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.

King Charles III of Spain established "la lotera nacional," which started out as a hobby for the elite before traveling ferias  or fairs were introduced for the masses to come and play.