Declare Bingo Day June 27

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.