Starting May X, WholesaleBingoSupplies.com is adding customer rewards and changing up how we charge for shipping.
We wanted to reward our best customers and so we've created WholesaleBingoSupplies.com's Customer Reward Program!
How Does It Work? It's simple.
For every $100.00 you spend on bingo supplies with WholesaleBingoSupplies.com you receive $5 off your entire order, up to a maximum of $50.00.
So, if you order $100.00 in any bingo supplies, you receive $5.00 off!
Order $200.00 worth of any bingo supplies and receive $10.00 off!
Order $500.00 worth of any bingo supplies and receive $25.00 off!
Order $1,000.00 worth of any bingo supplies and receive $50.00 off!
Purchase bingo daubers, bingo cards, bingo paper, bingo cages, bingo kits, bingo chips,
bingo bags, bingo cushions, bingo markers, bingo flash boards, bingo blowers or any combination of bingo supplies, and receive the above discounts.
The more you spend on bingo supplies, the more you save!
Monday, June 30, 2008
Bingos Survive Smoking Ban for Now
The legislature could not get to the smoking ban legislation before summer recess, as they were primarily concerned with budget issues.
For now, the House and Senate will remain deadlocked with the Senate's smoking ban exempting no one and the House's smoking ban exempting casinos and bingos. Because of the deadlock on two differing versions, there will be no action taken at this time. We will keep you informed when this issue appears again in the fall session.
For now, the House and Senate will remain deadlocked with the Senate's smoking ban exempting no one and the House's smoking ban exempting casinos and bingos. Because of the deadlock on two differing versions, there will be no action taken at this time. We will keep you informed when this issue appears again in the fall session.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
The Fight to End Aging
Sometimes in this bingo supplies blog, we may get a little off topic, and this may be one of those times. But, we can't always just talk about bingo, so when I read this interesting article on aging, I wanted to share it here.
Of course, there are many bingo players that are little older, so it's not like there's no relevance to bingo and bingo players in this article.
Below is an excerpt:
"Gandhi once said, describing his critics, "First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win."
After declaring, essentially out of nowhere, that he had a program to end the disease of aging, renegade biogerontologist Aubrey de Grey knows how the first three steps of Gandhi's progression feel. Now he's focused on the fourth.
"I've been at Gandhi stage three for maybe a couple of years," de Grey said. "If you're trying to make waves, certainly in science, there's a lot of people who are going to have insufficient vision to bother to understand what you're trying to say."
This weekend, his organization, The Methuselah Foundation, is sponsoring its first U.S. conference on the emerging interdisciplinary field that de Grey has helped kick start. (Its first day, Friday, will be free and open to the public.) The conference, Aging: The Disease - The Cure - The Implications, held at UCLA, is an indication of how far de Grey has come in mainstreaming his ideas."
For the complete article, please see Alexis Madrigal,The Fight to End Aging Gains Legitimacy, Funding, Wired, June 26, 2008.
Of course, there are many bingo players that are little older, so it's not like there's no relevance to bingo and bingo players in this article.
Below is an excerpt:
"Gandhi once said, describing his critics, "First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win."
After declaring, essentially out of nowhere, that he had a program to end the disease of aging, renegade biogerontologist Aubrey de Grey knows how the first three steps of Gandhi's progression feel. Now he's focused on the fourth.
"I've been at Gandhi stage three for maybe a couple of years," de Grey said. "If you're trying to make waves, certainly in science, there's a lot of people who are going to have insufficient vision to bother to understand what you're trying to say."
This weekend, his organization, The Methuselah Foundation, is sponsoring its first U.S. conference on the emerging interdisciplinary field that de Grey has helped kick start. (Its first day, Friday, will be free and open to the public.) The conference, Aging: The Disease - The Cure - The Implications, held at UCLA, is an indication of how far de Grey has come in mainstreaming his ideas."
For the complete article, please see Alexis Madrigal,The Fight to End Aging Gains Legitimacy, Funding, Wired, June 26, 2008.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Maintaining Your Bingo Balls
Believe it or not, we are frequently asked how to fix dented bingo balls. You know, you're calling bingo and for some reason 'B12' shows up with a dent in the side. Well, here's one home remedy that we've used to fix dented bingo balls:
1. In a container, heat some water to the point of almost boiling.
2. Place your dented bingo ball into the hot water.
3. Use a spoon or other device to hold the bingo ball under the water as best you can.
4. Soon, the bingo ball should soften a bit and the dent will repair.
Now, this won't work for cracked bingo balls. Cracked bingo balls are done and you might as well throw them away. Also, it won't work on the miniature bingo balls or the wooden bingo balls.
Finally, we're not guaranteeing this will work. While we've used this method to successfully repair bingo balls a number of times, it's very possible that it could destroy a bingo ball further. In other words, use this home remedy at your own risk.
For bingo ball sets, please see Bingo Ball Sets
1. In a container, heat some water to the point of almost boiling.
2. Place your dented bingo ball into the hot water.
3. Use a spoon or other device to hold the bingo ball under the water as best you can.
4. Soon, the bingo ball should soften a bit and the dent will repair.
Now, this won't work for cracked bingo balls. Cracked bingo balls are done and you might as well throw them away. Also, it won't work on the miniature bingo balls or the wooden bingo balls.
Finally, we're not guaranteeing this will work. While we've used this method to successfully repair bingo balls a number of times, it's very possible that it could destroy a bingo ball further. In other words, use this home remedy at your own risk.
For bingo ball sets, please see Bingo Ball Sets
Friday, June 27, 2008
Yesterday's Vote Kills Flint's Chance for Casino
The city's already slim chances of landing an Indian casino appear to be dead.
U.S. Rep. Dale E. Kildee, D-Flint, said an overwhelming House vote against two proposed Indian casinos in Michigan likely ends any hope Flint had of getting one of the casinos.
"I just don't see it," said Kildee.
Although Romulus and Port Huron were considered front-runners for the casinos, Flint officials had hoped the city might edge out Romulus given that city's close proximity to the Detroit casinos.
The bill, which Kildee supported, would have provided land for the two new casinos in exchange for the settling of 110 acres of land claims around Charlotte Beach in the Upper Peninsula.
The measure, however, failed Wednesday by a 298-121 vote.
For the full story, please see Bryn Mickle, Congress kills Flint's chance at landing tribal casino , The Flint Journal via MLive, June 26, 2008.
U.S. Rep. Dale E. Kildee, D-Flint, said an overwhelming House vote against two proposed Indian casinos in Michigan likely ends any hope Flint had of getting one of the casinos.
"I just don't see it," said Kildee.
Although Romulus and Port Huron were considered front-runners for the casinos, Flint officials had hoped the city might edge out Romulus given that city's close proximity to the Detroit casinos.
The bill, which Kildee supported, would have provided land for the two new casinos in exchange for the settling of 110 acres of land claims around Charlotte Beach in the Upper Peninsula.
The measure, however, failed Wednesday by a 298-121 vote.
For the full story, please see Bryn Mickle, Congress kills Flint's chance at landing tribal casino , The Flint Journal via MLive, June 26, 2008.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Bingos Win Big in California with Favorable Electronic Bingo Decision
Bingo halls hit two winning cards Wednesday – in the courtroom and in the state Legislature – buoying the hopes of charities and fundraising volunteers who rely on bingo to pay for high school sport programs and other extracurricular activities as well as programs for the blind and disabled.
