The traditional lotera has its roots in 15th century Italy, where it traveled to Spain. The Spanish brought the game to Mexico in the 18th century, around 1769. Initially played by the elite, La Lotera Mexicana grew in popularity in the 19th and 20th centuries thanks to traveling fairs, known as ferias.

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.