Bingo players in Texas soon will be able to buy games electronically when playing bingo, rather than having to go to the cashier. The Texas Lottery Commission recently approved upgrading so-called card minders, small devices that “mind” electronic versions of paper bingo cards. Once commissioners approve new software that will allow changes in card minders, the software will be installed in the thousands of card minders used in bingo halls statewide. The changes, which are expected to take effect within six months, could increase bingo hall sales 3-10 percent, providing a bigger benefit for Texas charities.
Commission Chairman J. Winston Krause, who approved the change along with Commissioners Mary Ann Williamson and Jodie Baggett, said, “This is something our charities are asking for and it’s good for them.” Attorney Stephen Fenoglio, representing Texas charities, said, “Charities will have enhanced oversight. This will allow charities to utilize technology that is available to businesses today. It will not expand gaming in Texas.”
That has been an argument advanced by critics, who were concerned the proposal could lead to video confirmation on the card minders. Rob Kohler, a consultant with the Austin-based Christian Life Commission of the Baptist General Convention of Texas, which opposes increased gambling, said, “Our number one concern was the introduction of instant electronic gaming on card-minding devices. They added language prohibiting the video confirmation. That’s what we wanted.”
Under the card-minder proposal, charities can set up customer accounts that allow players to buy bingo products such as games. Players still would pay a cashier a certain amount and receive a card minder with that amount installed on it. Then players could use the card minder to buy more cards up to the prepaid amount.
