From Tombola to Bingo is not just a catchy phrase—it’s a journey through history, culture, faith, rebellion, and a little bit of luck. What many people today know simply as “bingo” actually has its roots in Naples, Italy, and in a centuries-old struggle between authority and popular tradition.
At first glance, it’s a story about numbers. But in reality, From Tombola to Bingo is about people: how they adapt, resist, invent, and carry their traditions across oceans.
Let’s go back in time.
The Birth of the Numbers Game
Everything begins in 1576 in Genoa, where the modern lottery was born. This early form of number gaming quickly spread across Italy. Eventually, it reached Naples, where it first passed through private hands and later came under government control during Spanish rule. The state realized something important: gambling brought money into public coffers.
However, not everyone was happy.
At that time, one of the most influential figures in the city was a Dominican friar, Father Gregorio Maria Rocco. He noticed that the lottery was becoming more than just entertainment. Families were being ruined, and young people were starting to believe they could get rich without working. Concerned about the social impact, he asked the king to ban the game altogether.
The king, deeply Catholic but also aware of how profitable the lottery was, chose a compromise.
A Ban That Changed Everything
Instead of banning the lottery completely, the king prohibited it only during the Christmas season, out of respect for religious tradition. On paper, the issue was solved.
In reality? Not at all.
Neapolitans were not willing to give up their favorite game—especially during the holidays. So they did what they’ve always done best: they adapted. Quietly, creatively, and together, they began playing in private spaces—inside building entrances, hidden courtyards, and narrow alleys.
But since the game was now illegal, they couldn’t call out the numbers.
And that’s where something magical happened.
The Secret Language of Numbers
To avoid being caught, players invented a coded system. Every number was transformed into a symbol, a word, or an image. This secret language became known as La Smorfia Napoletana, a traditional Neapolitan system that connects numbers with dreams, emotions, and everyday life.
For example:
- 1 became Italy
- 5 became the hand
- 6 was “what is looking at you”
- 21 became “the naked woman”
- 33 represented the age of Christ
- 90 symbolized fear
Instead of shouting numbers, players spoke in metaphors. What began as a necessity soon became tradition.
This is the moment when the game transformed into what we now call tombola—a deeply social, family-centered ritual, especially during Christmas.
In other words, this is where From Tombola to Bingo truly begins.
From Naples to America
Fast forward to the late 19th century. Thousands of Neapolitans leave Italy in search of a better life in the United States. Along with their food, music, and dialects, they bring something else: their games.
Tombola crosses the ocean.
Over time, the language fades. The symbolic meanings of the numbers are slowly forgotten. But the structure of the game remains: cards, numbers, and small markers placed on the board. Instead of traditional tokens, many families use beans.
And here’s where language does something fascinating.
“Bean game.”
Said quickly.
Repeated often.
It becomes “Bingo.”
Yes—the iconic American game was born from a Neapolitan Christmas tradition. Once again, From Tombola to Bingo proves that culture doesn’t disappear; it transforms.
Why This Story Still Matters
Today, bingo halls exist worldwide, and online versions of the game are everywhere. But very few players know they are taking part in a tradition that began in the streets of Naples centuries ago.
Understanding this story adds depth to something we often see as simple entertainment. It shows how people respond to restrictions with creativity, how communities protect what they love, and how traditions migrate and evolve.
If you’re interested in exploring Naples beyond postcards and clichés, this is exactly the kind of story you’ll hear on a local walking tour. If you’re planning a trip, you might enjoy starting here:
👉 https://www.bestfreetour.com
Learn More About the Roots
If you want to dive deeper into the history behind tombola, bingo, and Neapolitan traditions, these resources are worth exploring:
- History of the Italian lottery:
https://www.lottomatica.it/lotto/storia-del-lotto - La Smorfia Napoletana explained:
https://www.napolidavivere.it/la-smorfia-napoletana/ - Italian immigration to the United States:
https://www.loc.gov/classroom-materials/immigration/italian/ - The origins of bingo:
https://www.history.com/news/bingo-game-origins
Each of these sources supports the journey From Tombola to Bingo, connecting local tradition to global culture.
A Game, A City, A Legacy
So next time you hear someone shout “Bingo!”, remember: that word carries echoes of Naples, of whispered numbers in shadowed doorways, of families gathered at Christmas tables, and of immigrants bringing pieces of home across the ocean.
This is more than a game.
It’s a story of resistance, identity, and imagination.
It’s the story From Tombola to Bingo.
And like Naples itself, it’s unforgettable.
