Did the traditional game of bingo ever really go out of fashion? Well, it has been around for a long time, tracing its roots back to lotto games that originated in Italy, back during the Renaissance period towards the conclusion of the Middle Ages in European history. From there, different various have spread around the whole world.
By the early 20th century, bingo was considered a staple pastime that often featured at carnivals and fairs, particularly across the United Kingdom, frequently known as “Housey Housey” among players. During the same period, while Brits played a 90-ball version of the game using a 9×3 ticket, Americans were also embracing 75-ball games with 5×5 bingo sheets, known as beano in the 1920s.
From the 1950s and through to the conclusion of the late 1990s, bingo was practically a global phenomenon. Dedicated bingo halls were popular in many countries around the world, including those owned by global brands like Mecca or Gala, where huge cash prizes were up for grabs.
However, the game did suffer a decline in popularity around 20 years ago. This was largely because younger generations considered bingo to be something elderly people played, while the internet and entirely new gaming trends were also beginning to take hold. Nevertheless, bingo has now begun appealing to players of all ages again, largely thanks to featuring regularly in cinematic productions around the world.
Aussiewood
Due to the simple and easy to play game being on the rise again, various digital and online options have become available, providing desktop and mobile access for Australian players. Whether playing alone or socially with other participants, Gamble Online Australia has published extensive guides and reviews covering the best online bingo casino sites.
Like many countries where bingo is played, Australians have cultivated their very own bingo lingo and terms to accompany the game. For this reason, bingo has regularly made appearances during scenes within Aussiewood productions, focused mostly on local customs and particularly in comedies making fun of themselves.
One great example is 2000 comedy release The Wog Boy, written and starring Nick Giannopoulos, playing a first generation Greek-Australian. His character is unemployed and takes up various jobs, including one as a bingo caller, grappling with the challenge of calling for a group of players featuring various nationalities and languages. This popular Aussie movie went on to spark an entire series, the latest of which released at cinemas in 2022.
Bollywood
Akshay Kumar is an icon in Bollywood cinema, and while he started out in action roles, memorable performances in comedies have made him a genuine superstar. Back in 2010 he played the leading role in Hindi comedy-romance Housefull, playing a down on his luck character who gets work at a casino, where there’s a scene featuring a bingo game.
Packed with slapstick comedy moments and his pursuit of love, Kumar’s character in Housefull travels from Las Vegas to London, and then on to Italy, where his fortunes eventually begin to change. Packed with madcap action, the movie title Housefull is actually a play on the words, referring to the “Full House” term in bingo, whenever players fill their cards.
One of the most successful Bollywood franchises over the last decade or so, the Housefull series of sequels has certainly provided Kumar with a winning line of movies. The first release was one of the highest grossing box office hits across India in 2010, while the three sequels have continued to amuse and entertain, which certainly makes for a “full house” of success.
