Louisiana parish rejects video bingo

"Faced with heavy opposition from gambling foes, Livingston Parish Council members remained mum Thursday night when the council chairman asked for a motion on an ordinance that would have legalized video bingo halls and required them to give part of their profits to parish government and participating charities.

"Some council members had seen video bingo revenue as a way of financing the parish's animal shelter, which is nearly complete, but lacks a long-term revenue source for its operation.

"Last month, the council voted to introduce an ordinance legalizing video bingo and set a public hearing on the matter for Thursday night, when it found itself facing a packed meeting hall.

"Though several people spoke in favor of video bingo and the funds it would provide for charities and for operations of the animal shelter, the audience was heavily weighted against the proposal."