Charity bingo originated from the Italian lottery game "Lotto" and was popularized by Edwin S. Lowe as a way to raise funds for charity. Charity bingo is played in churches and bingo halls and organized solely for nonprofit purposes. Players are informed of the charitable cause being supported and all proceeds go directly to the designated charities rather than private profits. Charity bingo benefits social causes by promoting them while also providing a social activity that people of all ages can enjoy for fun.