The long-awaited settlement agreement in a dispute between the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians and the state of Michigan does not open the door for the tribe to build a casino in Muskegon.
Many believed the deal would allow for a new casino built by the owners of the Little River Casino in Manistee. No such language is in the settlement, but speculation still abounds among local casino opponents and proponents.
The amended compact between the Little River Band and the state -- "deemed approved" by the U.S. Department of the Interior's inaction -- does put the Manistee tribe in a favorable position as it relates to any new casino that might be built in a nine-county area from Grand Rapids in the south to Cadillac on the north and west to Lake Michigan.
"A second casino in Muskegon has not been addressed with this new compact," said Glenn Zaring, director of public affairs for Little River.
Both the Little River Band and the Upper Peninsula-based Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewas have approached the city of Muskegon concerning a downtown casino, at least in part because of a September 2003 vote by residents supporting the idea of a casino here. The Lac Vieux Desert Band has a non-exclusive municipal services agreement with the city for its proposal to convert the former SPX Corp. headquarters into a casino.
For the full article, see Dave Alexander, "Tribe wins rights, but no casino, in Muskegon", Muskegon Chronicle via MLive, March 24, 2008.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
A Couple More Tips for Your Bingo Concession
Monday, I discussed how your bingo concession should keep its bingo supplies' prices low in order to keep your current bingo players and bring in new ones. Some more obvious, but sometimes overlooked, things to help your bingo concession are:
1. Customer Service: Make sure that your concession staff is friendly and courteous to your bingo players. Don't let a negative minded concession host drive your bingo players away.
2. Cleanliness: Always keep your bingo concession clean and tidy. Nothing turns people off more than a dirty or unkempt selling area. Take an honest look at your bingo concession and ask if more can be done to remove the dirt or clutter. Make your bingo concession look professional!
3. Food Quality: Bingo players, like everyone, want their food to taste good. Instead of looking for the cheapest menu options, try using a higher quality bread for sandwiches and adding better ingredients for other items. Your bingo players will appreciate great tasting food, and you'll likely see some of them arrive early just to eat. These bingo players will then frequently spend additional $$$ in your bingo hall playing pulltabs, raffles, and more. Good food will keep bingo players coming back.
Remember, to treat your bingo players like gold when running a bingo hall and/or bingo concession. Try to make the entire bingo experience a fun event that will make your bingo crowd strong and happy.
1. Customer Service: Make sure that your concession staff is friendly and courteous to your bingo players. Don't let a negative minded concession host drive your bingo players away.
2. Cleanliness: Always keep your bingo concession clean and tidy. Nothing turns people off more than a dirty or unkempt selling area. Take an honest look at your bingo concession and ask if more can be done to remove the dirt or clutter. Make your bingo concession look professional!
3. Food Quality: Bingo players, like everyone, want their food to taste good. Instead of looking for the cheapest menu options, try using a higher quality bread for sandwiches and adding better ingredients for other items. Your bingo players will appreciate great tasting food, and you'll likely see some of them arrive early just to eat. These bingo players will then frequently spend additional $$$ in your bingo hall playing pulltabs, raffles, and more. Good food will keep bingo players coming back.
Remember, to treat your bingo players like gold when running a bingo hall and/or bingo concession. Try to make the entire bingo experience a fun event that will make your bingo crowd strong and happy.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Why Your Bingo Concession Shouldn't Make Much Profit.
One mistake that I think a lot of bingo chairpeople make when running a bingo is running a high cost bingo concession. If these bingo chairmen buy a bingo dauber for $1.00, they feel they must charge at least $1.50. If they buy a bingo cushion for $20.00, they think they have to charge at least $25.00. After all, in business, you buy something, mark it up to a higher price, and then you sell it, right?
Well, in the case of a bingo concession, I don't think so.
