American carnivals
A game called Beano became popular in some American carnivals in the early 1920s. The dealer would pick numbers from a box, typically a cigar box. The players would cover the numbers on their cards with dried beans. Players would shout "Beano" when they have covered a line to claim the prize.
The story goes that a New York toy salesman, called Edwin S. Lowe, chanced upon such a game at an American carnival in December 1929. He was amazed by the popularity of the game, and by the passion shown by the players.
Bingo is born
Lowe returned home, bought some dried beans, made some cards, and started playing Beano with his friends. Soon they were as passionate about the game as the players at the carnival. It is said that one of Lowe's friend was so anxious as she was waiting for her last number, that she stuttered "Bingo" instead of "Beano" when her number was called.
