Bingo, which for 75 years has raised funds for nonprofits and churches in Connecticut, is declining in popularity. Profits, which were .7 million in 1994, were down to .4 million in 2013. In 1998 the state issued 280 permits to operate bingo. Last year it issued 142.
The cause of the decline includes the state’s two Indian casinos and the fact that bingo is perceived to be an old person’s game by many of the younger generations. It hasn’t helped that smoking is now banned at such events and complicated and onerous regulations that bingo hosts must meet.
For some organizations, such as the Sons of Italy, bingo is their only source of revenue, bringing in a few thousand dollars a month. Towns that receive their share from taxation of the proceeds are also on the losing end.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel School has benefited from $476,000 generated by bingo over the years.
Bingo operators frequently offer raffles, food, gifts and prizes to lure players back. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t.
