It's a good idea to wash your bingo balls regularly. Dirt and grease are transferred to your bingo balls with each touch of the caller's fingers. Eventually dirt build up can and will alter the frequency with which balls are called, and anything affecting the randomness of the calls should be avoided.
What else can affect the randomness of the numbers called?
1. Chipped, cracked, and dented bingo balls will certainly skew the frequency of how often a bingo ball appears. It may make the ball appear more or less often, and both of these alternatives are bad outcomes. Make sure that you repair any dents and remove cracked or chipped balls from your bingo machine .
2. Mixing bingo ball sets can also change the frequency of the calls. If you place a green ball with a white set, that green ball's weight will differ slightly. And, while the difference may be subtle, it will be enough to skew the frequency one way or another. This can also be true for bingo ball sets with the same color, but different styles.
I always urge bingo managers to strive to keep their game's integrity above reproach. Keeping your bingo ball sets uniform and in good condition removes doubt from bingo players and is always a good idea.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Muskegon Area Casino Likely Years Away
When Muskegon County Commissioner James Derezinski first heard about the possibility of having a gambling casino in Fruitport Township, he immediately started thinking about money for a new county jail and juvenile detention center.
Of course, he's been thinking a lot about that subject for the past few years, ever since he started spearheading the effort to replace the two aging, overcrowded facilities. Some of his ideas have panned out, while some have not.
But this time it appears Derezinski may be on to something.
A group of leaders from the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, who recently purchased the former Great Lakes Downs property in Fruitport Township with the hope of developing a casino on the site, had an informational meeting with local leaders Thursday at Fruitport Township hall.
The spokesman for the group, tribal economic development director Robert Memberto, acknowledged that he has discussed the possibility with Derezinski and several other county leaders about establishing a "foundation" that would help pay for the construction of the jail and juvenile facility.
Memberto stressed that the entire subject is premature, because first the casino concept must gain the approval of federal and state authorities, a process that could take several years.
For more information, please see Steve Gunn, County leaders eager to tap money from proposed casino, The Muskegon Chronicle, July 25, 2008.
Of course, he's been thinking a lot about that subject for the past few years, ever since he started spearheading the effort to replace the two aging, overcrowded facilities. Some of his ideas have panned out, while some have not.
But this time it appears Derezinski may be on to something.
A group of leaders from the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, who recently purchased the former Great Lakes Downs property in Fruitport Township with the hope of developing a casino on the site, had an informational meeting with local leaders Thursday at Fruitport Township hall.
The spokesman for the group, tribal economic development director Robert Memberto, acknowledged that he has discussed the possibility with Derezinski and several other county leaders about establishing a "foundation" that would help pay for the construction of the jail and juvenile facility.
Memberto stressed that the entire subject is premature, because first the casino concept must gain the approval of federal and state authorities, a process that could take several years.
For more information, please see Steve Gunn, County leaders eager to tap money from proposed casino, The Muskegon Chronicle, July 25, 2008.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
4 Steps to Make Sure Players Perceive Your Bingo as an Honest Game.
In bingo, rumors can spread quickly. It always amazes me the things that I hear in the often close-knit community of bingo players and workers. I'll hear things like, "Phyllis' son is a drunk.", "Cathy doesn't like Margaret because she never buys anyone anything", or the troubling one for bingo managers "The bingo workers are rigging the games for themselves."
Unfortunately, cheating sometimes exists in bingo, both with players and bingo workers. However, the perception of cheating when none is there can be just as damaging. Therefore, here are 4 steps to make sure that bingo players see your bingo as an honest bingo.
1. Shortly before bingo begins, and just after intermission, fill your bingo machine with all 75 bingo balls. Ask that a few bingo players (choose different ones each night) come to the bingo blower and verify that all of the bingo balls are present and in good condition.
2. Once the bingo balls have been inspected, announce to the crowd that all 75 balls have been verified. Further, announce that any bingo player may come up and examine the balls at any time during the evening.
3. As your bingo caller draws bingo balls from the bingo machine , make sure that he or she shows the ball to the crowd and/or places it clearly in front of the camera. Only once this is accomplished, should the caller place the ball in the master board on the bingo blower.
4. When selling pulltabs, don't let your bingo workers buy them. When bingo players see workers buying pulltabs, they always think the worst. Whether or not it's true, the bingo players believe that the workers know something about what pulltabs are winners and losers. Simply, don't allow it!
Unfortunately, cheating sometimes exists in bingo, both with players and bingo workers. However, the perception of cheating when none is there can be just as damaging. Therefore, here are 4 steps to make sure that bingo players see your bingo as an honest bingo.
1. Shortly before bingo begins, and just after intermission, fill your bingo machine with all 75 bingo balls. Ask that a few bingo players (choose different ones each night) come to the bingo blower and verify that all of the bingo balls are present and in good condition.
2. Once the bingo balls have been inspected, announce to the crowd that all 75 balls have been verified. Further, announce that any bingo player may come up and examine the balls at any time during the evening.
3. As your bingo caller draws bingo balls from the bingo machine , make sure that he or she shows the ball to the crowd and/or places it clearly in front of the camera. Only once this is accomplished, should the caller place the ball in the master board on the bingo blower.
4. When selling pulltabs, don't let your bingo workers buy them. When bingo players see workers buying pulltabs, they always think the worst. Whether or not it's true, the bingo players believe that the workers know something about what pulltabs are winners and losers. Simply, don't allow it!
Township Leaders to Discuss Fruitport Casino Plan
The township board plans to discuss a proposed Indian casino on the site of the old Great Lakes Downs horse racing track at tonight's meeting.
On July 16, the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians announced its proposal to build a gaming facility at the track. The tribe purchased the property from Magna Entertainment, which last held races at Great Lakes Downs last November.
