Author Archives: Jamie Marks

Drag Bingo with Prism

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Sam Lloyd, a freshman at Ithaca College was ecstatic when he found out that Prism was hosting a Drag Bingo event. Prism is one of four bisexual, gay, transgendered and lesbian (LGBT) student organizations at Ithaca. Lloyd immediately began asking his female friends for clothing so he could create his drag queen attire for the first Drag Bingo event hosted by Prism. Lloyd said he wore a red leopard print dress at the last drag queen event that he attended but this time he wants to wear a David Bowie-inspired outfit.

Bingo – Not Only for Drag Queens

Prism is an LGBT organization at Ithaca College and is hosting its 1st ever Drag Bingo event. This event is the 1st of the year and anyone is welcome to attend for free but donations are appreciated. Students are encouraged to dress in drag but it is not mandatory. Colton Bready, a junior at Ithaca and a secretary at Prism is the unofficial expert of drag. Bready says that because his organization works diligently to include everyone, Drag Bingo will not only accept drag queens but drag kings as well. He said that this is why it is named ‘Drag Bingo’ rather than ‘Drag Queen Bingo’.

Drag kings are women who dress to look like men and Bready says this group is greatly over-looked during drag events. Bready says that as long as he is involved in the event, he will work hard to make everyone feel included. Zach Mota, a freshman at Ithaca says he is excited to socialize and meet new people at the event. Mota says he wants to meet many different members of the community and talk with people who care about the same issues as he does. Lloyd also shares his sentiment as he wishes to meet new people in the LGBT community as well. Lloyd says it is fun event that is open to the community and it truly gets people involved.

Charitable Donations from Drag Bingo

Besides the fun, social aspect of Drag Bingo, the funds that are collected at the event will go to support LGBT causes. The treasurer at Prism, Linda Harrison says that the donations will be used to host a charity drag show in the spring. Harrison says the drag show is their biggest event of the year and the money from that event will go to the Trevor Project. The Trevor Project is an organization that works to prevent the suicide of members from the LGBT community.

This program also offers support to those who are experiencing emotional instability. The Trevor Project also runs the Trevor Line, an LGBT hotline that offers help and support to those in need. The spring drag show that was held by Prism last year raised over $250 on behalf of the Trevor Project – they hope to raise at least $500 next year. Anyone who wishes to attend is welcome to go to Drag Bingo. One of the goals of the Drag Bingo event is to educate those who may not be familiar with drag culture so the event is open to everyone in the community.

Seniors Speak Out for Bingo in Maine!

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Hell hath no fury like seniors deprived of Bingo!

After 20 years of weekly Bingo games at the Biddeford 50+ Club, a Maine State Police investigator re-interpreted a statute and shut down the social activity. Jim Gass is the Grinch who stole Bingo!

The Law

Title 17, Chapter 13-A, Section 313-A defines the senior exemption from the license requirement for Bingo. According to the law, if 90% or more of the membership in a club is at least 62 years of age, the club is legally able to hold Bingo events without obtaining a license, so long as it is not for profit, but for the recreation and enjoyment of the members.

Since 1992, the Club has been duly operating Bingo games on a weekly basis. The games produce no profit for the Club. Debbie Lizotte, senior program coordinator for the 50+ Club, began her job in around 2002. At that time, she confirmed, through a state official, that no license was necessary.

In a recent telephone interview, Gass stated that he has reread the law. His expanded interpretation of Section 313-A somehow includes the players in the not for profit provision. Therefore he shut down the Bingo games at the end of September 2012 due to the $10 in prize money.

The Bingo Club

Dozens of happy seniors appeared every week at the Bingo games. They arrived early and remained well after the last Bingo! was shouted. The Wednesday late morning Bingo events were more than exciting and mentally energizing games: Each event was an entertaining social gathering for all. They had lunch together, chitchatted about current happenings in the community and in their personal lives and got caught up on worldly news. While Bingo is what brought the group together, the social scene was the central focus.

The very real recreation and entertainment of Club members fit directly into the wording of the statute. Jean McLaughlin, a member who enjoyed playing Bingo and socializing with her friends, commented that players came from Sanford, Old Orchard Beach, Wells, Dayton, Saco and from the rest of the towns in the area.

