Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim June 27, 2026, as Bingo Day in the State of New York

Assembly Resolution No. 1318

BY: M. of A. Rules (Woerner)

        MEMORIALIZING  Governor  Kathy  Hochul to proclaim
        June 27, 2026, as Bingo Day in the State of New York

  WHEREAS, It is the custom of  this  Legislative  Body  to  recognize
official  days  that  are  set aside to acknowledge significant American
traditions that positively impact the lives  of  citizens  of  New  York
State; and

  WHEREAS,  Attendant  to  such  concern,  and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, it is the sense of this  Legislative  Body  to
memorialize  Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim Friday, June 27, 2026, as
Bingo Day in the State of New York; and

  WHEREAS, National Bingo Day helps raise awareness about  the  social
and  charitable  benefits  the game provides while also highlighting the
enduring appeal of bingo as an inclusive and entertaining activity; and

  WHEREAS,  National  Bingo  Day  is  celebrated  by  special   games,
promotions,  and  activities, both in traditional bingo halls and across
digital platforms; and

  WHEREAS, Bingo originated in Italy in 1530  and  was  known  as  the
Italian  lottery  in  which  old  cigar  boxes  were used to pull wooden
numbers from while players would mark off their numbers on  their  cards
using  beans,  which  is why the game was originally called "beano"; the
game spread to France where it was known as "Le Lotto," and  was  played
by the French aristocracy; and

  WHEREAS,  Bingo was popularized by a New York toy salesman, Edwin S.
Lowe, who in December 1929, invented the bingo card after coming  across
the  game  being  played  at  a fair in Jacksonville, Georgia; he worked
alongside a mathematics professor (Carl Leffler) to invent cards with at
least 6000 combinations; and

  WHEREAS, The game features paper  cards  with  24  numbered  squares
arranged in five rows, five columns, and a free space in the middle; and

  WHEREAS,  Bingo  promotes community spirit, supports local charities
and offers a fun, low-pressure way for people to socialize; and

  WHEREAS, For many, bingo  is  more  than  a  game-it's  a  cherished
tradition  that connects generations, encourages friendly competition in
a welcoming environment, emphasizes community spirit, and supports local
charities; and

  WHEREAS, Thanks to the rise of mobile  gaming,  bingo  is  making  a
comeback, connecting players all over the world; and

  WHEREAS,  With  the  rise  of  online  bingo  and virtual bingo, the
average age of players is now estimated at 35,  despite  its  popularity
being traditionally amongst seniors; and

  WHEREAS,  80%  of  bingo players are female and it is estimated that
Americans spend over $90 million on bingo cards per week; and

  WHEREAS,  With  a  rich  history  reaching back to the 16th century,
bingo has become an American institution that defines the fabric of this
nation's sense of community and entertainment; now, therefore, be it

  RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its  deliberations  to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim June 27, 2026, as National
Bingo Day in the State of New York; and be it further

  RESOLVED,  That  a  copy  of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of  New
York.