A Southern California lawmaker's bill banning electronic bingo died in an Assembly committee hours after a Sacramento federal judge ruled electronic bingo machines could continue to be played while the case is fought in the courts.
Judy Mason, president of El Camino High School's booster club, said the news was "fabulous," adding, "I hope that it's dead for now. But I know it's going to rear its ugly head again."
Electronic bingo, or e-bingo as it's sometimes called, has been on thin legal ice for years. The game has become a major attraction for new players at bingo parlors whose audience is aging.
Months after Sacramento County passed an ordinance spelling out which types of electronic bingo games were acceptable, the California attorney general's office raised doubts.
An order in August 2007 reiterated a long-standing state Justice Department position that bingo involves paper games, ink daubers and live callers.
But until May, the state had not taken any action. That ended with Attorney General Jerry Brown's office ordering several local bingo operations to stop using the machines within 30 days.
For the complete story, please see Ed Fletcher, Two victories for e-bingo in Sacramento The Sacramento Bee, June 25, 2008.
A Southern California lawmaker's bill banning electronic bingo died in an Assembly committee hours after a Sacramento federal judge ruled electronic bingo machines could continue to be played while the case is fought in the courts.
Judy Mason, president of El Camino High School's booster club, said the news was "fabulous," adding, "I hope that it's dead for now. But I know it's going to rear its ugly head again."
Electronic bingo, or e-bingo as it's sometimes called, has been on thin legal ice for years. The game has become a major attraction for new players at bingo parlors whose audience is aging.
Months after Sacramento County passed an ordinance spelling out which types of electronic bingo games were acceptable, the California attorney general's office raised doubts.
An order in August 2007 reiterated a long-standing state Justice Department position that bingo involves paper games, ink daubers and live callers.
But until May, the state had not taken any action. That ended with Attorney General Jerry Brown's office ordering several local bingo operations to stop using the machines within 30 days.
For the complete story, please see Ed Fletcher, Two victories for e-bingo in Sacramento The Sacramento Bee, June 25, 2008.
Bingos Won't Have to Contend with New Casinos
Rep. John Dingell (D-Mich.) suffered a stinging defeat Wednesday when an Indian gambling bill he’s being pushing for more than a decade was handily defeated in a lopsided vote of 121-298.
The floor fight pitted Dingell, the longest-serving member of the House, against fellow Michigan Democrat John Conyers Jr., its second-longest serving member. Dingell, the chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, is serving his 25th House term, while House Judiciary Committee Chairman Conyers is in his 22nd.
Dingell’s bill would have settled a century-old land dispute between two tribes and paved the way for them to build casinos in cash-strapped Michigan districts. Detroit-area lawmakers led by Conyers argued the land claims by the two tribes were illegitimate and would undermine the revenues of existing gambling operations that are a major source of tax revenue for the city.
For the full story, please see Susan Crabtree, Dingell loses battle with Conyers on gambling bill
, The Hill.com, June 25, 2008.
The floor fight pitted Dingell, the longest-serving member of the House, against fellow Michigan Democrat John Conyers Jr., its second-longest serving member. Dingell, the chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, is serving his 25th House term, while House Judiciary Committee Chairman Conyers is in his 22nd.
Dingell’s bill would have settled a century-old land dispute between two tribes and paved the way for them to build casinos in cash-strapped Michigan districts. Detroit-area lawmakers led by Conyers argued the land claims by the two tribes were illegitimate and would undermine the revenues of existing gambling operations that are a major source of tax revenue for the city.
For the full story, please see Susan Crabtree, Dingell loses battle with Conyers on gambling bill
, The Hill.com, June 25, 2008.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Bingos Watch Vote Closely
Bingos in the state will be watching the vote in Washington closely today. At stake is the possibility of more casino expansion. Below is an excerpt from the Detroit Free Press outlining the battle:
A fight over proposed American Indian casinos in Romulus and Port Huron may reach the floor of Congress this week, where two Michigan political heavyweights find themselves on opposite sides of the issue.
The proposals -- which could be on the floor as early as Wednesday -- have a fair shot at passing, despite loud objections from Detroit politicians who fear new casinos could cut into the take of the city's three gaming emporiums and undercut investments their owners have made.
Even if the House approves, however, the proposals face a big obstacle in the Senate -- Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.), who is said to be opposed to the legislation that has been simmering in Washington for at least six years.
For the full story, please see Todd Spangler, Legislators, tribes divided over casinos in state, Detroit Free Press, June 22, 2008.
A fight over proposed American Indian casinos in Romulus and Port Huron may reach the floor of Congress this week, where two Michigan political heavyweights find themselves on opposite sides of the issue.
The proposals -- which could be on the floor as early as Wednesday -- have a fair shot at passing, despite loud objections from Detroit politicians who fear new casinos could cut into the take of the city's three gaming emporiums and undercut investments their owners have made.
Even if the House approves, however, the proposals face a big obstacle in the Senate -- Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.), who is said to be opposed to the legislation that has been simmering in Washington for at least six years.
For the full story, please see Todd Spangler, Legislators, tribes divided over casinos in state, Detroit Free Press, June 22, 2008.
Vote Scheduled for Potential Casino Expansion
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) is giving Rep. John Dingell (D-Mich.) a full House vote Wednesday on a nettlesome Indian gaming bill he’s been pushing for years as a surefire way to help out his cash-strapped district.
Dingell and his allies tried — albeit unsuccessfully — to insert it into various legislative vehicles despite an onslaught of complaints from high-profile opponents and others, such as convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff, who were stalwartly against congressional intervention in the issue.
Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), then the chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs panel investigating Abramoff’s Indian gambling lobbying scandal, was infuriated by an effort to parachute the language into an early version of the 2005 highway bill. Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska), at Dingell’s urging, had placed the language deep within the massive transportation measure as early as 2003.
Rep. Richard Pombo (R-Calif.), the House Natural Resources chairman, also objected. Both he, and especially McCain, were incensed that Dingell and Young were bypassing their committees of jurisdiction, as well as what they regarded as the normal Department of the Interior approval of Indian issues involving casino interests.
For the complete story, please see Susan Crabtree, Pelosi to grant vote on Indian gaming bill benefiting Rep. Dingell’s district, The Hill, June 24, 2008.
Dingell and his allies tried — albeit unsuccessfully — to insert it into various legislative vehicles despite an onslaught of complaints from high-profile opponents and others, such as convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff, who were stalwartly against congressional intervention in the issue.
Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), then the chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs panel investigating Abramoff’s Indian gambling lobbying scandal, was infuriated by an effort to parachute the language into an early version of the 2005 highway bill. Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska), at Dingell’s urging, had placed the language deep within the massive transportation measure as early as 2003.
Rep. Richard Pombo (R-Calif.), the House Natural Resources chairman, also objected. Both he, and especially McCain, were incensed that Dingell and Young were bypassing their committees of jurisdiction, as well as what they regarded as the normal Department of the Interior approval of Indian issues involving casino interests.
