Bingo: House approves bill for more bingo nights, bigger prizes

The House has approved a revamp of the state's bingo law -- a plan that supporters say is needed to help nonprofits compete with the state's glitzy new casinos.

Rep. Don Walko, D-Pittsburgh, sponsored the bill that would allow more nights of bingo per week, permit bigger bingo payouts, lift advertising restrictions and legalize hand-held electronic bingo devices.

"This will help our volunteer fire companies deal with the challenges they have raising money, as well as help other charitable organizations," Walko said.

His bingo bill cleared the House last week on a vote of 180-18 and now moves to the Senate.

Critics questioned whether the changes are needed and whether it's wise to allow more gambling opportunities in Pennsylvania.

Rep. Todd Rock, R-Franklin, who voted against the bill, said he supports nonprofits that offer bingo but hadn't heard from any in his district seeking changes to the law.

Walko's bill would allow organizations to have bingo up to four days a week, up from two under current law.

The bill would permit a maximum daily payout of $10,000, up from $4,000. It would also allow progressive bingo jackpots that could increase by $10,000 per day to a maximum of $50,000.

Randy Rauhauser, a York firefighter, helps run bingo for both the Vigilant Fire Company of York, and the Vigilance Fire Company of West York.

He said that bingo isn't exactly a windfall for either fire company, simply because you need to bring in enough people to break even for the $4,000 bingo prize. But it certainly helps.

When the state legislature first legalized bingo slot machines, Rauhauser said, many firefighters throughout the state worried that it would cut into the bingo revenue that helps them maintain their companies. As it turned out, the bingo slots didn't have as big an impact as firefighters feared, Rauhauser said.

Still, he said he believes the proposed legislation would help. The bigger payouts, in particular, would likely bring more bingo players in, he said.

"People like to go to bingo where the money's at," Rauhauser said.

The bill would also lift a restriction in current law that prohibits groups from advertising most bingo prizes or dollar values, and allow professionals to be hired to operate bingo games.

While electronic bingo devices are used by bingo players in at least 38 other states, supporters of Walko's bill say Pennsylvania law is vague on their use. His bill makes it clear they are permitted.

The electronic bingo devices allow bingo players to punch numbers into the machine as they are called, and the machines have a tracking mechanism to ensure bingo players don't miss a bingo.

Supporters say the devices make it easier for seniors and the disabled to play.