The city is supporting an electronic upgrade to a local bingo hall.
City council voted unanimously Monday to back a bid by Thunder Bay Community Bingo to bring e-bingo, touchscreens, to its service. Opened in 1988, TBCB allows more than 70 charities to raise funds by running games. Facing a decline in revenues since the local casino opened and then a smoking ban, the hall says it could be forced to close its doors within five years if it doesn’t make the upgrade. Manager Iris McCoy-Slongo said she’s already seen every other local bingo hall close its doors in the past five years.
Provincially the number of bingo halls has dropped from 230 to 61 in the past decade.
Moving to an electronic system will mean charities need fewer volunteers to run bingos. Currently up to 10 volunteers are needed to run a game, which puts a strain on charities. The electronic system would only need 2. McCoy-Slongo said the touchscreens could also bring in new customers and see some others returning, which means more revenue.
“There is potential for real growth something we don’t have under the current model,” she said.
“It’s going to mean a lot for the charities.”
The centre is also looking to move from its location on Northern Avenue Tonic on Memorial Avenue. That would allow it to operate 365 days a year plus have more space and parking.
“We have lots of plans in play,” McCoy-Slongo said.
The new centre is hoping to open March of 2014.