Club member Dorothy Pears, who resides in Sanford, said that the early hour of the games was geared to seniors like herself, who have trouble driving in the dark. Frank Defrancesco, the 50+ club president, stated that the Bingo events were sorely missed by the group. He said that the social setting was the draw for the members of the Club. Defrancesco added that the Bingo events provided a day out. It was the highlight of the week for many of the players.

Biddeford Steps to the Plate

The vocal dissatisfaction of the 50+ Club members has come to the attention of the City of Biddeford. The city government is presently in the process of restoring the Bingo games through various legal maneuvers of City Solicitor Keith Jacques.

The Maine State Police Investigator

Investigator Gass told Lizotte that the games could continue, sans the cash prizes. Let them win candy bars was his retort. Lizotte pointed out that candy bars are inappropriate as many club members are diabetic. She added that there is nothing exciting about winning a candy bar.

Facebook Plugs into the Popularity of Bingo

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Bingo is Leading the Way to Growth at Facebook!

The gambling industry continues to rise in popularity. That increase results in an ever-growing amount of real money spent online and through mobile gaming. Facebook looks to the future by recognizing the income potential of mobile Bingo.

Consistent Increase in Online Betting

Online gaming is an ever-growing global industry, and especially so in England. In 2011, players spent £1.9 million. According to Mintel – Online Gaming and Betting UK October 2011, the 2012 estimate for internet betting is in excess of £2 million. There are six basic brands that control 60% of the online gaming field: Ladbrokes, 888, William Hill, Paddy Power, Betfair and Bet365. There are only a couple of primary head-terms in the Bingo market. The result is fierce competition among brands. Facebook provides an expanded customer source, making the connection between Bingo and Facebook lucrative for the online gaming industry.

Facebook: A Move in the Right Direction

 Facebook offers more than simply a new market base. The social element of bingo, and in fact that of all internet and mobile gambling, has been a key concern of online casinos. The top five online brands regarding social adaptation include Sky, Betfair, William Hill, 888 and Paddy Power. The attempt to imitate the warm human ambiance of brick & mortars led to the advent of chatrooms and other real time social connections between players. Facebook is a giant step forward in regard to that social connection.

Facebook Revenue Growing

 The five most lucrative markets for Facebook, in order of user numbers, are: U.S., Brazil, India, Indonesia and the U.K. In the past three months alone, the U.K. has grown 2%. The 5th most popular app is Zynga’s Texas Hold’em. It is interesting that no ads are shown on mobile apps to access Facebook. The growth in mobile gaming has been documented by Q2 research. In a comparison between 2012 and 2011, Facebook experienced a 28% increase in advertising during the same quarter. That quarter in 2012 saw advertising revenue in the amount of $992 million, which was 84% of Facebook’s total income.

Bingo Brings Revenue

 Facebook brings aboard Bingo with extremely lucrative potential results for Facebook as well as for the Bingo industry. In England, the gaming market is growing by leaps and bounds. Britain’s citizens love to bet on anything and everything. An example of England’s wagering propensity is the 1,000 to 1 Ladbrokes’ odds in January 2012, as to whether the Thames will freeze in winter.

Bingo provides Facebook with a possible niche in other European countries. Further the addition of Bingo to its repertoire carries a relatively low risk in a country such as England that leans toward the spirit of gaming. Bingo also offers to Facebook an immensely lucrative potential, along with the opportunity to diversify its revenue.

Regarding the competitive nature of the gaming and Bingo markets, Facebook has taken on more than a few partners. This places Facebook in a position to control the degree of competition in the industry. Meanwhile, Facebook is establishing their own apps, opening new channels for further engagement and income. Let’s not forget about the player who has easy mobile access to Facebook and all of the most popular games, including exciting versions of Bingo. Facebook is globally known to be a trusted platform, adding greatly to the comfort of the gamer.

Bingo Friendzy

There is a technological similarity between Texas Hold’em, which is the 5th most popular app, and Bingo Friendzy. The real money involved in the Bingo app sets the two apart. The key to Bingo success on Facebook may very well be their ability to manage the app concerning notice of Bingo game promotions as they occur. The promotions are the bread and butter of online and mobile gaming.

The Facebook edge involves the personal information that they carry concerning age, interest, gender, location and a myriad of other data. That data provides Facebook with a great heads up as to who to notify regarding each Bingo Friendzy promotion. The decision to add Bingo Friendzy to its list of apps produced a strong futuristic picture of Facebook. The 28% increase from one quarter of 2011 to the same quarter in 2012 appears to be only the beginning of a great revenue increase in the present year.