I am a firm believer that a bingo concession should not operate to make much, if any, profit. Instead, a bingo concession should act as a "loss leader", or at least like a "break-even leader" for the entire bingo. Instead of looking to make a $0.50 profit on a bingo dauber, I think most bingo concessions should look at the bigger picture. Low priced bingo supplies such as bingo daubers, bingo chips , bingo bags, bingo cushions, etc. attract new bingo players and keep existing bingo players at your bingo.
I've heard many stories about bingos getting more bingo players to attend with low cost bingo supplies. New bingo players frequently will show up to your bingo (and skip another bingo) because of a low-priced concession. And, both new and existing bingo players that save some money on bingo supplies will often enjoy spending that savings on additional electronic bingo cards, more bingo paper, and/or pulltabs.
These bingo items, not the bingo supplies at your bingo concession, should be a bingo chairperson's best profit makers.
Think about it.
There's a reason many casinos in Las Vegas will give out free food to people sitting at slot machines. In this regard, bingo is no different.
Well, in the case of a bingo concession, I don't think so.
I am a firm believer that a bingo concession should not operate to make much, if any, profit. Instead, a bingo concession should act as a "loss leader", or at least like a "break-even leader" for the entire bingo. Instead of looking to make a $0.50 profit on a bingo dauber, I think most bingo concessions should look at the bigger picture. Low priced bingo supplies such as bingo daubers, bingo chips , bingo bags, bingo cushions, etc. attract new bingo players and keep existing bingo players at your bingo.
I've heard many stories about bingos getting more bingo players to attend with low cost bingo supplies. New bingo players frequently will show up to your bingo (and skip another bingo) because of a low-priced concession. And, both new and existing bingo players that save some money on bingo supplies will often enjoy spending that savings on additional electronic bingo cards, more bingo paper, and/or pulltabs.
These bingo items, not the bingo supplies at your bingo concession, should be a bingo chairperson's best profit makers.
Think about it.
There's a reason many casinos in Las Vegas will give out free food to people sitting at slot machines. In this regard, bingo is no different.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Should Your Bingo Stay Open on a Holiday?
As I sit here at work on Good Friday, I thought about the many bingos that stay open even on the major holidays like Christmas, Easter, New Year's, and Thanksgiving. While you can argue whether or not it's worth it from a personal standpoint, I thought I'd discuss whether it's worth it from a bingo's financial standpoint. And, I think that depends on a few things.
On holidays, it's a given that overall bingo attendance in your area will be down. If every bingo remained open, you can be sure that every bingo would have less bingo players than normal and every bingo's profits would suffer. However, on these holidays, many competing bingos will close, so there can be opportunity.
If you're thinking about keeping your bingo open on a holiday, I'd look around at the bingo market in your area first. Will a number of your bingo competitors be open? Do any other area bingos have a history of successful holiday bingos that you'd be up against? If either of these answers is no, then I think your bingo could benefit from staying open for business. Often, there's enough fervent bingo players out there to generate a crowd in an uncompetitive field.
However, if many bingos remain open, your holiday bingo will be in trouble. Even if one bingo stays open, you may be facing an uphill battle if that bingo has an established history of holiday success. If either is the case, I'd strongly recommend you take it easy, stay at home, and enjoy the holiday. After all, is that so bad?
On holidays, it's a given that overall bingo attendance in your area will be down. If every bingo remained open, you can be sure that every bingo would have less bingo players than normal and every bingo's profits would suffer. However, on these holidays, many competing bingos will close, so there can be opportunity.
If you're thinking about keeping your bingo open on a holiday, I'd look around at the bingo market in your area first. Will a number of your bingo competitors be open? Do any other area bingos have a history of successful holiday bingos that you'd be up against? If either of these answers is no, then I think your bingo could benefit from staying open for business. Often, there's enough fervent bingo players out there to generate a crowd in an uncompetitive field.
However, if many bingos remain open, your holiday bingo will be in trouble. Even if one bingo stays open, you may be facing an uphill battle if that bingo has an established history of holiday success. If either is the case, I'd strongly recommend you take it easy, stay at home, and enjoy the holiday. After all, is that so bad?
