by Rocco Vertuccio
Published Aug 03, 2005

One of Rochester's favorite pastimes is in jeopardy because of the state's smoking ban. Area bingo halls say they are having a tough time staying in business without smokers.

The numbers at Bingo World in Greece, don't always matter to Terry Hess. For her, the gamble is more than just a game.

"I come out to get out of the house. It's a good pastime," says Hess.

Lately the numbers haven't been good for several bingo halls in Rochester. Five say they are struggling. They blame the state's smoking ban. When the smokers left two years ago, so did some of the business.

Janet Vargas' favorite hobby now faces an uncertain future.

"That do upset me a lot, it does upset me. I want them to still have bingo," says Vargas.

At least one bingo hall in Rochester plans to close because of the smoking ban. Northwest Bingo Center on Driving Park will shut down later this month.

Bingo World is still surviving, but the loss of business has hurt the schools and charities that rely on bingo for fundraising.

Bingo World manager Ann D'Aurelia also worries about those who rely on bingo for more than just money.

"A lot of our people especially during the day are elderly. This is their out, they come here with their friends," says D'Aurelia.

Bingo halls, bars restaurants and other businesses can apply for a waiver at the county health department. They have to prove they have lost at least 15 percent of their business because of the ban. So far, Monroe County has not granted any waivers, mainly because they have had a tough time proving the ban has hurt business.

Monroe County Health Director Andrew Doniger says he doesn't expect to grant any waivers in the future either. He says he feels bad for the people who rely on bingo, but in the long run, health is the greater issue.

"I believe we are doing what citizens want us to do. They want us to protect them and their kids from second hand smoke," says Doniger.

With no waiver in sight, Bingo World is getting more creative to win back players. Different games and a progressive jackpot may do the trick.

Terry Hess' recreation depends on it.

"At my age, there is not that much I can do," says Hess.

http://www.rnews.com/
 

January 9, 2005
By JEFF VANDAM

In Richmond Hill, Queens, the marquee of the old RKO Keith's theater still speaks loudly with big type and yellow trim, as it did when vaudevillians ad-libbed on its stage and crowds swarmed its entrance. But no movies are shown there anymore, and the bright bulbs inside the bold red letters of the theater's name are gone.

One attraction, however, does get top billing. "Richmond Hill Bingo Hall," the marquee on Hillside Avenue now reads. "Cash Prizes." In place of the seats on the theater's main floor are a sea of plain brown tables. Bingo video monitors abound.

The game has ruled here since the late 60's, when the theater reopened as a bingo palace, with proceeds going to various charity groups. But in the last decade, the hall's managers say, the city's bingo industry took a series of hits, as O.T.B. parlors became more prevalent and Atlantic City regained its popularity. And no blow has been as damaging as the 2003 smoking ban.

"Business was decreasing before, but it was livable," said Bob Wooldridge, the hall's manager. "But the no-smoking law came in and really whammed it."

Since then, at least half of the customers, from all corners of the city, have decided to find entertainment elsewhere. Nightly games under the theater's dusty chandeliers used to attract 300 or 400 guests, but now the average is closer to 125. Some players tried ducking outside after every few games to light up, but it didn't last.

"If they want to spend their money, they want to be comfortable," said Susan Shkoditch, the volunteer who runs the bingo games for the charities. "They're mostly angry that their rights are being violated."

Competition among bingo halls in Queens for the remaining players has become so fierce that some establishments have resorted to sabotage, Mr. Wooldridge says. He believes that competitors have called the city's 311 phone line to report smoking at his hall, even though there isn't any. If a customer does manage to sneak an unauthorized smoke and an inspector arrives, an $800 fine and a day in court can result.

But the game is not dead yet. Dedicated players pass through the grand old lobby, showing up hours early with their Dab-O-Ink markers and satchels marked "My Lucky Bingo Bag." Posters covered in dollar signs advertise "Dottie's New Game," where players are promised big jackpots and are asked, politely but urgently, to "bring a friend."
http://www.nytimes.com/