If you’ve paid attention lately, you’ve probably heard it—the excited murmurs, the rustling of cards, the triumphant shout of “Bingo!” echoing through the room. It’s happening at the bookstore, too. Even Logansport has applied for a gaming license, eager to join the frenzy with cash prizes.
Bingo has officially taken over the parish.
But why? What is it about this simple game of numbers and luck that has people gathering in droves, clutching their cards and hoping for that perfect combination? To understand the appeal, we have to look back—way back—to where it all began.
Bingo’s roots stretch all the way to 1530 Italy, where a lottery-style game called Lo Giuoco del Lotto D'Italia was played weekly. By the late 1700s, the French had adapted it into Le Lotto, a game enjoyed by the wealthy. The Germans even used a version of it to teach children math and spelling.
Fast forward to 1929, when a toy salesman named Edwin S. Lowe stumbled upon a carnival game called Beano in Atlanta, Georgia. Players marked their cards with beans, and when they won, they shouted “Beano!” Legend has it that one overly excited player accidentally yelled “Bingo!” instead—and the name stuck.
Lowe saw the potential and refined the game, hiring a mathematician to create thousands of unique Bingo cards. Soon, churches and community groups were using it for fundraising, and by 1934, over 10,000 Bingo games were played weekly across the U.S.
So why has Bingo endured for centuries? Why is it still drawing crowds to coffee shops and bookstores in our own parish? First, it’s social – Bingo isn’t just about winning; it’s about gathering. Friends meet up, families play together, and strangers become fast acquaintances over shared excitement.
It’s Easy! No complicated rules, no strategy required—just luck and a keen eye for numbers. Third, it’s thrilling–the anticipation of waiting for that final number, the rush of shouting “Bingo!” before anyone else—it’s a small but exhilarating victory. It’s also for everyone–whether you’re 18 or 80, Bingo welcomes all. It’s a game that spans generations, bringing people together in a way few others can. And it’s evolving–from traditional five-in-a-row to creative variations like Blackout Bingo and Picture Frame Bingo, the game keeps things fresh and exciting.
With Bingo fever gripping the parish, one thing is certain—it’s more than just a game. It’s a tradition, a community event, and a reminder that sometimes, the simplest joys are the best ones.
So grab a card, find a seat, and get ready. Because in this town, Bingo isn’t just a pastime—it’s a movement.
Jann Goar Franklin graduated Russellville High School in 1985 and lives in Grand Cane, Louisiana. She also writes books, which are for sale at The Village Loft in downtown Grand Cane and Chapters and Charms in Stonewall. You can learn more about her at www.jannfranklin.com, or reach her at jann@jannfranklin.com