Bingo Is Still Alive

BUFFALO, New York – As reported by the Buffalo News: "Bingo isn't dead yet.

"The smoking ban was bad for bingo's health. And competition from high-stakes games and casinos was the death blow for many games.

"However, the traditional form of the game - for decades, a popular means of fund raising among churches, volunteer fire companies and other nonprofit groups - continues to limp along and sometimes do quite well.

"Recently, bingo received a transfusion, allowing larger payouts. 'Progressive' and 'share the wealth' games can add thousands of dollars to the payout beyond the $3,000 limit.

"…St. Andrew Catholic Church in the Town of Tonawanda operates a bingo game four nights a week that brings in $180,000 a year for the school, according to chairwoman Diane Kirchberger…"