Just five days ago, an experienced Bingo operator in Ontario was given approval for a new facility, called, “Chances” in a town that hasn’t seen this type of revenue for 10 years. The operator appeared before the area’s town council, and on the heels of Ontario’s attempt to expand revenue for Bingo Halls. The expansion has created a new interest in Bingo. In its new plan, Ontario pledges to return 47 percent of gaming machine profits to Bingo operators. Opponents fear more electronic gaming machines are slot machines in disguise, however, the Ontario government dismisses the claim.
New Bingo Halls in Ontario
Because of this, the Bingo operator proposed a location for a new Bingo Hall, which will occupy a former Bingo Hall. The new hall is a little over a mile from the town’s racing facility. The operator closed another Bingo Hall in the same town five years ago. In his proposal, he explains revenue will be $35,000 annually at the very least. Existing operators are following suit – in the anticipation of Ontario’s expanded gaming, operators are plugging more money into improvements. Many are licensed to serve alcohol, and have increased their food and beverage services. Plus, they say the electronic machines and revamped Bingo Halls will draw more of a crowd, and men, who don’t have a history of frequenting Bingo Halls.
Electronic Bingo Gaming
The Ontario Gaming Commission is facing criticism in light of expanded gaming. Some argue electronic pull tabs literally mirror slot machines. But electronic pull tab machines fall under specific regulations. A total of six Bingo Halls will see an immediate benefit from the gaming commission’s plan, but the commission is unable to gauge revenue until the results begin to trickle in. One avenue to follow could be Minnesota’s plan. Bingo and electronic pull tabs generate $2.3 million in gross profits each year.
The commission isn’t looking to do away with racing because, just like Bingo, racing contributes a healthy amount of revenue toward charities. A downside to the expanded gaming is the province will eventually cut the Slots at Racetrack partnership, which earns $1 billion a year for Ontario. It was the gaming commission’s plan to begin with, an official said.
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