The board meeting is at 7 p.m. tonight at the Fruitport Township Hall, 6543 Airline Hwy. If more people show up than the township hall can hold, the alternate site is at Fruitport Middle School, 3113 Pontaluna Rd.
For the complete story, please see Matt Campbell, Fruitport Township leaders to discuss casino plan, WZZM13.com, July 28, 2008.
On July 16, the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians announced its proposal to build a gaming facility at the track. The tribe purchased the property from Magna Entertainment, which last held races at Great Lakes Downs last November.
The board meeting is at 7 p.m. tonight at the Fruitport Township Hall, 6543 Airline Hwy. If more people show up than the township hall can hold, the alternate site is at Fruitport Middle School, 3113 Pontaluna Rd.
For the complete story, please see Matt Campbell, Fruitport Township leaders to discuss casino plan, WZZM13.com, July 28, 2008.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Will Oil Price Drop Help Bingos and Gaming?
It's summertime, the hottest season for gambling tourism, but the U.S. casinos country-wide are feeling the customers' finance pinch. The casinos in the country, especially those on the Las Vegas Strip and in Atlantic City, consider the summer period their bread and butter, but the record oil prices took the blame this year for the ever declining gambling revenue throughout the U.S. gambling establishments. Most recently, the Las Vegas casinos alone reported a 16.4% revenue decline in May, compared to the same month last year, while statewide the drop in gambling revenue increased to 15.2%. The combined gambling revenue at the Atlantic City casinos also fell, the gambling venues in A.C. dropped down 11% in June, compared to the same month an year ago.
For the complete story, please see Will oil price drop revive the U.S. casinos and gambling revenue?, OGPaper, July 27, 2008.
For the complete story, please see Will oil price drop revive the U.S. casinos and gambling revenue?, OGPaper, July 27, 2008.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Making Gaming and Bingo Personal
The following is an excerpt from an interesting article that I just stumbled across regarding personalizing player tracking and the gaming experience.
"Her name is Diane. She carries a ticket worth $76.25, wanders about the Pechanga Resort & Casino’s gaming floor, and perhaps holds the key to your future. Her odyssey began 23 minutes ago with Coyote Moon and a crisp $100 bill. Losing $11.50, she cashed out, walked halfway across the casino to settle at an older, single pay-line Bally machine. Down another $24.25 after four and a half minutes, Diane moves to an Aristocrat game, followed by quick stops at IGT, Bally, IGT and Konami games. She never studies pay tables and doesn’t seem to care much about artwork. Her cash-out ticket serves as a kind of divining rod for choosing the next potentially lucky game.
I know Diane because I’m a stalker. For the last three decades, I’ve secretly watched people gamble. My goal is to figure out what players want and design games, systems and promotions to deliver satisfaction. In her late fifties, Diane is special exactly because she’s not. She behaves as do most, spending little and searching a lot. Pechanga’s games do not satisfy Diane, and it is doubtful the games of other casinos would fare much better.
That’s because, though Diane is like the majority of players, Diane isn’t considered valuable. Her play is unmeasured and perhaps too infrequent. Pechanga, like other casinos, specialize in hosting players that happen to like what is currently offered and play in high volume. Trouble is, there aren’t enough of these players to go around. Certainly the Pechanga slot floor is successful. Certainly it is well managed—they don’t come any better than Buddy Frank and his crew.
Certainly too, Pechanga’s revenues are suffering this year—just as all casinos in competitive markets are suffering. Whether you choose to blame obscene energy prices, the housing fiasco or too many casinos with too many machines, revenues in 2008 are down and falling.
For the past 20 years or so, we’ve thrived on pent-up demand. Legal barriers artificially restricted the supply of gaming machines, and any casino with open doors and electricity was met with a flood of customers and piles of profit.
Not anymore."
For more information please see John Acres INSIDER EDGE: Gambling 2.0...this time it’s personal, SlotManager, July 14, 2008.
"Her name is Diane. She carries a ticket worth $76.25, wanders about the Pechanga Resort & Casino’s gaming floor, and perhaps holds the key to your future. Her odyssey began 23 minutes ago with Coyote Moon and a crisp $100 bill. Losing $11.50, she cashed out, walked halfway across the casino to settle at an older, single pay-line Bally machine. Down another $24.25 after four and a half minutes, Diane moves to an Aristocrat game, followed by quick stops at IGT, Bally, IGT and Konami games. She never studies pay tables and doesn’t seem to care much about artwork. Her cash-out ticket serves as a kind of divining rod for choosing the next potentially lucky game.
I know Diane because I’m a stalker. For the last three decades, I’ve secretly watched people gamble. My goal is to figure out what players want and design games, systems and promotions to deliver satisfaction. In her late fifties, Diane is special exactly because she’s not. She behaves as do most, spending little and searching a lot. Pechanga’s games do not satisfy Diane, and it is doubtful the games of other casinos would fare much better.
That’s because, though Diane is like the majority of players, Diane isn’t considered valuable. Her play is unmeasured and perhaps too infrequent. Pechanga, like other casinos, specialize in hosting players that happen to like what is currently offered and play in high volume. Trouble is, there aren’t enough of these players to go around. Certainly the Pechanga slot floor is successful. Certainly it is well managed—they don’t come any better than Buddy Frank and his crew.
Certainly too, Pechanga’s revenues are suffering this year—just as all casinos in competitive markets are suffering. Whether you choose to blame obscene energy prices, the housing fiasco or too many casinos with too many machines, revenues in 2008 are down and falling.
For the past 20 years or so, we’ve thrived on pent-up demand. Legal barriers artificially restricted the supply of gaming machines, and any casino with open doors and electricity was met with a flood of customers and piles of profit.
Not anymore."