For the complete story, please see Susan Crabtree, Pelosi to grant vote on Indian gaming bill benefiting Rep. Dingell’s district, The Hill, June 24, 2008.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Information Every Bingo Program Should Have
Here's a quick rundown of what information your bingo program should convey to your bingo players:
1. Your bingo event's date, location, contact information (phone and email), the name of the bingo chairperson(s), hours operation, and the time when bingo will start.
2. Let your bingo players know what nonprofit the bingo proceeds will be going toward. Everyone enjoys helping a worthy cause.
3. Bingo paper prices and prize amounts. Try to convey this information in a clear, concise way. Bingo players love to know what they're paying and what they're playing for.
4. Show the number of bingo games and describe them. If a particular bingo paper or color is to be played for each game, make sure you show this.
5. If possible, show a picture or graphic demonstrating the winning bingo patterns.
1. Your bingo event's date, location, contact information (phone and email), the name of the bingo chairperson(s), hours operation, and the time when bingo will start.
2. Let your bingo players know what nonprofit the bingo proceeds will be going toward. Everyone enjoys helping a worthy cause.
3. Bingo paper prices and prize amounts. Try to convey this information in a clear, concise way. Bingo players love to know what they're paying and what they're playing for.
4. Show the number of bingo games and describe them. If a particular bingo paper or color is to be played for each game, make sure you show this.
5. If possible, show a picture or graphic demonstrating the winning bingo patterns.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Bingo Supplies: 4 Bingo Items Every Bingo Player Needs
Bingo supplies are the lifeblood of any bingo player. Here's a few of the bingo supplies no bingo player should leave home without.
1. Bingo Daubers
How can you play bingo without bingo daubers? Whether regular or fluorescent bingo ink, don't even bother coming to bingo without them.
2. Bingo Bag
So, you've got your dobbers, now where are you going to put them? Your bingo bag of course.
A bingo player needs a bingo bag to carry her bingo items back and forth from bingo. And if they win a big jackpot, they can also use it to carry their huge stacks of money.
3. Bingo Cushion
A bingo cushion helps the serious bingo players hunker down for that next big jackpot without having to deal with a sore backside from a hard seat. Going to bingo without a cushion can be like sleeping without a mattress.
4. Lots of Good Luck
We see this mistake made over and over even by the most experienced bingo players. They gather everything they need for bingo. They've got all their bingo supplies. They've got their daubers, they've got their bingo bag and they've got a comfy bingo cushion. They head out the door, arrive at their favorite bingo hall, and begin playing. That's when it hits them. They've left their good luck at home.
Try winning at bingo without any good luck. It's not easy, so make sure that if you're playing bingo you don't leave your good luck at home.
For more information on bingo supplies, please see Wholesale Bingo Supplies
1. Bingo Daubers
How can you play bingo without bingo daubers? Whether regular or fluorescent bingo ink, don't even bother coming to bingo without them.
2. Bingo Bag
So, you've got your dobbers, now where are you going to put them? Your bingo bag of course.
A bingo player needs a bingo bag to carry her bingo items back and forth from bingo. And if they win a big jackpot, they can also use it to carry their huge stacks of money.
3. Bingo Cushion
A bingo cushion helps the serious bingo players hunker down for that next big jackpot without having to deal with a sore backside from a hard seat. Going to bingo without a cushion can be like sleeping without a mattress.
4. Lots of Good Luck
We see this mistake made over and over even by the most experienced bingo players. They gather everything they need for bingo. They've got all their bingo supplies. They've got their daubers, they've got their bingo bag and they've got a comfy bingo cushion. They head out the door, arrive at their favorite bingo hall, and begin playing. That's when it hits them. They've left their good luck at home.
Try winning at bingo without any good luck. It's not easy, so make sure that if you're playing bingo you don't leave your good luck at home.
For more information on bingo supplies, please see Wholesale Bingo Supplies
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Bingos & Casinos Hurt by Slowing Economy and High Gas Prices
Bingo halls have seen their attendance drop and their average bingo player spending decline, as a result of the slowing economy. Higher gas prices have lowered bing revenue as well.
But, bingos aren't the only gaming locations affected by the downturn. Casinos are feeling sluggish as well.
For more information, please see Grace Schneider,Bingo revenue squeezed Courier-Journal.com, June 22, 2008.
But, bingos aren't the only gaming locations affected by the downturn. Casinos are feeling sluggish as well.
For more information, please see Grace Schneider,Bingo revenue squeezed Courier-Journal.com, June 22, 2008.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Does Your Bingo Have a Greeter?
An important, often-overlooked way for your bingo to create a friendly and warm atmosphere is to have one of your bingo workers act as a greeter. Much like Wal-Mart, a greeter should stand near the entrance, smile, and welcome bingo players as they arrive.
A greeter is especially important when new bingo players show up at your bingo event for the first time. The greeter should take the time to help every new bingo player as much as possible. Introduce them to your bingo game, explain to them the different types of bingo paper (bingo books) you sell, and show them around your bingo hall.
Of course, make sure that your greeter is a friendly person. Obviously, an unfriendly greeter would be worse than no greeter at all.
Customer service is extremely important for any business and bingo is no different. It is crucial that you make your bingo players feel welcome and a good greeter will help. Treat your bingo players like gold and they will keep coming back.
A greeter is especially important when new bingo players show up at your bingo event for the first time. The greeter should take the time to help every new bingo player as much as possible. Introduce them to your bingo game, explain to them the different types of bingo paper (bingo books) you sell, and show them around your bingo hall.
Of course, make sure that your greeter is a friendly person. Obviously, an unfriendly greeter would be worse than no greeter at all.
Customer service is extremely important for any business and bingo is no different. It is crucial that you make your bingo players feel welcome and a good greeter will help. Treat your bingo players like gold and they will keep coming back.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Some Bingo Players and Other Gamblers Debate: Gas or Gamble?
Keeping in line with our earlier post about higher gas prices and their affect on bingo players, here's an excerpt fromPressofAtlanticCity.com . It covers the affect gas prices have had on casino goers in Atlantic City:
Walter Huzior and his wife, Edith, usually visit Atlantic City's casinos four times per year, but this summer they probably will cut back on the gambling trips from their Long Island, N.Y., home.
Soaring prices at the pump forced them to pay a whopping $4.59 per gallon for the premium fuel that powers their Mercury Grand Marquis and its gas-guzzling V-8 engine.
"It's about $20 to $25 more for gas this year to make the drive from Long Island," Walter Huzior complained Wednesday after pulling into the parking garage at Caesars Atlantic City. "Higher gas prices leave less money for gambling."
With gas prices surging above $4 per gallon and likely to go higher for the peak summer driving season, there is concern that casinos could suffer an even sharper downturn in business in what has started as a slow year. About 80 percent of Atlantic City's 33.3 million annual visitors arrive by car, making tourism here particularly vulnerable to volatility in fuel costs.
"I don't like it. It will make for fewer trips this year," Vincent Rizzo, a gambler at Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino, said of the impact of higher gas prices. "I used to come here three times a week. Now, it will be once a week."
For the complete story, please see Donald Witkowski, Atlantic City casino customers face a decision: Gas or gamble?, PressofAtlanticCity.com, June 16, 2008
Walter Huzior and his wife, Edith, usually visit Atlantic City's casinos four times per year, but this summer they probably will cut back on the gambling trips from their Long Island, N.Y., home.
