Have you ever walked into a betting office and wondered why everyone seems to be speaking in a different language to you? If the answer is yes, well the good news is that you are not alone in feeling like this.
No matter what form of gambling you choose to participate in, the chances are that you will at first be confused by the unique lingo that is used amongst punters. Out of all the forms of gambling out there, bingo games have one of the largest amounts of unique vocabulary that is used, than any other form of gambling.
This is mainly due to phrases connected with each number that is called out.
Bingo Lingo: A Very British Invention
The origins of modern day bingo have their roots firmly planted in Italy and France. Bingo is closely linked to an Italian lottery that was in operation around 1530. It is thought that bingo was a direct spin off from this game. The French helped change the game and shape it into the form that is played now in bingo halls and online and again this version of bingo we have today, was born from Le Lotto, a popular lottery that was exclusive to France.
Bingo made its way to the UK and by the 18th century, it was being played up and down the land. Eventually, the game hit other markets and also landed in the US. Here bingo was originally called Beano and this is what people would shout out if they won. Even though the UK did not have a major influence on the history and origins of the game, when it comes to bingo lingo, the UK is a world leader and most bingo lingo originates from this island.
Online Bingo
Bingo was once seen as a pass time enjoyed by the elderly in bingo halls. However, in 1996 many forms of gambling exploited the internet to make gambling more accessible to the masses. Bingo was slow to take off, as online casinos and slots ruled. However, bingo did become popular and now online bingo is far more popular than bingo that is played at land-based venues. This has helped create even more bingo lingo. There are those common phrases that even non bingo players know, such as ‘two fat ladies’ and ‘full house’ that means you have matched all the numbers on your card.
Final Thoughts
Bingo lingo borrows from popular culture such as hit songs from famous pop groups like Abba, but this special lingo also acts as a way for punters to remember numbers just from some of the rhyming slang attached to each digit. Then there are chatrooms that accompany many virtual bingo sites and these help keep the social element of bingo intact. However, these rooms come loaded with their own bingo lingo such as ‘WDW’ well done winners, ‘GD’ good luck. It is also highly possible that the new generation will shake up and change bingo lingo further.
