tombola

Tombola is a game of chance with roots in Italy, commonly played as a social activity and fundraising lottery. It is closely related to bingo and is used in churches, schools, fairs, and family gatherings, sometimes in charity events or community lotteries.

Traditional Italian tombola uses cards printed with numbers and is typically played with numbers from 1 to 90. Each card has 15 numbers arranged on three rows and nine columns. A caller draws numbers from a bag or wheel, and players mark the called numbers on their cards. The objective is to complete predefined patterns and declare a prize.

Prizes in tombola are usually awarded for patterns such as ambo (two numbers on a card), terna (three numbers), quaterna (four numbers), and cinquina (five numbers). The ultimate prize is tombola, awarded when all 15 numbers on a card have been drawn. Exact rules for what constitutes a pattern can vary by local tradition or house rules, including whether numbers must be on a single line or can occur anywhere on the card.

Variants and global use: While rooted in Italy, tombola has spread to other countries where similar bingo- or raffle-style games are played. Modern versions include house, club, and online formats, sometimes adapting the card layout, number ranges, or prize structures. As a cultural activity, tombola often serves as a community event and a means of raising funds for organizations.