A short guide about what is and how to play bingo, the game in United
Kingdom, and its ,ajor variations.
Since its invention in 1934, modern bingo has evolved into multiple
variations, with each jurisdiction's gambling laws regulating how the game is
played. There are also nearly unlimited patterns that may be specified for play.
Some patterns only require one number to be matched, up to cover-all games which
award the jackpot for covering an entire card and certain games award prizes to
players for matching no numbers or achieving no pattern.
Bingo is often used as an instructional tool in American primary schools
and in teaching English as a foreign language in many countries. It became
increasingly more popular across the UK with more purpose-built bingo halls.
Keno is an important variation of bingo game, often played at modern
casinos, and also offered as a game in some state lotteries.
Scratchcard is another major variation. The scratchcard is a small token,
usually made of cardboard, where one or more areas contain concealed
information: they are covered by a substance (usually latex) that cannot be seen
through, but can be scratched off.