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Easter Approaches
Many bingo chairpeople debate whether or not to have bingo on a holiday. Tomorrow I will share my thoughts on the subject.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
How to Host a Holdem Fundraiser (Cont.)...
Earlier, I spoke about getting the regular newsletter "Gameside News & Views" from a Michigan poker promotion company called UMichiganPoker LLC UMichiganPoker.com.
I feel that the articles are very informative about the Michigan poker scene, and I encourage anyone out there involved with a nonprofit organization to take a look. Running Hold Em events (each qualifying organization is entitled to up to 4 licenses per year)is a great way to raise substantial funds for your nonprofit.
Anyway, I made a mistake and assumed their series on setting up a Hold Em event, was only 4 parts. Well, a 5th part is out now, which I recommend you take a look at. See Gameside News & Views 5-part series "How to Host a Holdem Fundraiser" beginning with their November, 2007 newsletter Gameside News & Views Archives
Edit: At the moment, the March issue containing the 5th part is still on the main page instead of the archives which I've linked above.
I feel that the articles are very informative about the Michigan poker scene, and I encourage anyone out there involved with a nonprofit organization to take a look. Running Hold Em events (each qualifying organization is entitled to up to 4 licenses per year)is a great way to raise substantial funds for your nonprofit.
Anyway, I made a mistake and assumed their series on setting up a Hold Em event, was only 4 parts. Well, a 5th part is out now, which I recommend you take a look at. See Gameside News & Views 5-part series "How to Host a Holdem Fundraiser" beginning with their November, 2007 newsletter Gameside News & Views Archives
Edit: At the moment, the March issue containing the 5th part is still on the main page instead of the archives which I've linked above.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Shopping for a Bingo Console?
What should you look for when purchasing a new bingo console for your bingo?
Bingo consoles have come a long way from basically a glorified bingo cage to today's completely computerized version. While there are many basic bingo consoles still on the market, and simple can be effective, we recommend that most bingo chairpersons take the time to learn how to operate a more advanced bingo console.
Why? The computerized bingo consoles simply have a lot of great options that, once mastered, will make your bingo run more smoothly. For one, every advanced bingo console we recommend is going to automatically come with a bingo verifier. (For those that don't know a bingo verifier will verify good bingos by looking at the center square number on any bingo card. This is much faster than calling back numbers and provides a layer of security from bingo cheats). Secondly, some advanced bingo consoles will integrate better with electronic bingo.
One thing's for sure when looking at bingo consoles, make sure you ask questions and do a little research. Make sure that the bingo supplier you are considering has a technical staff that is familar with bingo console installation. Make sure that your bingo flashboards are compatible, or that your bingo supplier knows how to make them compatible. Finally, make sure that your bingo supplier is available for training and follow-up questions. To view many of the major brands available, check out Wholesalebingosupplies.com
Bingo consoles have come a long way from basically a glorified bingo cage to today's completely computerized version. While there are many basic bingo consoles still on the market, and simple can be effective, we recommend that most bingo chairpersons take the time to learn how to operate a more advanced bingo console.
Why? The computerized bingo consoles simply have a lot of great options that, once mastered, will make your bingo run more smoothly. For one, every advanced bingo console we recommend is going to automatically come with a bingo verifier. (For those that don't know a bingo verifier will verify good bingos by looking at the center square number on any bingo card. This is much faster than calling back numbers and provides a layer of security from bingo cheats). Secondly, some advanced bingo consoles will integrate better with electronic bingo.
One thing's for sure when looking at bingo consoles, make sure you ask questions and do a little research. Make sure that the bingo supplier you are considering has a technical staff that is familar with bingo console installation. Make sure that your bingo flashboards are compatible, or that your bingo supplier knows how to make them compatible. Finally, make sure that your bingo supplier is available for training and follow-up questions. To view many of the major brands available, check out Wholesalebingosupplies.com
Friday, March 14, 2008
Wholesalebingosupplies.com Near Completion!
