Dez Loreen
Northern News Services

Inuvik (Nov 14/05) - For people in Inuvik, bingo is often more than just a game. "I used to play bingos very often," admitted Renie Kalinek of Inuvik.

Bernice Joe and Susan Ross are callers for the Tuesday night TV bingo in Inuvik. For players in Inuvik, these women can be their best friends, or cursed for not calling "the right number." - Dez Loreen/NNSL photo

"Now I only play once in a while."

Kalinek is one of many players in the community, and not the only one to admit to playing the game.

For Gayle Gruben, the grip of the dauber had just released her.

"I was an official bingo player for 21 years," said Gruben.

"I started when I got pregnant with my first son. I was bored, and there was nothing else to do."

Gruben was able to cool the fever of the game last August, when she realized bingo was taking its toll on her bank account.

"I was spending over $150 a week on cards and daubers," said Gruben, adding that since putting the dauber down, she's had more funds for other recreational activities.

"I put a down payment on my new ski-doo, and that's just from the added money of not playing anymore," said Gruben.

Gruben is not the only person trying to break the bingo habit.

"I played for a few years, almost every day," said Judy Francey. "I'm not playing anymore at all. I spent too much on cards and Nevada tickets."

For those who stay true to their callers, like Kalinek, the rewards are there to be had.

"The most I've won in a game, was $5,000," said Kalinek. "It happened about three years ago."

Kalinek reminds players to pay attention to the game, telling of an instance where she lost her concentration.

"I was daubing like mad one night, and was almost done the game, when I realized I was playing the wrong cards!" Kalinek said.