For more information please see John Acres INSIDER EDGE: Gambling 2.0...this time it’s personal, SlotManager, July 14, 2008.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
3 Things You Must Do When Creating Your Bingo Program
How you ever seen a really ugly bingo program? It's sloppily designed with handmade corrections, has mispelled words, and/or been copied over so many times that you can barely read it. How does this look to bingo players, especially new ones who've never played at this location? As simple as it is, a professional looking bingo program is sometimes overlooked. However, it shouldn't be.
Would you eat at a restaurant if you could barely read the menu? Well, why should your bingo program be any different? Like a menu at a restaurant, your bingo program is often your first line of communication with your bingo players and bingo workers. It guides your players and staff for the evening, telling them what they will be doing, where, when, how and why. Your bingo's image is determined in part by how professional your bingo program looks.
When creating your bingo program:
1. Take your time. Work through your bingo program and describe your bingo paper and bingo games clearly. Make it as easy to follow as you can.
2. Have it printed on quality paper that looks nice. Do not print it on some dirty paper you found in a cupboard somewhere.
3. Use a professional copier. Do not use someone's old fax machine to make copies.
You could sell your bingo paper at the lowest prices. You could carry the largest selection of bingo supplies . But, if your bingo program looks horrible, you'll still lose some potential bingo players who can't understand your bingo games.
One way bingo players will know that you care is by the quality of your bingo's program. Sloppy bingo programs like someone wearing sloppy clothes communicate a lack of professionalism and will turn bingo players off. While a clean, neat, well-described bingo program can be another valuable tool that can be used when marketing your bingo to bingo players.
Would you eat at a restaurant if you could barely read the menu? Well, why should your bingo program be any different? Like a menu at a restaurant, your bingo program is often your first line of communication with your bingo players and bingo workers. It guides your players and staff for the evening, telling them what they will be doing, where, when, how and why. Your bingo's image is determined in part by how professional your bingo program looks.
When creating your bingo program:
1. Take your time. Work through your bingo program and describe your bingo paper and bingo games clearly. Make it as easy to follow as you can.
2. Have it printed on quality paper that looks nice. Do not print it on some dirty paper you found in a cupboard somewhere.
3. Use a professional copier. Do not use someone's old fax machine to make copies.
You could sell your bingo paper at the lowest prices. You could carry the largest selection of bingo supplies . But, if your bingo program looks horrible, you'll still lose some potential bingo players who can't understand your bingo games.
One way bingo players will know that you care is by the quality of your bingo's program. Sloppy bingo programs like someone wearing sloppy clothes communicate a lack of professionalism and will turn bingo players off. While a clean, neat, well-described bingo program can be another valuable tool that can be used when marketing your bingo to bingo players.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Bingo Supplies Isn't the Only Way to Raise Funds
While browsing the internet today, I ran across an interesting blog with some helpful school and church fundraising ideas. Obviously, there are plenty of ways to raise funding for nonprofits outside of bingo, and this site has a few ideas.
Anyway, the site is Top School Fundraising. It has tons of tips on school and church fundraisers.
Another site worth looking into is Fundraising Ideas.
If you're looking for fundraiser ideas, give both of these sites a read.
Anyway, the site is Top School Fundraising. It has tons of tips on school and church fundraisers.
Another site worth looking into is Fundraising Ideas.
If you're looking for fundraiser ideas, give both of these sites a read.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Downturn in Gaming Bad, but Vegas and Bingos Have Survived Worse
At this point, is it even necessary to remind anyone that pessimists have been forecasting doom for Las Vegas since 1955?
For that matter, things looked dire in 1922, when the Union Pacific railroad pulled its repair shops out of town after an acrimonious strike. And truth be told, if it wasn't for the construction of the Hoover Dam in the early 1930s, Las Vegas might have remained moribund.
What was the disaster of 1955? Success. With the young Strip casino industry on the upswing in the early part of the decade, opening a new "class joint" seemed like money in the bank. Developers raced to get shovels into the dirt, and hoped to reap the benefits of a growing tourism boom. Sound familiar?
The gaming industry wasn't large enough to have "observers" back then -- calling it an "industry" at that time might be an unwarranted dignity. But nearly everyone predicted that, in 1954, there was no place to go but up.
So, in 1955, five major new casino resorts opened in Las Vegas: the Dunes, the Riviera, the Royal Nevada, the New Frontier, and the Moulin Rouge. Each of the new arrivals ran into trouble almost immediately.
For the complete story, please see David G. Schwartz The downturn is bad, but Las Vegas has survived worse Las Vegas Business Press, July 14, 2008.
For that matter, things looked dire in 1922, when the Union Pacific railroad pulled its repair shops out of town after an acrimonious strike. And truth be told, if it wasn't for the construction of the Hoover Dam in the early 1930s, Las Vegas might have remained moribund.
What was the disaster of 1955? Success. With the young Strip casino industry on the upswing in the early part of the decade, opening a new "class joint" seemed like money in the bank. Developers raced to get shovels into the dirt, and hoped to reap the benefits of a growing tourism boom. Sound familiar?
The gaming industry wasn't large enough to have "observers" back then -- calling it an "industry" at that time might be an unwarranted dignity. But nearly everyone predicted that, in 1954, there was no place to go but up.
So, in 1955, five major new casino resorts opened in Las Vegas: the Dunes, the Riviera, the Royal Nevada, the New Frontier, and the Moulin Rouge. Each of the new arrivals ran into trouble almost immediately.
For the complete story, please see David G. Schwartz The downturn is bad, but Las Vegas has survived worse Las Vegas Business Press, July 14, 2008.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
New Casino to Compete with Bingos?
The ponies haven't run at Great Lakes Downs since last fall. But that last post time won't be the last time someone places a bet here - at least if the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians gets their way.
