Oldsters Still Love Bingo Despite Mayhem
added 02.12.2011, 9:26PM
This reporter has bravely followed the story of deteriorating conditions in Las Vegas bingo halls for most of the year. Petty crime, drunken shenanigans and all sorts of deviant behavior have forced many casino managers to question whether they should offer the game at all. Some casinos have eliminated their bingo hall in hopes of attracting a younger and less cantankerous crowd while others have beefed up their in-house security and in some cases brought in a police presence to keep order. Despite all of these problems, however, a recent research study indicates that bingo is still the favorite leisure time activity of Nevada residents over the age of 65.
The study indicates that bingo is number one, right ahead of casino gambling. There's no secret that older gamblers have always been a popular demographic for casinos in Nevada and elsewhere, but in light of the many problems facing the bingo scene--drunken behavior, 'thug bingo', planking and the short lived 'Occupy the Bingo Hall' trend--the enduring popularity of bingo is a surprise. In fact, the data has many casino managers scratching their head and second guessing their decision to eliminate bingo from their product offerings. Many of them are defending their decision to eliminate bingo, insisting that they want to get a younger demographic and still leery of the ugly new face of the bingo player that has received so much media attention. Others are quietly planning to maintain or increase their bingo offerings.
Despite the data that argues that bingo is still a valuable part of the casino gambling product mix--at least with the older demographic--problems continue in Las Vegas bingo halls. Most recently, there was a very ugly incident over the Thanksgiving holidays at a Boulder Highway casino that has plead to remain nameless. The incident began when about a half dozen drunken and possibly drug addled senior citizens came into the casino bingo hall with plates of turkey and dressing from the buffet. Once they got into the bingo area, these malfeasants removed their sweatpants to reveal adult diapers. They then proceeded to sit on the floor, eat their turkey, and chant unintelligible slogans until removed by casino security. One older gentleman became particularly upset and hit security over the head with a potted plant.
Bingo may still be popular with older Nevada residents, but as was the case with our previous reports we can't recommend it for decent people. Until the conditions improve dramatically the only real option is online bingo which is much safer and less irritating.
