Bingo organizers want bigger piece of the financial pie

By Staff
Leada DeVaney, Hartselle Enquirer
B-I-N-G-O could soon spell more M-O-N-E-Y for a local civic group.
The Hartselle City Council is considering raising the percentage of proceeds local organizations could keep from club-sponsored bingo games.
The proposed change comes on the heels of a request from the American Legion Post 52 to increase its percentage from bingo games. Currently, the club keeps 14 percent of net bingo proceeds, after the cost of prizes, game sheets and purchases or repairs of bingo machines is subtracted.
Another 51 percent of proceeds can be used for club-sponsored scholarships or other external charities. A portion of this money can also be used for upkeep or maintenance of the post's building.
The remainder goes to the city's coffers.
The new proposal would allow the Legion and other clubs sponsoring bingo games to keep 25 percent of the proceeds. The 51 percent statute would remain.
"The reason we're considering this is the 14 percent doesn't even cover their (American Legion's) utility bill," Councilman Frank Jones said.
Also, according to Mayor Clif Knight, other cities do not stipulate the amount that must be dedicated to charities and scholarships, leaving more proceeds for those groups.