At a late afternoon press conference, tribal leaders talked about their plans for the now-closed track. They said it's too early to set a scope and timetable for the project.
The tribe operates another casino in Manistee, and has been in talks with both state and federal officials for a while over this proposal.
"The tribe is standing firm on a $100 million investment, in that ball park range," said tribal Director of Commerce Mark Memberto. The project will "create hundreds of construction jobs, 800-1,000 permanent casino jobs, around $30 million annually in payroll and benefits, and around $8- $10 million local vendor spending."
It's the third casino proposed for the Muskegon area this year. The other two proposals are on the waterfront.
For more information, please see Joe LaFurgey Tribal group wants casino at Great Lakes Downs, Wood TV, July 16, 2008.
At a late afternoon press conference, tribal leaders talked about their plans for the now-closed track. They said it's too early to set a scope and timetable for the project.
The tribe operates another casino in Manistee, and has been in talks with both state and federal officials for a while over this proposal.
"The tribe is standing firm on a $100 million investment, in that ball park range," said tribal Director of Commerce Mark Memberto. The project will "create hundreds of construction jobs, 800-1,000 permanent casino jobs, around $30 million annually in payroll and benefits, and around $8- $10 million local vendor spending."
It's the third casino proposed for the Muskegon area this year. The other two proposals are on the waterfront.
For more information, please see Joe LaFurgey Tribal group wants casino at Great Lakes Downs, Wood TV, July 16, 2008.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Bingo Supplies Catalog?
Wholesale Bingo Supplies.com receives many emails and phone calls throughout the day. And, one of the most frequent questions asked of us is "Do you have a bingo supplies catalog". Unfortunately, at this time the simple answer is "no".
A bingo supplies catalog that our customers and potential customers can download is something that we plan on adding, but it's not at the top of our list at the moment. Every day, we tweak things a little more both to improve our site and our service. Perhaps, we add a new line of bingo daubers , or have a promotion on bingo paper . At the moment, these things have take priority over the catalog.
So, will we have a bingo supplies catalog? Absolutely, but please give us some time. In the meantime, if you have any questions about any of our bingo products , please call or email us. Thanks for your patience.
A bingo supplies catalog that our customers and potential customers can download is something that we plan on adding, but it's not at the top of our list at the moment. Every day, we tweak things a little more both to improve our site and our service. Perhaps, we add a new line of bingo daubers , or have a promotion on bingo paper . At the moment, these things have take priority over the catalog.
So, will we have a bingo supplies catalog? Absolutely, but please give us some time. In the meantime, if you have any questions about any of our bingo products , please call or email us. Thanks for your patience.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Slot Machine Profits Not Paying Off for State
The slowing economy is not keeping people away from the Four Winds Casino Resort in New Buffalo Township, which collected about $146.6 million in slot machine revenue over the six-month period that ended March 30.
Figures released by the Michigan Gaming Control Board show that the casino, owned by the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians, is taking in $24.4 million a month in slot machine revenue.
The monthly total has not changed from the amount estimated using figures covering August and September 2007, the casino's first two months of operation.
Because it is privately held, the casino does not release figures on its total revenue from its hotel, restaurants, bars, poker and other games.
Local governments and the state have not received any revenue from electronic gaming, although a 1998 compact between the state and Pokagon Band requires payments two times a year. They are embroiled in a dispute over the compact.
For more information please see Scott Aiken,
High Slot Machine Take Tempered By Compact Dispute, The News-Dispatch, July 13, 2008.
Figures released by the Michigan Gaming Control Board show that the casino, owned by the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians, is taking in $24.4 million a month in slot machine revenue.
The monthly total has not changed from the amount estimated using figures covering August and September 2007, the casino's first two months of operation.
Because it is privately held, the casino does not release figures on its total revenue from its hotel, restaurants, bars, poker and other games.
Local governments and the state have not received any revenue from electronic gaming, although a 1998 compact between the state and Pokagon Band requires payments two times a year. They are embroiled in a dispute over the compact.
For more information please see Scott Aiken,
High Slot Machine Take Tempered By Compact Dispute, The News-Dispatch, July 13, 2008.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Privatizing Lotteries, Good or Bad Idea?
The California State Lottery recently rolled out a point-of-sale device called a “check-a-ticket” machine. A player slips a lottery ticket in the machine’s bar-code reader and a scrolling LED message pronounces the ticket a winner or loser.
Most of the time, the display tells the player, “Sorry,” but you are not a winner.
“We call it our sorry machine,” a clerk at a Los Angeles grocery store explained as a scratch-off ticket player got the bad news from the check-a-ticket machine. More than four decades after New Hampshire became the first U.S. state to sponsor a lottery, “sorry” is a pretty accurate description of the current condition of lotteries. From California to New Jersey, lotteries are underperforming. Sales are stagnant, and profits as a percentage of sales are down. The problem is an aging product and customer base, feeble and ineffective marketing strategies and increased competition from Indian casinos and Internet gambling.
In the midst of this slump, states are looking for ways to patch gaping budget holes without raising taxes. For some, lottery privatization looks like fast and easy money.
For more information, please see Anne Burke, The Privatization Gamble , IGWB, July 11, 2008.
Most of the time, the display tells the player, “Sorry,” but you are not a winner.
“We call it our sorry machine,” a clerk at a Los Angeles grocery store explained as a scratch-off ticket player got the bad news from the check-a-ticket machine. More than four decades after New Hampshire became the first U.S. state to sponsor a lottery, “sorry” is a pretty accurate description of the current condition of lotteries. From California to New Jersey, lotteries are underperforming. Sales are stagnant, and profits as a percentage of sales are down. The problem is an aging product and customer base, feeble and ineffective marketing strategies and increased competition from Indian casinos and Internet gambling.
