Catholic churches and charities say they will urge Californians to boycott Indian casinos if tribes don't step aside and allow nonprofits to launch a new form of bingo that could bring in millions of dollars for struggling social service programs and religious schools.
The threat escalates what has been an already nasty political battle in the Capitol between charities and gaming tribes over the types of bingo games that nonprofits can offer.
Frustration over the deadlock grew this week, with charities accusing tribes of undermining legislation that would allow nonprofits to offer a new paper bingo game that connects games statewide in real-time video. “Remote caller bingo” would increase interest, build larger jackpots and pump more money into nonprofit causes, supporters say.
“We are ready to go into a boycott,” said the Rev. Joseph Shea, pastor of St. Rose of Lima, a 5,000-member Catholic church in Simi Valley. “We call this a need vs. greed issue.” Barring a compromise in the waning days of the legislative session, Shea said the church will promote the boycott in bulletins and from the pulpit.
Elks Lodges also are counting on the proposed new bingo game to draw more revenues as they confront dwindling resources to run social service programs and offer scholarships.
For the complete story, please see Michael Gardner, Indian casinos facing threat of boycott push from Catholic charities , The San Diego-Union Tribune, August 8, 2008.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment