, bingo was born. Lowe himself was so spellbound by this new game that he brought it back home and introduced it to his friends. Lowe saw that players were captivated by the game.

High stakes bingo halls