In the midst of this slump, states are looking for ways to patch gaping budget holes without raising taxes. For some, lottery privatization looks like fast and easy money.
For more information, please see Anne Burke, The Privatization Gamble , IGWB, July 11, 2008.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
State Attorney General Rules Against Pulltabs / Instant Bingo Machines
There's a machine across from the bar in the lounge of the Elks Lodge on Congress Street. Stacked up inside it are tickets with names like Luck Be a Lady, Quack Pot and Duck Bucks. They cost $1, but some conceal a $500 prize.
They're known as "instant bingo" tickets, with pull-tabs that reveal winning combinations, but they function much like lottery scratch-offs. In Florida's complex, sometimes conflicting menagerie of gaming legislation, the tickets, it would appear, fall within the bounds of the law.
The machines that hold them might be another story.
The Pasco County Sheriff's Office recently sought an opinion from Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum on the legalities of instant bingo, who can run it and how the tickets can be dispensed. McCollum's office responded this week. Sheriff's Office attorney Mike Randall interpreted the opinion to say that only groups who run real-time bingo — the traditional "N, 33" variety — can sell instant bingo tickets. But they can't be sold from a machine (see pulltab machines) like the one at New Port Richey Elks 2284, Randall said, because that falls under the definition of a slot machine, and slot machines are outlawed.
"This is an area where the state is — I don't know the phrase — divided, perplexed," Randall said.
For the complete story, please see Molly Moorhead,State Attorney General rules against use of 'instant bingo' machines, St. Petersburg Times, July 12, 2008.
They're known as "instant bingo" tickets, with pull-tabs that reveal winning combinations, but they function much like lottery scratch-offs. In Florida's complex, sometimes conflicting menagerie of gaming legislation, the tickets, it would appear, fall within the bounds of the law.
The machines that hold them might be another story.
The Pasco County Sheriff's Office recently sought an opinion from Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum on the legalities of instant bingo, who can run it and how the tickets can be dispensed. McCollum's office responded this week. Sheriff's Office attorney Mike Randall interpreted the opinion to say that only groups who run real-time bingo — the traditional "N, 33" variety — can sell instant bingo tickets. But they can't be sold from a machine (see pulltab machines) like the one at New Port Richey Elks 2284, Randall said, because that falls under the definition of a slot machine, and slot machines are outlawed.
"This is an area where the state is — I don't know the phrase — divided, perplexed," Randall said.
For the complete story, please see Molly Moorhead,State Attorney General rules against use of 'instant bingo' machines, St. Petersburg Times, July 12, 2008.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Bingo Players Love It When You Remember Their Birthday
Bingo players are no different than most folks. They enjoy it when their birthdays are acknowledged and rewarded. A good way to keep your bingo players happy and build up a sense of community at your bingo is to recognize your bingo players birthdays.
One way to do this is to start a birthday sign-up book for your bingo. Have one night each month at your bingo be "Birthday Night" and celebrate everyone who has a birthday that month. Reward your bingo players with birthday cakes, coupons, free bingo supplies and/or some other token of appreciation. Have your staff sing "Happy Birthday" to them. Just make sure you have fun and that your bingo players have fun too.
Remember, if you want a successful bingo, you have to give your bingo players an exciting and fun experience. Treat your bingo players like gold and they will reward you with their loyalty.
One way to do this is to start a birthday sign-up book for your bingo. Have one night each month at your bingo be "Birthday Night" and celebrate everyone who has a birthday that month. Reward your bingo players with birthday cakes, coupons, free bingo supplies and/or some other token of appreciation. Have your staff sing "Happy Birthday" to them. Just make sure you have fun and that your bingo players have fun too.
Remember, if you want a successful bingo, you have to give your bingo players an exciting and fun experience. Treat your bingo players like gold and they will reward you with their loyalty.
MGM Casino Up, Greektown Casino Down
MGM Casino reports higher June, 2008 revenues over last year, while Greektown Casino, after filing for bankruptcy protection in May, reports their lowest earnings since 2001.
For more information, please see Robert Ankeny, MGM Grand gambling revenue jumps in June, Crain's Detroit Business, July 11, 2008.
And see Margarita Bauza, Greektown Casino reports falling revenue, Detroit Free Press, July 11, 2008.
For more information, please see Robert Ankeny, MGM Grand gambling revenue jumps in June, Crain's Detroit Business, July 11, 2008.
And see Margarita Bauza, Greektown Casino reports falling revenue, Detroit Free Press, July 11, 2008.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Bingo Callers Should Always Use a Timer
While visiting a customer's bingo the other day, I noticed that the bingo caller was calling bingo on his own without the benefit of a timer. While this bingo caller was experienced, and had a good feel for the bingo players, he was still varying his pace enough to be a problem.
Without a timer, this bingo caller would sometimes lose track and start to call too slowly. To which, bingo players would soon grumble, "Speed Up!". Sometimes this bingo caller would accelerate the pace, causing bingo daubers in players' hands to speed up in a flurry to get their numbers daubed.
Bingo players don't like inconsistency. Variable calling speeds are going to annoy them, or possibly really upset them if they miss a bingo. Despite this bingo caller being solid in most respects, he was hurting his bingo by his lack of a timer. Believe it or not, little things like this can cause a bingo to lose bingo players.
Most bingo machines come equipped with timing devices which will set a steady pace for bingo callers. If this is unavailable, a simple and inexpensive metronome will do the trick. Even a watch or seconds hand on a clock is better than your bingo caller simply winging it on his own.
In my customer's case, when we asked the bingo caller why he didn't use the timer on the bingo machine, he said he thought it was broken. Funny thing is the timer wasn't broken. The bingo caller didn't know how to use it. Once he was shown how it worked, he began calling the bingo numbers at a consistent pace, and the bingo players were happier for it.