Soaring prices at the pump forced them to pay a whopping $4.59 per gallon for the premium fuel that powers their Mercury Grand Marquis and its gas-guzzling V-8 engine.
"It's about $20 to $25 more for gas this year to make the drive from Long Island," Walter Huzior complained Wednesday after pulling into the parking garage at Caesars Atlantic City. "Higher gas prices leave less money for gambling."
With gas prices surging above $4 per gallon and likely to go higher for the peak summer driving season, there is concern that casinos could suffer an even sharper downturn in business in what has started as a slow year. About 80 percent of Atlantic City's 33.3 million annual visitors arrive by car, making tourism here particularly vulnerable to volatility in fuel costs.
"I don't like it. It will make for fewer trips this year," Vincent Rizzo, a gambler at Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino, said of the impact of higher gas prices. "I used to come here three times a week. Now, it will be once a week."
For the complete story, please see Donald Witkowski, Atlantic City casino customers face a decision: Gas or gamble?, PressofAtlanticCity.com, June 16, 2008
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Casino Windsor Gambling on Relaunch
Once or twice a year, Bernice Brooks and her husband fly 3,800 kilometres from Boston to Las Vegas for one of their little gambling getaways, making like homing pigeons to their favourite casino.
They can't always afford to stay at Caesars Palace, where a basic double room runs $500 per night at peak season. So the Brooks often book a more affordable hotel nearby and walk to the casino to gamble on a tightly-controlled budget.
"We've been coming here for at least 10 years," Brooks, a 62-year-old city clerk for a municipality in the Boston area, said as she played a 25-cent slot during her most recent visit. Why the fierce loyalty? "It's so clean, and the people are so nice. It's been the same people looking after us every time we come here. They remember us."
Caesars, the best-known brand in the business and now the world's largest gaming company by revenue, worships repeat customers. It's the regulars who have helped make it a household name.
This week, in Windsor of all places, starts the first test of the power of the Caesars brand outside the United States. Can its legions of fans be convinced that the famous Caesars experience has been replicated in a struggling automotive town in Canada? And more importantly, will they come to visit and buy tickets to its concerts and shows?
That's the $479-million bet laid down by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation. On Thursday the OLG and Caesars, its operating partner at the former Casino Windsor, formally relaunch what was once the world's most profitable casino as Caesars Windsor.
The province has put up $439 million to build a new luxury hotel tower, concert hall and convention centre. It has anted up an additional $40 million to buy into Caesars much-envied Total Rewards customer loyalty program.
For the complete story, please see Chris Vander Doelen, Caesars gambles on Windsor, The Windsor Star, June 16, 2008.
They can't always afford to stay at Caesars Palace, where a basic double room runs $500 per night at peak season. So the Brooks often book a more affordable hotel nearby and walk to the casino to gamble on a tightly-controlled budget.
"We've been coming here for at least 10 years," Brooks, a 62-year-old city clerk for a municipality in the Boston area, said as she played a 25-cent slot during her most recent visit. Why the fierce loyalty? "It's so clean, and the people are so nice. It's been the same people looking after us every time we come here. They remember us."
Caesars, the best-known brand in the business and now the world's largest gaming company by revenue, worships repeat customers. It's the regulars who have helped make it a household name.
This week, in Windsor of all places, starts the first test of the power of the Caesars brand outside the United States. Can its legions of fans be convinced that the famous Caesars experience has been replicated in a struggling automotive town in Canada? And more importantly, will they come to visit and buy tickets to its concerts and shows?
That's the $479-million bet laid down by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation. On Thursday the OLG and Caesars, its operating partner at the former Casino Windsor, formally relaunch what was once the world's most profitable casino as Caesars Windsor.
The province has put up $439 million to build a new luxury hotel tower, concert hall and convention centre. It has anted up an additional $40 million to buy into Caesars much-envied Total Rewards customer loyalty program.
For the complete story, please see Chris Vander Doelen, Caesars gambles on Windsor, The Windsor Star, June 16, 2008.
Do Higher Gas Prices Help or Hurt Local Bingos?
Like most entertainment activities, bingo revenue suffers when bingo players feel the pinch of a slowing economy. Less expendable income means that bingo players will stay home and play bingo less often.
Interestingly though, some feel that higher gas prices can help local bingo halls, at least in one way. If gas prices are high, some feel that many bingo players may decide to play bingo nearby at their local charity bingo rather than travel far to a casino. Of course many bingo players will still choose to play bingo both locally and at casinos no matter what gas prices are.
What do you think? Do higher gas prices help or hurt local charity bingos?
Interestingly though, some feel that higher gas prices can help local bingo halls, at least in one way. If gas prices are high, some feel that many bingo players may decide to play bingo nearby at their local charity bingo rather than travel far to a casino. Of course many bingo players will still choose to play bingo both locally and at casinos no matter what gas prices are.
What do you think? Do higher gas prices help or hurt local charity bingos?
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Wholesale Bingo Supplies Adds Shipping Options
New Shipping Options for Wholesale Bingo Supplies!
Up until now, Wholesale Bingo Supplies has been charging a flat fee for shipping to anywhere within the 48 states. This has been a good approximation of the median shipping charge of a typical order of bingo supplies. However, this hasn't allowed our customers the option of examining various expedited shipping options and costs themselves.
So, if a bingo customer needs bingo supplies overnighted, they have to call our customer support line. Then, our customer support has to contact our shipping department. Our shipping department then has to determine the cost of shipping bingo supplies via overnight, 2-day, 3-day, etc. Then, they relay this information back to customer support allowing customer support to call back with the answer. As you can see, this can be a burdensome and time-consuming process for everyone.
Also, the flat fee meant we couldn't afford to ship to Canada, which meant we were missing out on a lot of Canadien customers.
So, we've come up with a new plan....Real Time Shipping. Real Time Shipping will simply pass the cost of shipping bingo supplies directly to our customers. It will allow them enormous flexibility will all kinds of shipping options.
But, what about the free shipping on orders over $75 you ask? Don't worry. This popular feature will remain available for all UPS ground shipments within the continental United States.
Up until now, Wholesale Bingo Supplies has been charging a flat fee for shipping to anywhere within the 48 states. This has been a good approximation of the median shipping charge of a typical order of bingo supplies. However, this hasn't allowed our customers the option of examining various expedited shipping options and costs themselves.
So, if a bingo customer needs bingo supplies overnighted, they have to call our customer support line. Then, our customer support has to contact our shipping department. Our shipping department then has to determine the cost of shipping bingo supplies via overnight, 2-day, 3-day, etc. Then, they relay this information back to customer support allowing customer support to call back with the answer. As you can see, this can be a burdensome and time-consuming process for everyone.
Also, the flat fee meant we couldn't afford to ship to Canada, which meant we were missing out on a lot of Canadien customers.
So, we've come up with a new plan....Real Time Shipping. Real Time Shipping will simply pass the cost of shipping bingo supplies directly to our customers. It will allow them enormous flexibility will all kinds of shipping options.
But, what about the free shipping on orders over $75 you ask? Don't worry. This popular feature will remain available for all UPS ground shipments within the continental United States.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Bingos Wait for News on Smoking Ban
There is nothing new to report on the statewide smoking ban as the Senate and House remain in a stalemate.
