Bingo industry in need of government action: officials
Posted June 28, 2011 5:39 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The original charity gambling game is looking for a little help itself these days.
Bingo has fallen on hard times.
The industry says it has some good ideas to turn things around, but it’s being held back by the government.
Halifax Super Bingo floor manager Chris Julian says he’s noticed the crowds thinning out at the Halifax Forum.
“The newer people aren’t into bingos,” he said. “I don’t know what they’re into, if it’s casinos or what, but they’re just not into bingos.”
Julian says he’s tried to attract new players, with BBQ giveaways and a new section where liquor is sold but he says there are fewer and fewer people turning up for the games.
Larry farrell at the metro bingo association says the game is having trouble competing with casinos and other entertainment because the government’s taking too long to open up the rules to new ideas and promotions.
“We’ll give them a free night of bingo to see if they like it,” he said. “But you can’t do stuff like that. You can do all kinds of things at the casino, all kinds of freebies, all kinds of win things.”
Farrell says the business is slowly dying as the government drags it’s feet, and good causes are suffering.
“All the minor hockey leagues, the soccer leagues, the hospital beds, the wheelchairs,” he said. “It goes on and on and on. A lot of people don’t realize what great things bingo does in this province, and we want to continue doing these things. All we’re asking from government is to please give us the tools.”