Without a timer, this bingo caller would sometimes lose track and start to call too slowly. To which, bingo players would soon grumble, "Speed Up!". Sometimes this bingo caller would accelerate the pace, causing bingo daubers in players' hands to speed up in a flurry to get their numbers daubed.
Bingo players don't like inconsistency. Variable calling speeds are going to annoy them, or possibly really upset them if they miss a bingo. Despite this bingo caller being solid in most respects, he was hurting his bingo by his lack of a timer. Believe it or not, little things like this can cause a bingo to lose bingo players.
Most bingo machines come equipped with timing devices which will set a steady pace for bingo callers. If this is unavailable, a simple and inexpensive metronome will do the trick. Even a watch or seconds hand on a clock is better than your bingo caller simply winging it on his own.
In my customer's case, when we asked the bingo caller why he didn't use the timer on the bingo machine, he said he thought it was broken. Funny thing is the timer wasn't broken. The bingo caller didn't know how to use it. Once he was shown how it worked, he began calling the bingo numbers at a consistent pace, and the bingo players were happier for it.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Did Nevada Lawmakers Help MGM's Detroit Casino?
Representatives from Nevada last week defeated a bill that would give two Native American tribes land in the suburbs of Detroit and Port Huron. Their reason for doing so, according to the Las Vegas Sun, was to protect the interests of the MGM Mirage corporation which has a hotel and casino outside of Detroit that it has spent over a billion dollars developing.
For the complete story, please see Michael Gsovski, Report: Nevada Reps. help deny Michigan tribes casino land, PolitickerNV.com, July 2, 2008.
For the complete story, please see Michael Gsovski, Report: Nevada Reps. help deny Michigan tribes casino land, PolitickerNV.com, July 2, 2008.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Bingo TV Launches in England
Okay, this bingo tidbit may be a little bit dated, but we missed it. Bingo is popular in England as in the United States, and they've launched their own bingo show. Below is an excerpt discussing the new TV bingo game:
"The UK’s very own Sky Broadcasting has announced the launch of a new Bingo game on their channel. This interactive game is a new development that is thought to give the game of bingo, already huge in the UK, an even bigger boost. The reason for this is because they can watch telly and play at the same time. They don’t have to go to a club or go online to play."
For more information, please see Sky Broadcasting Launches Bingo TV, Bingoblogs.co.uk, June 20, 2008.
"The UK’s very own Sky Broadcasting has announced the launch of a new Bingo game on their channel. This interactive game is a new development that is thought to give the game of bingo, already huge in the UK, an even bigger boost. The reason for this is because they can watch telly and play at the same time. They don’t have to go to a club or go online to play."
For more information, please see Sky Broadcasting Launches Bingo TV, Bingoblogs.co.uk, June 20, 2008.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Electronic Bingo May Be Following Pattern of Slots From 1990s
The widening political and legal fight over electronic bingo appears to be following a pattern that opened the doors to Nevada-style Indian casinos in California a decade ago.
A week ago, a federal judge agreed to allow charities and nonprofit groups to continue operating lucrative bingo machines while their legal status is sorted out in litigation that could take months, if not years, to run its course.
At issue: Bingo machines
A federal judge recently stopped state officials from seizing slotlike electronic bingo machines operated in California by charities and nonprofits. He said the machines' legal status must be determined in court.
Happy about it: Nonprofits say they need electronic bingo machines to regain the audience and income lost to Indian casinos. Paper-card bingo operations run by non-profits have been legal in California since 1976, if approved by local authorities.
Unhappy about it: Gaming tribes say the use of electronic bingo machines by nonprofit groups violates their agreement to pay California billions of dollars for a guaranteed monopoly on slot machines. A lawmaker argues allowing nonprofits to use the machines could result in downtown bingo halls.
In a similar situation that played out during the 1990s, the state ultimately won a federal ruling that it was not obligated to permit slot machines in tribal casinos. But by then, the larger battle had been lost. Tribes had amassed the money, political clout and public support to get what they wanted in a public vote.
“You ain't seen nothing yet,” state Sen. Jim Battin, R-Palm Desert, warned recently about the spread of bingo machines. “This will parade like wildfire across the state.”
For the complete story, please see James P. Sweeney, Electronic bingo fight deja vu for California , SignonSanDiego.com, July 5, 2008.
A week ago, a federal judge agreed to allow charities and nonprofit groups to continue operating lucrative bingo machines while their legal status is sorted out in litigation that could take months, if not years, to run its course.
At issue: Bingo machines
A federal judge recently stopped state officials from seizing slotlike electronic bingo machines operated in California by charities and nonprofits. He said the machines' legal status must be determined in court.
Happy about it: Nonprofits say they need electronic bingo machines to regain the audience and income lost to Indian casinos. Paper-card bingo operations run by non-profits have been legal in California since 1976, if approved by local authorities.
Unhappy about it: Gaming tribes say the use of electronic bingo machines by nonprofit groups violates their agreement to pay California billions of dollars for a guaranteed monopoly on slot machines. A lawmaker argues allowing nonprofits to use the machines could result in downtown bingo halls.
In a similar situation that played out during the 1990s, the state ultimately won a federal ruling that it was not obligated to permit slot machines in tribal casinos. But by then, the larger battle had been lost. Tribes had amassed the money, political clout and public support to get what they wanted in a public vote.
“You ain't seen nothing yet,” state Sen. Jim Battin, R-Palm Desert, warned recently about the spread of bingo machines. “This will parade like wildfire across the state.”
For the complete story, please see James P. Sweeney, Electronic bingo fight deja vu for California , SignonSanDiego.com, July 5, 2008.
Debate on Canada Sports Betting Begins
Despite official denials and claims of ignorance, there is plenty of evidence to indicate the province of Ontario and the federal government are working quietly behind the scenes to amend the Criminal Code to allow "sportsbooks" -betting on individual professional sports games -in Ontario casinos.
