The Legislature and Bingo

April 17, 2008

Lance Griffin

Last week I called and left messages with almost all of the members of the Senate Tourism and Marketing Committee to get their thoughts on the bingo bill that had been introduced by Sen. Harri Anne Smith. I followed up with e-mails to the committee members whose addresses were on the State Legislature Web site.

None of them responded to either the phone calls or the e-mails, except one. Sen. Charles Bishop called a few days later and talked about electronic bingo in Walker County. Of course the bingo bill has been pulled now, but Bishop’s take was interesting. I’m working on a story for early next week. Bishop told me that he believes those who support the bingo center at Country Crossing won’t be supporting it 2 years from now based on his experience. I told him that what the County Commission said it wants to do is to prevent the widespread proliferation of electronic bingo machines that invaded his county. He sees it differently.

Check back for more on my conversation with Sen. Bishop

Well, I dont think we should judge too soon what Houston county will be like with Bingo befour it even gets started.There is nothing wrong with Bingo,if its run right,I myself love too play it,and I dont ever spend what I cant afford.The Bingo is fun,and people will enjoy it.I cant wait for Country Crossings,real family fun.It will be nice..

Shirleen, I agree with you even tho i don’t care for bingo, there will be a gospel theater, possum hollow
dinner theater and fun things such as a water park,rides and so on. If you have a computer in your home,business or church you have access to on line Gambling.

Hello Helen,
I do have a computer at home,when I said theres nothing wrong with Bingo,I ment anywhere.To have Bingo at Country Crossings isnt bad.There will be a gospel theater at Country Crossings and thats nice,so is Bingo.