As it stands, the Senate's version would have no exemptions (besides the Native American casinos which are not subject to the ban), and the House version exempts Detroit casinos and charity bingos. We continue to wait for a resolution.
As we have stated, we believe that charity bingos should be exempt from any smoking ban as they compete with Native American casinos. This is a difficult challenge for bingos already, and a smoking ban would make it even more difficult to raise funds for their charitable causes.
As it stands, the Senate's version would have no exemptions (besides the Native American casinos which are not subject to the ban), and the House version exempts Detroit casinos and charity bingos. We continue to wait for a resolution.
As we have stated, we believe that charity bingos should be exempt from any smoking ban as they compete with Native American casinos. This is a difficult challenge for bingos already, and a smoking ban would make it even more difficult to raise funds for their charitable causes.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Wholesale Bingo Supplies Improves Our Website
Our bingo supplies website Wholesale Bingo Supplies is undergoing imporvements. We've changed shopping carts which will allow us to improve our shipping options, make faster changes to bingo products updates, and more.
Also, we have added more bingo supplies products and will continue to add even more. Soon our complete inventory of bingo paper, bingo daubers, bingo cages, bingo game sets and other bingo supplies will be available.
So, if your interested in purchasing bingo supplies for your next corporate or home bingo event, take a look. We think you'll like what you see.
Also, we have added more bingo supplies products and will continue to add even more. Soon our complete inventory of bingo paper, bingo daubers, bingo cages, bingo game sets and other bingo supplies will be available.
So, if your interested in purchasing bingo supplies for your next corporate or home bingo event, take a look. We think you'll like what you see.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Bingos Prepare for New Pinnacle Race Track
We always get a little nervous in the bingo industry when large projects like the Pinnacle horse track arrive. With this big of an investment, it's likely only a matter of time before racinos (race tracks with slot machines) are talked about being legalized again. And, any new casino type establishment ultimately hurts charity bingos and their charitable causes.
Of course the issue preventing legalization is that the voters passed an amendment to the state constitution prohibiting new gaming without a vote. For the moment, that's a tough hurdle to overcome.
Below is an excerpt from the Detroit News article on Pinnacle:
"The earth movers are pushing tons of soil, carpenters are erecting barns at the rate of two a week and banker/investor/equestrian enthusiast Jerry Campbell says thoroughbred horse racing will return to the area next month as scheduled.
"I don't like all this rain we've been getting in the recent weeks, but it's going well," Campbell said Wednesday.
Construction of the new Pinnacle Race Course began about two months ago.
A July 18 date is set for the "soft opening" with races set to start that day. Construction will continue through the summer and will go through next year's 165-day horse racing season. When it's completed, the $142 million project will host a three-story, 60,000-square-foot clubhouse; a 4,000-seat grandstand; 30 barns and 1,200 horse stalls."
For the complete story, please see Steve Pardo, Workers rush to complete Pinnacle horse track as opening nears, The Detroit News, June 12, 2008.
Of course the issue preventing legalization is that the voters passed an amendment to the state constitution prohibiting new gaming without a vote. For the moment, that's a tough hurdle to overcome.
Below is an excerpt from the Detroit News article on Pinnacle:
"The earth movers are pushing tons of soil, carpenters are erecting barns at the rate of two a week and banker/investor/equestrian enthusiast Jerry Campbell says thoroughbred horse racing will return to the area next month as scheduled.
"I don't like all this rain we've been getting in the recent weeks, but it's going well," Campbell said Wednesday.
Construction of the new Pinnacle Race Course began about two months ago.
A July 18 date is set for the "soft opening" with races set to start that day. Construction will continue through the summer and will go through next year's 165-day horse racing season. When it's completed, the $142 million project will host a three-story, 60,000-square-foot clubhouse; a 4,000-seat grandstand; 30 barns and 1,200 horse stalls."
For the complete story, please see Steve Pardo, Workers rush to complete Pinnacle horse track as opening nears, The Detroit News, June 12, 2008.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Can't Afford New Bingo Equipment? Why Not Lease?
Wholesale Bingo Supplies is proud to announce the addition of financing options for the purchase of all of our advanced bingo equipment. This will allow your organization that has been operating for at least two years and meets our qualifications, to obtain the latest in bingo equipment for your bingo without having to provide a large upfront payment.
Wholesale Bingo Supplies has partnered with Studebaker-Worthington Leasing Corp. to provide financing for our entire line of advanced bingo equipment. Pegged the “Nation’s Leader in Leasing,” Studebaker-Worthington Leasing Corp. was originally part of a multi-billion-dollar industrial company that used to manufacture the Studebaker car.
Today, the company is a wholly owned subsidiary of State Bank of Long Island (NASDAQ symbol STBC), a billion-dollar plus commercial bank based in Jericho, N.Y. For the past 30 years, the company has excelled in superior service, while offering competitive rates to thousands of equipment sellers and end-users across the nation.
In fact, the company leases “virtually every (type) of equipment used in business today” – computers, medical equipment, security systems, uniforms, church pews and office furniture –“ that’s not on wheels.”
Don’t let your bingo lose bingo players because of dated or faulty bingo equipment. For a low, affordable monthly payement, you can upgrade today by purchasing reliable, state-of-the-art bingo equipment from Wholesale Bingo Supplies - Bingo Equipment Leasing.
Or, for further information, call Wholesale Bingo Supplies at (800) 589-1074 or email us at customersupport@WholesaleBingoSupplies.com.
Wholesale Bingo Supplies has partnered with Studebaker-Worthington Leasing Corp. to provide financing for our entire line of advanced bingo equipment. Pegged the “Nation’s Leader in Leasing,” Studebaker-Worthington Leasing Corp. was originally part of a multi-billion-dollar industrial company that used to manufacture the Studebaker car.
Today, the company is a wholly owned subsidiary of State Bank of Long Island (NASDAQ symbol STBC), a billion-dollar plus commercial bank based in Jericho, N.Y. For the past 30 years, the company has excelled in superior service, while offering competitive rates to thousands of equipment sellers and end-users across the nation.
In fact, the company leases “virtually every (type) of equipment used in business today” – computers, medical equipment, security systems, uniforms, church pews and office furniture –“ that’s not on wheels.”
Don’t let your bingo lose bingo players because of dated or faulty bingo equipment. For a low, affordable monthly payement, you can upgrade today by purchasing reliable, state-of-the-art bingo equipment from Wholesale Bingo Supplies - Bingo Equipment Leasing.
Or, for further information, call Wholesale Bingo Supplies at (800) 589-1074 or email us at customersupport@WholesaleBingoSupplies.com.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Greektown Casino Allowed to Continue Reorganization
Michigan gaming regulators today allowed Greektown Casino to continue executing a business reorganization plan aimed at improving the financial health of the casino during Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) voted not to force a sale of Greektown Casino at this time.
Instead, the regulators voted to give the casino time to reorganize and improve operations during Chapter 11 or face the potential of having to sell the property at some point in the future.
Casino representatives pledged their full cooperation with the MGCB, including providing more frequent and detailed financial and operational reports to the regulators and their staff.