Our bingo supplies website is nearing completion!
However, these things always seem to take longer than expected. It's not easy going over all of the numerous bingo bags , bingo cards, bingo markers , and other bingo supplies and making sure the prices match, the links match, etc.
Anyway, we hope to have the bingo site operational by the end of next week, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed, as there still is a lot of work of to do. To check it out go to:
Wholesalebingosupplies.com
However, these things always seem to take longer than expected. It's not easy going over all of the numerous bingo bags , bingo cards, bingo markers , and other bingo supplies and making sure the prices match, the links match, etc.
Anyway, we hope to have the bingo site operational by the end of next week, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed, as there still is a lot of work of to do. To check it out go to:
Wholesalebingosupplies.com
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
"Bingo America" to Debut March 31st on GSN
"Bingo America" is a new bingo-themed game show that will debut on the Game Show Network (GSN) March 31st @ 7 p.m. Patrick Duffy from "Dallas" fame will be the host, and the game will feature the ability to print bingo cards and play-from-home.
We're in favor of most anything that promotes bingo, so be sure to check it out. For more information see: Bingo America
We're in favor of most anything that promotes bingo, so be sure to check it out. For more information see: Bingo America
Monday, March 10, 2008
Is Bingo Recession Proof?
I've always heard that the gaming industry, including bingo, was recession proof. The adage goes something like this: when times get tough, people turn to gambling and drinking. Therefore, the gaming industry and the liquor industry love a recession. But, is this really true for gaming, and in particular bingo, today? I don't think so.
Granted, this is all my opinion, but I believe bingo (and gaming) suffers during a recession like most other industries. When times get harder, bingo players aren't running out to bingo halls to try to win their rent money. Bingo is entertainment, and I think bingo is treated like most other forms of entertainment. When money is tight, people cut back on a few things, and bingo is often one of them.
In Michigan, we've seen the automotive industry take it on the chin for a number of years. And, for a number of years in this state, bingo has declined as well. Now that the country looks like it's headed for a recession, Las Vegas' numbers aren't as good either according to this article. New data show Las Vegas gambling revenue down
It just goes to show you that not every old adage is true.
Granted, this is all my opinion, but I believe bingo (and gaming) suffers during a recession like most other industries. When times get harder, bingo players aren't running out to bingo halls to try to win their rent money. Bingo is entertainment, and I think bingo is treated like most other forms of entertainment. When money is tight, people cut back on a few things, and bingo is often one of them.
In Michigan, we've seen the automotive industry take it on the chin for a number of years. And, for a number of years in this state, bingo has declined as well. Now that the country looks like it's headed for a recession, Las Vegas' numbers aren't as good either according to this article. New data show Las Vegas gambling revenue down
It just goes to show you that not every old adage is true.
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Electronic Bingo More Important Than Ever
One thing became even more obvious after my recent trip to BingoWorld2008. Electronic Bingo is more important than ever for your bingo to be a success. If you run a bingo and are not using electronics, your bingo is likely not making as much revenue as it should.
Players can only play so many paper bingo books at a time. Electronic bingo increases your bingo revenues by simply allowing your players that can't physically play any more paper books, to play more books electronically. With higher prizes available in some locations, your bingo players are more willing to spend more for a chance to play more faces and win more money. Without electronic bingo, you're allowing revenue for your nonprofit to walk out the door.
Electronic bingo players don't just play extra regular games electronically. Typically, these bingo players will also spend extra to play bingo games outside of your regular game books, as well. For instance, if your bingo has "early bird" games or a special jackpot game, electronic bingo players will usually pay extra to play extra bingo faces for these games too. In fact, our statistics have shown that allowing bingo players the option to play bingo games both onbingo paper and electronically increases a bingo's overall revenue substantially.
The bottom line is that it is essential that today's bingo offer players the ability to play both bingo paper and electronic bingo. Otherwise, your bingo will soon be left behind if it hasn't already happened.