Apparently casinos are hurting big-time in the province, and this is a move by some government officials to try and increase revenues for the casinos and, by default, also for the province, which as most of you know ran a budget deficit in the first quarter of the year.
However, one has to ask whether this is a step Ontarians want their government to take. There is already ample evidence of a growing gambling problem in the province, and this would only serve to facilitate that problem.
Currently, Ontario casinos do have some sports betting but it's limited to the government-run Pro-Line lottery in which gamblers select the outcomes of three or more contests on a "parlay" ticket.
According to a story by The Canadian Press, government officials confirmed the province is urging Ottawa to amend the Criminal Code to allow casino "sportsbooks" -a section of the facility where gamblers could make bets on individual games.
For the complete story, please see Editorial, All bets are off on this proposal The Daily Observer, July 6, 2008
Apparently casinos are hurting big-time in the province, and this is a move by some government officials to try and increase revenues for the casinos and, by default, also for the province, which as most of you know ran a budget deficit in the first quarter of the year.
However, one has to ask whether this is a step Ontarians want their government to take. There is already ample evidence of a growing gambling problem in the province, and this would only serve to facilitate that problem.
Currently, Ontario casinos do have some sports betting but it's limited to the government-run Pro-Line lottery in which gamblers select the outcomes of three or more contests on a "parlay" ticket.
According to a story by The Canadian Press, government officials confirmed the province is urging Ottawa to amend the Criminal Code to allow casino "sportsbooks" -a section of the facility where gamblers could make bets on individual games.
For the complete story, please see Editorial, All bets are off on this proposal The Daily Observer, July 6, 2008
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Will Windsor Get Sports Betting?
Opposition critics are blasting a proposal that could see Las Vegas-style sports gambling in casinos.
The Toronto Star is reporting that the federal and Ontario governments are moving towards allowing gamblers to wager on individual sports games in casinos in a bid to boost sagging casino revenues.
Progressive Conservative Leader John Tory says it's just another distraction by the Ontario Liberals who have done nothing to lift the province out of its current economic downturn.
NDP critic Peter Kormos says expanding gambling in the province is incredibly irresponsible and shows just how addicted the Liberals are to gaming revenues.
For more information, please see, Opposition blasts move toward Vegas-style casino sports gambling, The Daily Press via The Canadien Press, July 6, 2008.
The Toronto Star is reporting that the federal and Ontario governments are moving towards allowing gamblers to wager on individual sports games in casinos in a bid to boost sagging casino revenues.
Progressive Conservative Leader John Tory says it's just another distraction by the Ontario Liberals who have done nothing to lift the province out of its current economic downturn.
NDP critic Peter Kormos says expanding gambling in the province is incredibly irresponsible and shows just how addicted the Liberals are to gaming revenues.
For more information, please see, Opposition blasts move toward Vegas-style casino sports gambling, The Daily Press via The Canadien Press, July 6, 2008.
Like Bingo, Las Vegas Feels the Economy's Pain
Since the day Las Vegas was created in the shimmering Nevada desert, visitors have been drawn by one simple promise: "What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas". The motto adorns the city's road signs, and has inspired everything from its souvenir T-shirts to the local tourist board's seductive advertising campaigns.
These days, that motto is imbued with a worrying sense of irony. Because America's most outrageous city is facing a growing multitude of problems, and they all boil down to a single, unavoidable point: right now, far too little happens in Vegas, because not enough people are actually staying there.
The onset of global slowdown, high petrol prices, and a nation-wide housing slump is spelling disaster for a town that owes every aspect of its wealth – from that gaudy replica of the Eiffel Tower to those scale models of Venetian canals and the Pyramids of Egypt – to its ability to inspire free-spending hedonism.
With Americans cutting back on luxuries, and the price of transport rocketing, the so-called "Vegas vacation" is facing the axe. This week, as the nation celebrated Independence Day, major hotels were taking stock of a fall in all-important room occupancy rates from their usually impressive 95 per cent levels to nearer 80 per cent.
More worryingly, new figures showed gambling revenue has also dropped – a further 3 per cent this month – starting a price war between worried firms anxious to lure punters back. Hotel rooms, which last year averaged $130 each, now go for less than $100 (£50).
For the complete story, please see Guy Adams Down and out in Las Vegas, The Independent, July 5, 2008.
These days, that motto is imbued with a worrying sense of irony. Because America's most outrageous city is facing a growing multitude of problems, and they all boil down to a single, unavoidable point: right now, far too little happens in Vegas, because not enough people are actually staying there.
The onset of global slowdown, high petrol prices, and a nation-wide housing slump is spelling disaster for a town that owes every aspect of its wealth – from that gaudy replica of the Eiffel Tower to those scale models of Venetian canals and the Pyramids of Egypt – to its ability to inspire free-spending hedonism.
With Americans cutting back on luxuries, and the price of transport rocketing, the so-called "Vegas vacation" is facing the axe. This week, as the nation celebrated Independence Day, major hotels were taking stock of a fall in all-important room occupancy rates from their usually impressive 95 per cent levels to nearer 80 per cent.
More worryingly, new figures showed gambling revenue has also dropped – a further 3 per cent this month – starting a price war between worried firms anxious to lure punters back. Hotel rooms, which last year averaged $130 each, now go for less than $100 (£50).
For the complete story, please see Guy Adams Down and out in Las Vegas, The Independent, July 5, 2008.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Smoking Ban Hurts Illinois Bingos/Casinos
On Jan. 1, a smoking ban went into effect in the state of Illinois, banning smoking in virtually all public places including offices, theaters, museums, libraries, educational institutions, schools, commercial establishments, enclosed shopping centers and retail stores, restaurants, bars, private clubs and gaming facilities. As a result of the ban, Illinois riverboat casino revenues have dropped significantly compared to the same time last year.