For the complete story, please see Gaming board won't force Greektown sale. At this time, SooToday.com, June 10, 2008.
The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) voted not to force a sale of Greektown Casino at this time.
Instead, the regulators voted to give the casino time to reorganize and improve operations during Chapter 11 or face the potential of having to sell the property at some point in the future.
Casino representatives pledged their full cooperation with the MGCB, including providing more frequent and detailed financial and operational reports to the regulators and their staff.
For the complete story, please see Gaming board won't force Greektown sale. At this time, SooToday.com, June 10, 2008.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Michigan Gaming Control Board Employee Suspended
A Michigan Gaming Control Board employee who recently sued state agencies has been suspended with pay.
Patrick Devlin last week sued Attorney General Mike Cox, saying Indian casinos should be forced to get liquor licenses.
Devlin also sued the gaming control board and other state departments.
That suit questions gaming control board hiring practices, including for a job that Devlin applied for but did not get.
For the complete story, please see Gaming control board employee suspended AP via WLNS.com, June 9, 2008.
Patrick Devlin last week sued Attorney General Mike Cox, saying Indian casinos should be forced to get liquor licenses.
Devlin also sued the gaming control board and other state departments.
That suit questions gaming control board hiring practices, including for a job that Devlin applied for but did not get.
For the complete story, please see Gaming control board employee suspended AP via WLNS.com, June 9, 2008.
Shipping Bingo Supplies to Canada Provides a Learning Experience
We admit it. We screwed up.
Rarily in the past two decades in the bingo business had we shipped bingo supplies to Canada. However, with an increase in our online marketing presence, we began shipping more bingo supplies to Canada over the last 30 days. People in Canada would call for us for a quote on shipping and we would provide the amount and ship them the bingo paper, bingo daubers, and/or other bingo supplies. Unfortunately, what we didn't realize was that these Canadien customers were getting charged with customs charges and duties upon delivery. One women was even charged $37.00 for a few packages of bingo chips!
So, what are we at Wholesale Bingo Supplies doing about this? Well, first, we're covering the extra costs ourselves by issuing checks to the handful of orders that were affected. Next, now that we know that taxes and duties are due, we can look up the cost of these within our UPS delivery system, and make sure our customers know about them before they receive their order.
While this will probably eliminate a lot of smaller bingo supply orders that we receive from Canada (who wants to pay $37.00 for bingo chips?), it will make our Canadien customers a lot more satisfied.
Looking back, it's something we probably should have realized, but everyone makes mistakes, and we feel this was a good lesson learned. If you need bingo supplies, be sure to visit Wholesale Bingo Supplies
Rarily in the past two decades in the bingo business had we shipped bingo supplies to Canada. However, with an increase in our online marketing presence, we began shipping more bingo supplies to Canada over the last 30 days. People in Canada would call for us for a quote on shipping and we would provide the amount and ship them the bingo paper, bingo daubers, and/or other bingo supplies. Unfortunately, what we didn't realize was that these Canadien customers were getting charged with customs charges and duties upon delivery. One women was even charged $37.00 for a few packages of bingo chips!
So, what are we at Wholesale Bingo Supplies doing about this? Well, first, we're covering the extra costs ourselves by issuing checks to the handful of orders that were affected. Next, now that we know that taxes and duties are due, we can look up the cost of these within our UPS delivery system, and make sure our customers know about them before they receive their order.
While this will probably eliminate a lot of smaller bingo supply orders that we receive from Canada (who wants to pay $37.00 for bingo chips?), it will make our Canadien customers a lot more satisfied.
Looking back, it's something we probably should have realized, but everyone makes mistakes, and we feel this was a good lesson learned. If you need bingo supplies, be sure to visit Wholesale Bingo Supplies
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
How to Hold a Successful Bingo Fundraiser
We've compiled all of our Wholesale Bingo Supplies blog posts on "How to Manage a Bingo Event" into one easy-to-read squidoo page called How to Hold a Successful Bingo Fundraiser. This link can also be found "Squidoo Lenses" section on the left hand side of the page.
Bingo Machines Can Continue in California
Bingo halls across the state can keep using hundreds of lucrative electronic bingo machines that state Attorney General Jerry Brown has deemed illegal, after a federal judge on Thursday signed a temporary restraining order to halt a state crackdown on the devices.
Following a hearing Thursday in Sacramento, district court Judge John A. Mendez ruled in favor of a leading maker of the electronic games, a pair of charities and two disabled bingo players who argued that the state has misinterpreted the law. They also claim a ban on the games violates the Americans with Disabilities Act by depriving disabled players of a winning chance.
Saying they have "a strong likelihood of success on the merits of their claims," Mendez set a June 25 hearing and asked to inspect two bingo machines.
For the complete story, please see John Simerman, Judge halts bingo machine crackdown Contra Costa Times, June 5, 2008.
Following a hearing Thursday in Sacramento, district court Judge John A. Mendez ruled in favor of a leading maker of the electronic games, a pair of charities and two disabled bingo players who argued that the state has misinterpreted the law. They also claim a ban on the games violates the Americans with Disabilities Act by depriving disabled players of a winning chance.
Saying they have "a strong likelihood of success on the merits of their claims," Mendez set a June 25 hearing and asked to inspect two bingo machines.
For the complete story, please see John Simerman, Judge halts bingo machine crackdown Contra Costa Times, June 5, 2008.
Monday, June 9, 2008
Greektown Casino Anticipates Loss
DETROIT -- Greektown Casino is expected to lose $15.9 million this year as its bottom line absorbs $13.5 million in bankruptcy restructuring costs and $51 million in loan interest payments, a financial adviser for the troubled gambling facility told a state panel Thursday.
"Most of this loss is related to the bankruptcy restructuring costs," Charles Moore of Conway MacKenzie & Dunleavy, a financial consulting firm working on Greektown's reorganization, told members of the Michigan Gaming Control Board. "Significant debt payments are also a factor."
Moore laid out Greektown's financials at a board meeting called specifically to discuss emergency financing for the casino.
The board voted 4-1 to approve a $51.3 million loan package that got the approval of a U.S. Bankruptcy Court judge on Wednesday. Greektown said it needed the money to pay contractors working on its $332 million permanent gaming facility and 400-room resort-style hotel. That project is expected to wrap up by the beginning of next year.
For the complete story, please see Nathan Hurst, Greektown forecasts $15.9M loss in 2008, Detroit News, June 5, 2008.
"Most of this loss is related to the bankruptcy restructuring costs," Charles Moore of Conway MacKenzie & Dunleavy, a financial consulting firm working on Greektown's reorganization, told members of the Michigan Gaming Control Board. "Significant debt payments are also a factor."
Moore laid out Greektown's financials at a board meeting called specifically to discuss emergency financing for the casino.
The board voted 4-1 to approve a $51.3 million loan package that got the approval of a U.S. Bankruptcy Court judge on Wednesday. Greektown said it needed the money to pay contractors working on its $332 million permanent gaming facility and 400-room resort-style hotel. That project is expected to wrap up by the beginning of next year.
For the complete story, please see Nathan Hurst, Greektown forecasts $15.9M loss in 2008, Detroit News, June 5, 2008.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Researchers Say Expect New Drugs to Treat Aging. Does This Mean Bingo Players Can Keep Playing For Decades?
