The game originated in Italy in the 15th century and was brought to New Spain (modern Mexico) in 1769. In the beginning, lotera was a hobby of the upper classes, but eventually it became a tradition at Mexican fairs. Don Clemente Jacques began publishing the game in 1887.

Whereas bingo cards are filled with numbers, the Mexicano lotera cards, called tablas, feature vibrant pictures of animals, objects, and characters. Once every jugador has their tablas, the game can begin. Instead of matching numbers as in bingo, La Lotera players match pictures.