Players can only play so many paper bingo books at a time. Electronic bingo increases your bingo revenues by simply allowing your players that can't physically play any more paper books, to play more books electronically. With higher prizes available in some locations, your bingo players are more willing to spend more for a chance to play more faces and win more money. Without electronic bingo, you're allowing revenue for your nonprofit to walk out the door.
Electronic bingo players don't just play extra regular games electronically. Typically, these bingo players will also spend extra to play bingo games outside of your regular game books, as well. For instance, if your bingo has "early bird" games or a special jackpot game, electronic bingo players will usually pay extra to play extra bingo faces for these games too. In fact, our statistics have shown that allowing bingo players the option to play bingo games both onbingo paper and electronically increases a bingo's overall revenue substantially.
The bottom line is that it is essential that today's bingo offer players the ability to play both bingo paper and electronic bingo. Otherwise, your bingo will soon be left behind if it hasn't already happened.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Vegas
Coming from the snowy confines of Michigan, I was hoping Las Vegas would be in the 70's and sunny. But, I'll settle for 60's. I'm hearing that another winter storm is brewing back home.
BingoWorld 2008 is full of the usual vendors showing off bingo daubers, bingo paper and bingo equipment. Electronic bingo dominates with more and more slot-like bingo games the focus as well.
Overall, I'm making some new contacts and gathering the latest bingo industry news. Unfortunately, with a couple of afternoon meetings set up, I'll only be able to breeze through this year. I had hoped to take some pictures to display bingo products and bingo vendors here, but no pictures are allowed.
Oh well, I'm off to lunch.
BingoWorld 2008 is full of the usual vendors showing off bingo daubers, bingo paper and bingo equipment. Electronic bingo dominates with more and more slot-like bingo games the focus as well.
Overall, I'm making some new contacts and gathering the latest bingo industry news. Unfortunately, with a couple of afternoon meetings set up, I'll only be able to breeze through this year. I had hoped to take some pictures to display bingo products and bingo vendors here, but no pictures are allowed.
Oh well, I'm off to lunch.
Monday, March 3, 2008
Well, We're Headed for Vegas.
We'll be traveling out tomorrow and taking our first look at this year's BingoWorld 2008 convention on Wednesday. Tons of bingo vendors will be there, and we hope to bring back pictures of all the bingo products and bingo supplies on display. Heck, if we get a chance, we may even provide an update while we're there.
For more information, please see BingoWorld 2008
For more information, please see BingoWorld 2008
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Good Site on Running Texas Hold Em Tournaments in Michigan
We've been getting the regular newsletter "Gameside News & Views" from a Michigan poker promotion company called UMichiganPoker LLC UMichiganPoker.com.
The articles are very informative about the Michigan poker scene, and I encourage anyone out there involved with a nonprofit organization to take a look. Running Hold Em events (each qualifying organization is entitled to up to 4 licenses per year)is a great way to raise substantial funds for your nonprofit.
A nonprofit that is already running a bingo should also consider hosting a Hold Em night on occasion. A bingo probably already has bingo workers who can help work the event, and probably even has some potential poker players amongst their bingo players.
For information on setting up a Hold Em event, see Gameside News & Views 4-part series "How to Host a Holdem Fundraiser" beginning with their November, 2007 newsletter Gameside News & Views Archives
The articles are very informative about the Michigan poker scene, and I encourage anyone out there involved with a nonprofit organization to take a look. Running Hold Em events (each qualifying organization is entitled to up to 4 licenses per year)is a great way to raise substantial funds for your nonprofit.
A nonprofit that is already running a bingo should also consider hosting a Hold Em night on occasion. A bingo probably already has bingo workers who can help work the event, and probably even has some potential poker players amongst their bingo players.
For information on setting up a Hold Em event, see Gameside News & Views 4-part series "How to Host a Holdem Fundraiser" beginning with their November, 2007 newsletter Gameside News & Views Archives
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