Bingo!

[Bob Of Burleson]

Is Texas ready to upgrade bingo technology?

By Anna M. Tinsley
atinsley@star-telegram.com

AUSTIN — Bingo halls could soon be allowed to pick up the pace of play for their games — a move that could make it easier for people to spend more, which in turn would generate more revenue for charities statewide.

The proposal to allow so-called card minders moved closer to reality Monday.

Advocates asked state bingo officials during a public hearing to allow an upgrade of card minders, small devices that “mind” electronic versions of paper bingo cards, which would let games be sold at a faster rate.

Supporters say the change is needed to bring Texas bingo into the 21st century; opponents fear that it will lead the state in the wrong direction.

“We believe charities miss out on sales because of the cumbersome process,” said Stephen Fenoglio, an Austin-based attorney for Texas charities. “It digitizes the transaction.”

Under the proposal, new software would be added to existing card minders to let Texans buy games electronically when playing bingo, rather than going to the cash register each time they want more games.

Critics say they believe that this proposal could expand gambling in the state, so it should be decided by an authority higher than the Texas Lottery Commission, which oversees charitable bingo.

“You can’t go down this path at all,” said Rob Kohler, a consultant with the Austin-based Christian Life Commission of the Baptist General Convention of Texas, which opposes increased gambling. “There is clear legislative history that shows this is [an issue] for the Texas Legislature, not the Texas Lottery Commission.”

The commission may consider the proposal at a meeting Aug. 12 in Austin.

Read more here: http://www.star-telegram.com/2014/08/04 ... rylink=cpy

[crocmommy]

I knew someone who played and it was serious business. Raising money for charities was the least of her concerns.