Interesting article on the medical breakthroughs happening with aging. Perhaps today's older bingo players can keep playing for decades or more.
NEW YORK — Is 90 the new 50?
Not yet, aging researchers say, but medical breakthroughs to significantly extend life and ease the ailments of getting older are closer than many people think.
Harvard Medical School professor who has made headlines with research into the health benefits of a substance found in red wine called resveratrol.
Speaking on a panel of aging experts, Sinclair had the boldest predictions. He said scientists can greatly increase longevity and improve health in lab animals like mice, and that drugs to benefit people are on the way.
"It's not an if, but a when," said Sinclair, who co-founded Sirtris Pharmaceuticals to pursue such drugs. The company, which is testing medicine in people with Type 2 diabetes, was recently bought for $720 million by GlaxoSmithKline, the world's second-largest drug maker.
Sinclair said treatments could be a few years or a decade away, but they're "really close. It's not something (from) science fiction and it's not something for the next generation."
For the full story, please see David Ho, Expect new drugs to treat aging, researchers say, EveningEdge.com, June 3, 2008.
NEW YORK — Is 90 the new 50?
Not yet, aging researchers say, but medical breakthroughs to significantly extend life and ease the ailments of getting older are closer than many people think.
Harvard Medical School professor who has made headlines with research into the health benefits of a substance found in red wine called resveratrol.
Speaking on a panel of aging experts, Sinclair had the boldest predictions. He said scientists can greatly increase longevity and improve health in lab animals like mice, and that drugs to benefit people are on the way.
"It's not an if, but a when," said Sinclair, who co-founded Sirtris Pharmaceuticals to pursue such drugs. The company, which is testing medicine in people with Type 2 diabetes, was recently bought for $720 million by GlaxoSmithKline, the world's second-largest drug maker.
Sinclair said treatments could be a few years or a decade away, but they're "really close. It's not something (from) science fiction and it's not something for the next generation."
For the full story, please see David Ho, Expect new drugs to treat aging, researchers say, EveningEdge.com, June 3, 2008.
Friday, June 6, 2008
While Bingos Slip, Some Casinos Doing Well
SAULT STE. MARIE, MI - Despite major increases in transportation costs for consumers, a struggling Michigan economy, and reports of casinos in other market segments of Michigan struggling, Kewadin Casinos posted increases in gaming revenue during the month of May.
Net slot revenue at all five casinos combined, finished up $909,138 or 11.4 percent for the month.
The Kewadin Casino in Sault Ste. Marie saw the largest increase with revenue 20.4 percent higher compared to the same month last year.
For more information, please see Kewadin announces robust revenue gains for May, SooToday.com, June 3, 2008.
Net slot revenue at all five casinos combined, finished up $909,138 or 11.4 percent for the month.
The Kewadin Casino in Sault Ste. Marie saw the largest increase with revenue 20.4 percent higher compared to the same month last year.
For more information, please see Kewadin announces robust revenue gains for May, SooToday.com, June 3, 2008.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
More on the Greektown Casino.
DETROIT -- Lawyers for the financially troubled Greektown Casino asked a federal bankruptcy judge Tuesday to approve a $44.9 million emergency loan that will keep the gambling hall's construction of an expanded gaming floor and 400-room resort-style hotel from grinding to a halt.
Greektown pleaded its case during a hearing before U.S. District Court Bankruptcy Judge Walter Shapero. Casino lawyers described an especially tenuous relationship with more than 80 contractors and subcontractors over the past few months as the gaming hall fell behind on payments for materials and labor on the casino-hotel project.
Greektown, already with $314.5 million in outstanding loans, is seeking a total of $150 million in bankruptcy financing, which includes the emergency $44.9 million, from Merrill Lynch bank. The other part of the financing will come before the court at a later date.
For more information, please see Nathan Hurst, Greektown seeks $44.9M loan to keep casino-hotel project from shutting down, The Detroit News, June 3, 2008.
Greektown pleaded its case during a hearing before U.S. District Court Bankruptcy Judge Walter Shapero. Casino lawyers described an especially tenuous relationship with more than 80 contractors and subcontractors over the past few months as the gaming hall fell behind on payments for materials and labor on the casino-hotel project.
Greektown, already with $314.5 million in outstanding loans, is seeking a total of $150 million in bankruptcy financing, which includes the emergency $44.9 million, from Merrill Lynch bank. The other part of the financing will come before the court at a later date.
For more information, please see Nathan Hurst, Greektown seeks $44.9M loan to keep casino-hotel project from shutting down, The Detroit News, June 3, 2008.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Beyond Bingo Supplies: How to Manage a Successful Bingo Part 5
This is our fifth and final entry on managing a successful Bingo. So far, we've:
1. Determined your bingo licensing regulations for your state.
2. Estimated your bingo player attendance.
3. Built your bingo program.
4. Determined your prize payout.
5. Determined the revenue generating bingo products your going to sell.
Now, let's go over some final considerations for your next bingo fundraiser.
Bingo Callers
If at all possible, find an experienced bingo caller. You don't want some novice person calling bingo who has trouble handling the equipment (dropping bingo balls in the middle of a game can be a disaster) or lacks confidence in front of people. If you can't find an experienced caller, then find someone who is comfortable with crowds and have them practice with the equipment ahead of time. Go over your bingo program step-by-step.
Whether experienced or not, you want your bingo callers to call numbers at a regular pace. We recommend that bingo numbers be called about every 20 seconds for commercial bingo hall environments where seasoned bingo players play. However, this speed should be adjusted to fit your crowd and the number of bingo faces in play. Hopefully, your bingo equipment will have a timer which will alert your caller when to call. However, if no timer is available, use a watch or clock as best you can to call at a regular pace.
Cash vs Baskets or Other Prizes
It doesn't make a lot of difference if you give away cash or prizes or a mixture of both at your bingo fundraiser. The important thing is to make sure that whatever you give, you are giving something with value.
Make your bingo prizes worth the effort for your bingo players. If you give bingo baskets, fill them with quality products. If you give cash, make sure you give away some big jackpots. When your bingo players win a bingo, they want win something and they want to win something good.
Bingo Concessions
Your bingo event will usually last from 3-5 hours, with the actual bingo program taking about 3 hours to play. Therefore, it is important to have refreshments and food available if possible. Bingo players are not robots. They will get hungry and thirsty.
Make sure that the food you serve is good quality and keep your prices reasonable. We believe it's smart business to have your bingo concession be a draw for your bingo event and not a profit center. Let your bingo games make the money while your concession keeps them well-nourished and happy.
A bingo fundraiser requires planning. You'll need to assemble a team of volunteers, find a qualified bingo caller, acquire prize donations, locate a site, advertise, and more. Make sure you give yourself at least a month or two to prepare.
Good luck and happy fundraising! If you follow our advice, we're sure your next bingo fundraiser will be a success.
1. Determined your bingo licensing regulations for your state.
2. Estimated your bingo player attendance.
3. Built your bingo program.
4. Determined your prize payout.
5. Determined the revenue generating bingo products your going to sell.
Now, let's go over some final considerations for your next bingo fundraiser.