The connection with Bingo is a totally positive step for Facebook, the Bingo industry and the gamer.

2 Women Accused of Stealing $734,748 in Bingo Funds

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Over $700,000 in bingo proceeds was an insurmountable temptation; criminal trial is the irrefutable result!

The proceeds from charitable bingo, pull-tabs and carnivals were ear-marked for the Swoyersville Volunteer Hose Company 1 in Pennsylvania. $734,748 never reached its proper destination. The volunteer fire department has shut down, and two women are facing criminal trials.

Control over the Money

An 81-year-old Pennsylvania woman, Catherine Drago, was the treasurer of the fire department. Her daughter, Carol Gamble, was the president. The two women exclusively tallied, bundled, handled and transported the cash. No one else had the authority to touch any of it. It appears that unfortunately the hundreds of thousands of dollars in bingo proceeds proved to be too great a temptation. 81 years of age, and her lack of self-restraint has now completely ruined her good life. She is scheduled to stand trial on October 15, 2012 for the theft of the bingo proceeds.

State Audit

A few years ago, the Pennsylvania Bureau of Charitable Organizations audited the fire company’s records. They found that $734,748 was missing from the fire company’s revenue acquired between January 2004 and November 2007. The women were charged in 2009. The individual six-count trial for each defendant had been inexplicably postponed over the past three years. Judge Lesa Gelb, of the Luzerne County Court, finally set Drago’s trial date, which is scheduled to occur two weeks after the trial of her 50-year-old daughter.

The Bureau has stated that an incomplete record of the fire department’s income was filed by Drago. It was also revealed by the Bureau that Drago has admitted to placing false data on a public disclosure form. Not much is left to the imagination. It appears that the cases will be quickly concluded at trial. The saddest elements concern human frailty in the face of a huge monetary lure, and the prison cell in its wake.

Bingo Comes to Oakwood Elementary and Maybe to Guam

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The residents of Guam may soon be joining the excitement of land-based bingo games as the initiative to legalize bingo presses forward. Pamphlets packed with information about the initiative have been distributed to all voters on the island in order to promote well-informed decisions about whether to say ‘yes’ to bingo at the upcoming September elections. Meanwhile, another island event is drawing attention in the Oakwood-River Valley school district as the elementary school prepares to welcome grandparents for a fun-filled afternoon of bingo at the Hawaiian themed event that is a guaranteed good time for all!

Guam Residents Await a Final Decision

Residents of the small island eagerly await the outcome of the September vote that will determine whether or not they will soon be playing bingo at a local bingo establishment. Patrons will be pleased with the entertainment while residents also benefit from the revenue that can be bolstered in Guam. The mainland casinos pay out an estimated thirty-two percent in taxes, and a whopping $250,000 in annual licensure fees. By adding bingo to the mix of legal entertainment options in Guam the small island may also see improvement via gaming tax dollars! At face value it appears to be a ‘win-win’ situation – albeit yet to be determined by the voters. All registered voters receive pamphlets that outline the initiative. They are then encouraged to make comments and submit them to the Guam Election Commission.

Go Hawaiian for Bingo – Time Treasured

Additional encouragement goes out to grandparents and close friends and family of all Oakwood-River Valley elementary school students. The students are prompted to invite their special guests for a fabulous time at the Hawaiian bingo event. Additional encouragement is in order – and entails the preferred attire for the island ‘get-a-way’. Staff would like to see all of the guests arrive in Hawaiian shirts, skirts, and tropical themed outfits. A photographer will capture the excitement in commemorative photos that will be taken of the students and their ‘special guests’. This is one bingo event that is going to be too sunny and delightful to miss!

Flaming Lips Fanatics and Groupies Bingo Cards

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The drive to Big Sur for the upcoming Flaming Lips concert is sure to please fans that make the trip! While the band is incredibly boisterous and vivacious they are also quite a meticulous band, as well. To celebrate their detail-oriented presentation, the Riverfront Times in St. Louis created several Flaming Lips bingo cards that the band’s admirers can download for free and add a bit of zest to the agenda!

Exuberance for Bingo!

