Slot Machines Slash Bingo Profit at the Mohegan Sun

On April 30, 2007, hopeful gamblers in Pennsylvania wagered around $500 million at the slot machines featured in the Mohegan Sun at the Pocono Downs this year. But some of the profits are coming from the previous customers of the bingo parlors in the area who have switched sides since the opening of the slot machines.

Bill McCardle, the operator of Enterprise Bingo located on the Sans Souci Parkway in the Township of Hanover for the past 8 years, said that the slot machines have a substantial effect on the nature of their business. Their customer attendance has slid down about 40-50%.

For that reason, they have been forced to cut their 5 night bingo operation to only 3 nights. It is a big set back to the charitable organizations that are dependent on the money from the bingo games. McCardle commented that he has heard the same situation from the other bingo halls, but some are holding up.

In the state of Pennsylvania, the bingo games and other games of chance can be offered legally by charities. Many of the games are held at churches and social halls. Operators, like Enterprises Bingo, rent spaces to the charities.

State Rep. Ron Marsico, a Republican from Dauphin County, commented that one way to help the bingo games is to add to the jackpots. He has made a proposal which would increase the $5,000 limit up to $20,000.

Sunday, 13 May 2007
Marissa Patterson