Bingo is a popular game among Cubans, identified by its unique blend of quick gameplay and potential for generous rewards. In the late 1950s, the Cuban Revolution turned the island on its head, disrupting the casinos which had previously been popular tourist attractions. Detente between Cuba and the United States led to the reorganization of the gaming industry in the country, with bingo being the first game to be allowed.
In the late 1970s, a new streak of liberalization of the nation’s gambling markets brought a surging interest in bingo, along with traditional casino gaming. Bingo halls sprang up all over the country, including Havana’s infamous “La Ruleta”, which became a popular haunt for bingo enthusiasts. While the Cuban government tightly regulated the gaming industry, bingo remained a popular activity in the country, spreading across the country and becoming an increasingly integral part of Cuban life.