See who can get the first ‘bingo’ by paying close attention to the items on the card and the eccentric things that may transpire during the show. The cards feature a variety of items that may be displayed. There are some items that won’t be so easy to see, and solving the puzzles that are based on things the band is notorious for bestowing is the objective. Be part of the energized audience and have some extra fun with friends – find out who gets the first Flaming Lips Bingo! There are items on the bingo cards that the audience will not see at all. Other items will require some close observation and critical thinking, but if you are a Flaming Lips fanatic, then you can certainly spot the items and capture the moments!

Unique Flaming Lips Bingo Card

There are a total of five cards brought to you by the Riverfront Times, St. Louis. When the Oklahoma band takes the stage it will be ‘bingo go-time’! Fans will be looking for items such as Grateful Dead T-Shirts, Streamers, hamster balls, plastic fetus, creepy Santa Claus, Nun-puppets, fake blood, and numerous other things that will shock and amaze you! The confetti cannon shouldn’t be too hard to miss, but many of the items are going to challenge even the most avid Flaming Lips fan! Enjoy the show!

Innuendo Bingo with Scott Mills

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Scott Mills was born to be a radio presenter. As a young boy his dream was to become a Radio 1 DJ. Welcome to the real world: The Scott Mills Show –

Scott Mills in Action

At 16 years of age, when most teens are struggling for acceptance from their peers, Mills was making dozens of radio demo tapes and bombarding Power FM, his local station, with his tapes. Someone at the radio station recognized a talent. The result was a week of programs presented by Scott Mills. Mills quickly became the U.K.’s youngest radio presenter, with a five-hour show, six nights per week, 1 AM – 6 AM. That teen had a dream and the drive to see it through. Making a great impression during the early morning show, Mills was soon offered the drivetime program on Power FM. Mills was well on his way to radio stardom

GWR FM in Bristol gave him a two-year contract, after which Mills hired on with Manchester’s Piccadilly Key 103. He quickly went from the late night time slot to mid-morning program, expanding into high-profile interviews including a memorable chat with Robbie Williams concerning Take That, from which Williams had recently departed.

At the age of 21, Mills signed onto a contract with a new station out of London, Heart FM. He quickly branched out into live performances in Hyde Park and Battersea Park, as well as an appearance on stage in the center of Covent Garden. His early 20s were extremely busy years. He appeared on Sky News every Sunday night. Mills was also a performer for the British Forces abroad; and he put on a Middle East music program for six weeks. BBC 3’s Upstaged was hosted by Mills.

For a period of six years, from 1998 to January 2004, Mills presented the early breakfast show on Radio 1. For the next five months, he presided over the weekend afternoon program, shifting to the weekday 4 PM – 7 PM slot in June 2004. Almost eight years later, in April 2012, Mills’ show switched to its current 1 PM – 4 PM time frame.

The Scott Mills Show on Radio 1

Mixing it up with music, features and talk, The Scott Mills Daily is an Academy Award-winning radio show that  draws listeners throughout the U.K. Rebecca Huxtable and Chris Stark are co-presenters, and Scott Mills is the host.

One outstanding live special was aired in July 2008 on Barry Island in South Wales. This unusual broadcast fit into the shows regular Barryoke feature. Listeners by the name of Barry call in and announce a song, altering the lyrics to contain their name. The Scott Mills Daily tickles the funny bone of its listeners.

Innuendo Bingo with Scott Mills

One of the most popular features on Mills’ program is Innuendo Bingo. Clips from BBC programs are presented. Those clips contain statements that can be construed in a sexual or inappropriate way. A guest with a mouthful of water listens to the clips. The object is to refrain from spitting out the water when laughing. At a very early age, Scott Mills knew where his future would take him, to the joyful benefit of all his listeners.

Ontario Enters into Partnership with Bingo Operators

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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.

Bingo As Mickey Redmond Scores One for Hockey!

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Bingo! Mickey Redmond scores another one for hockey!

Mickey Redmond is the Detroit Red Wings. Way back when he wore the uniform of the Red Wings, Redmond made an everlasting name for himself. In a single season he scored 50 goals. No one had accomplished that feat before him. He was the first. The memory of that season is not lost on fans who were there. Today, Mickey Redmond is known to all Red Wings fans as the team’s voice. Hockey continues to occupy the breath and life of the man.