Bingo Callers
If at all possible, find an experienced bingo caller. You don't want some novice person calling bingo who has trouble handling the equipment (dropping bingo balls in the middle of a game can be a disaster) or lacks confidence in front of people. If you can't find an experienced caller, then find someone who is comfortable with crowds and have them practice with the equipment ahead of time. Go over your bingo program step-by-step.
Whether experienced or not, you want your bingo callers to call numbers at a regular pace. We recommend that bingo numbers be called about every 20 seconds for commercial bingo hall environments where seasoned bingo players play. However, this speed should be adjusted to fit your crowd and the number of bingo faces in play. Hopefully, your bingo equipment will have a timer which will alert your caller when to call. However, if no timer is available, use a watch or clock as best you can to call at a regular pace.
Cash vs Baskets or Other Prizes
It doesn't make a lot of difference if you give away cash or prizes or a mixture of both at your bingo fundraiser. The important thing is to make sure that whatever you give, you are giving something with value.
Make your bingo prizes worth the effort for your bingo players. If you give bingo baskets, fill them with quality products. If you give cash, make sure you give away some big jackpots. When your bingo players win a bingo, they want win something and they want to win something good.
Bingo Concessions
Your bingo event will usually last from 3-5 hours, with the actual bingo program taking about 3 hours to play. Therefore, it is important to have refreshments and food available if possible. Bingo players are not robots. They will get hungry and thirsty.
Make sure that the food you serve is good quality and keep your prices reasonable. We believe it's smart business to have your bingo concession be a draw for your bingo event and not a profit center. Let your bingo games make the money while your concession keeps them well-nourished and happy.
A bingo fundraiser requires planning. You'll need to assemble a team of volunteers, find a qualified bingo caller, acquire prize donations, locate a site, advertise, and more. Make sure you give yourself at least a month or two to prepare.
Good luck and happy fundraising! If you follow our advice, we're sure your next bingo fundraiser will be a success.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
More Explanation on Greektown's Bankruptcy Filing
SAULT STE. MARIE - Chairman Aaron Payment of the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians provided reaction to the news Friday that Greektown Casino has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
“We have filed for Chapter 11 to protect our assets from the unfair convenants placed upon Greektown Casino by the Michigan Gaming Board, a standard that the other two casinos in Detroit do not have to follow,” wrote Payment in a press release.
Payment indicated he attempted to shore up deficiencies in management and slowing revenues more than a year ago, but the Greektown Management Board ignored his advice and replaced him as the chairman of the board.
The problem, as Payment explained it, stems from the Greek partnership and a $268 million liability which came with the partners under terms of the agreement hammered out under the watch of former Tribal Chairman Bernard Bouschor. Payment also indicated that he opposed the original agreement at the time and advocated buying out the Greek partners, to no avail.
For more information, please see Scott Brand, Payment explains Chapter 11 sooeveningnews.com, June 3, 2008.
“We have filed for Chapter 11 to protect our assets from the unfair convenants placed upon Greektown Casino by the Michigan Gaming Board, a standard that the other two casinos in Detroit do not have to follow,” wrote Payment in a press release.
Payment indicated he attempted to shore up deficiencies in management and slowing revenues more than a year ago, but the Greektown Management Board ignored his advice and replaced him as the chairman of the board.
The problem, as Payment explained it, stems from the Greek partnership and a $268 million liability which came with the partners under terms of the agreement hammered out under the watch of former Tribal Chairman Bernard Bouschor. Payment also indicated that he opposed the original agreement at the time and advocated buying out the Greek partners, to no avail.
For more information, please see Scott Brand, Payment explains Chapter 11 sooeveningnews.com, June 3, 2008.
Monday, June 2, 2008
Bingo and Gaming Industry Fear a Slow Summer
As the busiest part of the gaming season begins, recent revenue reports have some concerned the economic downturn may affect the industry.
"The summer is going to be a snapshot of what we're going to be looking at for the next few quarters," said Larry Gregory, executive director of the Mississippi Gaming Commission.
April marked only the second time since December 2006 that the state's Gulf Coast casinos earned less than $100 million.
Revenue was $97.1 million in April, a 9.4 percent drop from $107.2 million a year earlier, according to the Mississippi Tax Commission.
April is typically a slow month for casinos since children are still in school and families aren't yet able to travel, Gregory said.
Revenue at the state's casinos through April was $949.1 million compared to $999.9 million a year earlier.
"Clearly, the downturn in the economy is indicative of those numbers. Mississippi is a driving market from the Florida Panhandle and Louisiana. The dollar has tightened. Where (people) cut is the entertainment dollar," Gregory said.
For the full story, please see Jeff Ayres, Declining revenue for gaming industry triggers fears of slow summer season, Clarionledger.com, June 1, 2008.
"The summer is going to be a snapshot of what we're going to be looking at for the next few quarters," said Larry Gregory, executive director of the Mississippi Gaming Commission.
April marked only the second time since December 2006 that the state's Gulf Coast casinos earned less than $100 million.
Revenue was $97.1 million in April, a 9.4 percent drop from $107.2 million a year earlier, according to the Mississippi Tax Commission.
April is typically a slow month for casinos since children are still in school and families aren't yet able to travel, Gregory said.
Revenue at the state's casinos through April was $949.1 million compared to $999.9 million a year earlier.
"Clearly, the downturn in the economy is indicative of those numbers. Mississippi is a driving market from the Florida Panhandle and Louisiana. The dollar has tightened. Where (people) cut is the entertainment dollar," Gregory said.
For the full story, please see Jeff Ayres, Declining revenue for gaming industry triggers fears of slow summer season, Clarionledger.com, June 1, 2008.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Greektown Casino Files for Chapter 11 Protection
Greektown Casino has asked a federal court for approval to reorganize its finances and continue business operations under the protection of Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians announced today.
We are not closing, we are not bankrupt,” said spokesman Roger Martin. "We are a profitable company with a liquidity issue."
Greektown Holdings L.L.C., along with seven other related entities, filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy petitions with U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Detroit Thursday, saying it is unable to borrow more money and has hit massive cost overruns as it attempted to expand its Detroit casino.
“Significant delays and cost overruns in connection with the completion of the expanded complex have adversely affected Holdings’ businesses, Greektown Casino’s operations and Holdings’ financial condition and cash flow,” Greektown said in its bankruptcy filing.
Greektown said it estimates that it needs approximately $140 million of additional borrowings or equity contributions to complete the expansion.
For the complete story, please see Margarita Bauza, Greektown Casino falls into Chapter 11, Detroit Free Press, May 30, 2008.
We are not closing, we are not bankrupt,” said spokesman Roger Martin. "We are a profitable company with a liquidity issue."
Greektown Holdings L.L.C., along with seven other related entities, filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy petitions with U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Detroit Thursday, saying it is unable to borrow more money and has hit massive cost overruns as it attempted to expand its Detroit casino.
“Significant delays and cost overruns in connection with the completion of the expanded complex have adversely affected Holdings’ businesses, Greektown Casino’s operations and Holdings’ financial condition and cash flow,” Greektown said in its bankruptcy filing.
Greektown said it estimates that it needs approximately $140 million of additional borrowings or equity contributions to complete the expansion.
For the complete story, please see Margarita Bauza, Greektown Casino falls into Chapter 11, Detroit Free Press, May 30, 2008.
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