Loteria has been played as a game of chance, as a pastime, and for educational purposes. Because the Loteria cards include the name of the pictured character, they are used to teach reading, writing, history, and social values. Many bilingual teachers use the game as a teaching tool in the United States.

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.