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.

Mexico loves La Lotera Mexicana, a bingo-style game with colorful cards and occasionally matching language. This much-loved game, or juego, rose from being the pastime of social elites to a national phenomenon played by friends and familia at fiestas throughout the country.