Golf Outing Held to Benefit Escanaba Area Junior Hockey Association

 When there is a benefit being hosted for any nonprofit organization, Bingo is usually front and center. Not this time. Golf was the avenue that provided the cash needed by the Junior Hockey Association: A cause near and dear to the heart of Mickey Redmond. He volunteered to clear his calendar so that he could participate in the golf contest, sign autographs and benefit the young hockey players who are tomorrow’s pros. The owners of the Nahma Inn are hockey enthusiasts. They are also good friends of Mickey Redmond. From those two connections, the concept of a golf contest to benefit junior hockey was born. Redmond was enlisted, and readily made himself available.

Bingo for Mickey Redmond

Redmond is in the hockey business; and he loves his work. He jumped at the chance to help raise funds for junior hockey. Traveling the hundreds of miles from Detroit to Upper Michigan for a golf game at the Nahma Golf Club was a pleasure for Redmond. He views the Junior Hockey Association as a necessary part of the hockey world. Redmond agreed to co-host the outing as he would like to see every child play the game. Redmond’s perception is that hockey teaches life skills and values.

He also views team cooperation and spirit, competition and sportsmanship to be important elements in the development of today’s youth. No one would honestly disagree with him. As for the beauty and charm of the Upper Peninsula, Redmond and his wife are hooked. He has commented that Upper Michigan is one of his favorite places, not only for the unforgettable scenery, but also and mostly the attraction for Mickey Redmond is the character of the people. There is an easy fit between U.P. folks and the Redmonds.

The Detroit Red Wings

Fans are worried about the perennially great hockey team. Nick Lidstrom retired! He had a difficult post-season showing, and that spelled the end of his career. Red Wings fans are not sure the remaining team can carry the puck. Redmond reassured his interviewer that the team is alive and well, and has every intention of producing a great hockey season. Redmond commented that their past success, always making the playoffs, hinders them in the draft. Mickey Redmond is centered on the Detroit Red Wings. So are all of the golfers who participated in the event. For those present, Redmond helped to make it a memorable occasion. No, this was not a Bingo Bango Benefit, but it was a benefit nonetheless, and everyone went home happy.

News from Mecca Bingo

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 Local Mecca Bingo night is serious business to hundreds of ladies who come to play and play to win! For the uninitiated or faint of heart – be warned that walking into the hall for the first time might feel bizarre. This is not the laid-back, ‘Granny’s night out’ with pink daubers and Peter Kay callers that you might have expected! The place is bustling, the ladies came to win, and newcomers are welcome but they better know the etiquette!

 Mecca Bingo Beginner

 As you enter you find quite a busy scene with huge screens hanging around the hall, tables that have Bingo built right in for the ultra-serious players that want to continue playing Bingo during breaks. Hundreds of ladies organizing their Bingo cards and preparing to concentrate hard on the serious business that is about to take place. Everyone is focused and hoping to win with one of their Bingo cards.

Ease into your seat quietly and follow suit – you should follow suit and examine the differences in the seven Bingo cards before you. The order these cards are played is important because you sure don’t want to be the fool that calls out “house” for the wrong card! The hall full of serious Bingo competitors will not look fondly upon you wasting any precious time. When it comes to Bingo at Mecca, the participants are here to WIN! They certainly do not wish for their time to be wasted by novice guests that don’t know the ropes!

 Bingo Hall Etiquette Equals Stress and Tension

 Take deep breaths before the fun begins as it will get intense very quickly. Be ready for the speed with which the Bingo caller will shout out numbers and you certainly don’t want to be stressed out trying to keep the pace! Have your pen ready – maybe bring a spare and by all means avoid disturbing players around you. The games at Mecca are connected to other Bingo Halls so players everywhere can participate in the anticipation and excitement as they compete for the big money. National Bingo s quite a big deal and the tension will mount as you get your card filled and you are ‘oh so close’ to a win…..when Lisa from Maidenhead makes off with jackpot!

Oh, how the stress level will peak when you are close to a win! When someone wins the Bingo Hall will erupt with chatter as the tension breaks. After the game is over, the movement begins and the hall starts bustling. People head for the pop and snacks, or outside for a fag, and you will hear people chatting about how the whole thing is fixed anyway. What a great time it is to grab a bottle of wine to relax you after all the tension you just experienced. It was unexpectedly traumatic, all that stress, but you will be back. He atmosphere is intense but welcoming, and what a great way to meet new people!