In May of 2008, adjusted gross receipts for Illinois riverboat casinos dropped more than 14 percent compared to the same month in 2007, according to the Illinois Gaming Board's monthly report. Compared to the same time last year, total adjusted gross receipts for the calendar year-to-date through May 2008 have dropped almost 17 percent while casino attendance has decreased by a total of almost 6 percent. Moreover, since January of 2008 and the enactment of the smoking ban, adjusted gross receipts have dropped for all nine riverboat casinos in Illinois, compared to the same time last year.
Compared to May of last year, state and local tax allocations have dropped 23 percent and 12 percent respectively during this past May.
For the complete story, please see Dave Waddell, Illinois smoking ban sends casino revenues down, The Detroit News, July 2, 2008.
In May of 2008, adjusted gross receipts for Illinois riverboat casinos dropped more than 14 percent compared to the same month in 2007, according to the Illinois Gaming Board's monthly report. Compared to the same time last year, total adjusted gross receipts for the calendar year-to-date through May 2008 have dropped almost 17 percent while casino attendance has decreased by a total of almost 6 percent. Moreover, since January of 2008 and the enactment of the smoking ban, adjusted gross receipts have dropped for all nine riverboat casinos in Illinois, compared to the same time last year.
Compared to May of last year, state and local tax allocations have dropped 23 percent and 12 percent respectively during this past May.
For the complete story, please see Dave Waddell, Illinois smoking ban sends casino revenues down, The Detroit News, July 2, 2008.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Are Bingos and Casinos Going Green?
Step inside the newly rebuilt Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel and you'll find the typical blackjack tables, slot machines and loosen-your-belt buffet. But your eyes - and nose - may detect unusual features.
During daytime, half the casino's lighting comes from skylights. Drinks are served only in glasses: no cans or bottles. Some gamblers are smoking, but the air isn't thick with smoke. And, outside, the roof of Bourbons 72 restaurant sports day lilies, ferns and leafy hostas.
Turtle Creek, near Traverse City, bills itself a "green" casino, designed to make the lightest possible footprint on the landscape without sacrificing profitability. Its owners, the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, are among a growing number of casino builders and operators interested in environmental stewardship.
Even in an industry closely identified with devil-may-care gluttony, going green makes business sense as consumers increasingly demand sustainable products and services, said Stephen Knowles, principal designer for Turtle Creek. His Minneapolis-based firm has worked with a number of tribes on casino projects with eco-friendly aspects.
For the complete story, please see John Flesher, New casino lures with greenbacks and green power, Associated Press via Lubbock Online, June 28, 2008.
During daytime, half the casino's lighting comes from skylights. Drinks are served only in glasses: no cans or bottles. Some gamblers are smoking, but the air isn't thick with smoke. And, outside, the roof of Bourbons 72 restaurant sports day lilies, ferns and leafy hostas.
Turtle Creek, near Traverse City, bills itself a "green" casino, designed to make the lightest possible footprint on the landscape without sacrificing profitability. Its owners, the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, are among a growing number of casino builders and operators interested in environmental stewardship.
Even in an industry closely identified with devil-may-care gluttony, going green makes business sense as consumers increasingly demand sustainable products and services, said Stephen Knowles, principal designer for Turtle Creek. His Minneapolis-based firm has worked with a number of tribes on casino projects with eco-friendly aspects.
For the complete story, please see John Flesher, New casino lures with greenbacks and green power, Associated Press via Lubbock Online, June 28, 2008.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Government Retreats on Tribal Bingo Regulation
Under pressure from Indian tribes, federal regulators announced Thursday they're retreating on attempts to make sure electronic bingo machines at tribal casinos can't masquerade as Las Vegas-style slots.
Phil Hogen, chairman of the National Indian Gaming Commission, said in a statement that he will "put aside the controversial proposals," acceding to tribes' complaints that they could have dire economic impacts.
Hogen issued the statement after making the announcement to the Oklahoma Sovereignty Symposium in Oklahoma City. His move underscored the federal government's struggles in trying to regulate the $25 billion-a-year tribal gambling industry, which has grown explosively.
Slot machines are more lucrative than video bingo and more attractive to players, but they are subject to state approval and limits. Video bingo isn't.
The basic difference between the two is that slot machines involve a gambler interacting only with a single machine, whereas video bingo requires gamblers to play each other over a linked network.
As tribes increasingly supplement their slot machine allotments with video bingo, manufacturers have produced electronic bingo machines that are virtually indistinguishable from slots -- spinning reels, blinking lights and all. That allows tribes to draw in more players and make more money.
For the full story, please see Erica Werner, Government retreats on tribal bingo regulation, Orlando Sentinel, June 5, 2008.
Phil Hogen, chairman of the National Indian Gaming Commission, said in a statement that he will "put aside the controversial proposals," acceding to tribes' complaints that they could have dire economic impacts.
Hogen issued the statement after making the announcement to the Oklahoma Sovereignty Symposium in Oklahoma City. His move underscored the federal government's struggles in trying to regulate the $25 billion-a-year tribal gambling industry, which has grown explosively.
Slot machines are more lucrative than video bingo and more attractive to players, but they are subject to state approval and limits. Video bingo isn't.
The basic difference between the two is that slot machines involve a gambler interacting only with a single machine, whereas video bingo requires gamblers to play each other over a linked network.
As tribes increasingly supplement their slot machine allotments with video bingo, manufacturers have produced electronic bingo machines that are virtually indistinguishable from slots -- spinning reels, blinking lights and all. That allows tribes to draw in more players and make more money.
For the full story, please see Erica Werner, Government retreats on tribal bingo regulation, Orlando Sentinel, June 5, 2008.
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