Maintaining a Typical Bingo Pulltab Machine

Pulltabs can swell due to humidity and machine parts can wear down over time. Whether you're operating a bingo hall or managing your fraternal organization's clubroom, if you've ever sold pulltabs through a pulltab machine you've inevitably run into a jam or two.

That said, pulltab dispensers can be an invaluable revenue source. Keeping them in good working order should be a priority. Following is a video containing a couple of easy steps we've found that can help ensure the smooth operation of your pulltab machine and extend its life.

FireKeepers Casino Still Expected to Open in August

We're hearing that the FireKeepers Casino is still planning on opening in early to mid August. Located in Battle Creek, Michigan, FireKeepers will have the latest in slots, table games, and bingo.

From the FireKeepers website:

Playing with fire is about to get way more fun! With over 2,680 of the latest slot and video poker games; 78 table games including blackjack, craps and roulette; a live poker room and exclusive high limit areas and VIP lounge, you’ll see why FireKeepers is Battle Creek’s newest gaming hotspot.

Of course, FireKeepers will also feature a bingo hall with the latest in electronic handhelds and bingo equipment.

We'll be sure to keep our eye on the latest developments.

Alabama Fights for Legal Electronic Bingo

Two bills in the state Legislature (HB 676 and SB 471) seek to make what is now illegal electronic bingo gambling legal in Alabama. The purpose of these bills is to thwart Gov. Bob Riley's task force on illegal gambling.

At the recent House Tourism and Marketing Committee meeting, Chairman Johnny Mack Morrow said all of the parties with an interest came together in preparation of the bill. It is certainly true that all gambling interests in Alabama came together to propose a constitutional amendment which would monopolize, expand and immunize electronic bingo gambling in Alabama.

The Constitution of Alabama does not permit games of chance. Alabama citizens have permitted only 18 constitutional amendments to permit limited charitable bingo by churches, civic groups, fire halls and other charities.

In the 1970s, gambling interests tried to expand gambling in Alabama with proposals such as video poker. These were based on electronic machines. The efforts failed, but it opened the door for conversion of these machines to electronic bingo gambling. Under the guise of the 18 amendments, charitable bingo expanded into real gambling. The certain knowledge of this was realized when Houston County in 2008 decided it had authority to open a casino. Following that, Etowah County proposed a casino, and bingo gambling began to expand in other counties.

Law enforcement was having a difficult time contending with this, and when there were no aggressive efforts to address the problem, Riley set up a task force and charged former Jefferson County District Attorney David Barber with the authority to bring a case to the Alabama Supreme Court to determine if this electronic bingo is legal.

For the complete story, please see A. Eric Johnston, Electronic bingo: Let's finally decide gambling issue, Al.com, April 26, 2009.

Beware! Thefts from Pulltab Machines Increasing.

A number of clubs have recently reported pulltab thefts from their pulltab machines occuring in their clubrooms.

Apparently, two men have been spotted entering private clubs (mostly VFWs). Once there, they eventually head over to the pulltab machines, turn their backs to block the view, and using some sort of an electronic device, trick the bill acceptors into dispensing pulltabs. They are described as two big men driving a jeep with Ohio VFW cards.

Perhaps it's the state of the economy, but we've also heard of some robbery attempts at bingos recently. This would be a good time for every private club and every bingo to review your security policy (if you have one), and keep your eyes open for anyone acting strangely.

Wholesalebingosupplies.com Site Should Be Up Soon.

Wholesalebingosupplies.com, our online bingo supplies and bingo equipment store should be up and running in the near future.

We will carry everything from bingo paper to bingo ink to bingo bags to the smaller novelty bingo items. It will feature a wide selection of bingo daubers from all of the major manufacturers, as well as, the smaller newcomers. Trust me, this site will have all of your standard and not so standard bingo supplies.

However, be patient. The major bingo supply items will be going up first and much of the peripheral bingo supplies will be added as we go. Please be sure to email us if you have any questions or comments about specific items you may be interested in.