Lynn Lau
Northern News Services

Fort McPherson (May 27/02) - Avid bingo players in this community now have half as many games to play.

At the May 14 council meeting, councillors passed the third and final reading to changes that will cut the number of bingos from six a week to three. The hamlet is also restricting each licensed charity to one bingo a month and tightening the rules for financial reporting.

Mayor Rebecca Blake says the changes were necessary so the hamlet could ensure bingo revenues are spent appropriately. "The bottom line in revamping our lottery licence (bylaw) was accountability," Blake says. "We're trying to get a handle on the revenues that are coming in from bingos and exactly how they're being used."

Organizations that raise money by hosting bingo games will now have to submit their financial reports to council each month. Those groups that don't keep proper records can have their lottery licenses revoked. Previously, the licences only came up for review every six months.

Blake says lax reporting had been a problem.

"The reports weren't being handed in on a regular basis and in a small community, rumours can get started. When someone asked questions, council didn't have the answers."

Reaction in the community has been mixed. At a public meeting earlier this month, about 30 people showed up to discuss the issue, says Blake.

Ernestine Elias, a 57-year-old RCMP guard, says she is personally sorry to see fewer bingos although she concedes she'll probably save money now.

"I just like to play bingo. I'm in the habit and there's nothing else going on."

Although Margaret Inglangasuk, a 45-year-old camp cook, doesn't play much bingo, she says the hamlet shouldn't have cut the number of games.

"It keeps people away from drinking, especially on the weekends."

People who want to play will always find a way to play in other communities, she says.

Blake says council weighed the concerns of non-profit groups and residents in making the decision. "We understand that bingos are a big fundraiser, but we also understand that bingos can become overbearing -- they take over meetings and public events. We felt that bringing them down a bit would enable the hamlet to get a better handle on it and allow more free time in the community so hopefully other things can happen."