Kokomo Tribune Sunday from Kokomo, Indiana • Page 25

Callus KOKOMO TRIBUNE Tom Carey Style editor, ext. 235 4B9-3121 OR (800) 382-0696 Monday-Friday Between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. SUHDAY LIFE Inside Feb. 4,1996 C2 Support group calendar CB Community calendar C6 Section 1 was the game-o Bingo balls bounce during an evening of fun at the Crisis Center.

t's fun for all ages. It's easy to play and doesn't require any special equipment or skills. What is the wonderful game? It's I bingo. The popularity with the one-time child's game has grown tremendously in Kokomo. Churches and fraternal organizations have raised money for decades with bingo, but since it's legalization and legitimization in 1991, there has been a huge increase in players locally.

The 11 non-profit bingo organizations in Howard County combined to pull in about $8.2 million in gross income through their annual bingo licenses during fiscal year 1993 (July 1993 to June 1994), according to the Indiana Department of Revenue. That figure doubled the $4.1 million legally gambled in the county under the licenses the year before. Don Bolan, vice president of the Kokomo Lions Club, said the game will remain popular because it's inexpensive entertainment. The Lions Club operates a bingo game three nights a week at 3537 S. Lafountain St.

and charges $8 for the bingo program, Bolan said. "You can't even go to the movies and buy popcorn for that," Bolan said. Bolan said the Lions Club began offering bingo in 1990. The club averages about 110 to 120 bingo players a night. An avid player himself, he said he first got interested in bingo several years ago.

"I worked for a year in security for Indian Bingo and got the itch from it then," Bolan said. "When you're a bingo volunteer, Patron busy with ticket. you can't play, but I go to the VFW or Grotto and other places in town to play." Proceeds from Lions Club bingo are used to help people with eye problems. "We help out in any treatable blindness case and try to help in operations and obtaining seeing-eye dogs for people," Bolan said. The age group of players at the Lions Club varies, he said.

"It's great entertainment for older folks, but I do see more and more young people playing. I would play more myself, but I'm too busy." With the legalization of bingo, Bolan believes the state's restrictions on the game are unfair. Bolan, a former Kokomo Police officer, said he believes bingo is bigger than the lottery, but restrictions has made it less appealing. Plus, the cost of the license fee has made it nearly impossible to raise money. "We're trying to raise money for a good cause," Bolan said.

"And the unfair part about it is the license fee." He explained that the license fee is $25 for the first year, then it is based on the company's gross receipts on pulltabs and bingo sales. He said this year's bingo license cost $12,000. "After paying the building rent, utilities, and about $1,000 a month just for license fee, there's not much left over." The operator of one of the largest bingo establishments in Kokomo, Steve Jackson of the Booster Club of Kokomo, however, believes legalizing the game was a good step. The club runs bingo three nights a week at the Ibn Saud Grotto, 150 S. Reed Road (U.S.

31). "Everybody wants to win money," he continued. "It used to be mainly older people and now, we have people from 18 year olds and up. As long as the game is legal, it will become more popular. Plus, it keeps all the bingo halls in the state honest." It's a place where people can relax and have a good time," Jackson continued.

"It's kind of like a big family, and you end up seeing everybody at different bingo clubs. I've always enjoyed playing." Longtime bingo player Charlie Sarver said it's more of a hobby to him than anything else. "I just enjoy playing," he said as he took a break from his bingo cards Tuesday at the Crisis Center, 307 E. Deffenbaugh "The first time I played I got bingo twice and continued playing ever since." He said he plays three nights a week at the Crisis Center volunteer Rodney Turner, left, counts out winnings to Ann Hyde, who won on a peel ticket. Crisis Center as well as at the Grotto, VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars George Ray Goudy Post 1152), 920 N.

Washington and other bingo halls. Richard Chamness, director of the Crisis Center, said the center has been operating bingo since 1983. "I believe it's a good thing (bingo). It's a way for some people to get out of the house and enjoy themselves," Chamness said. Chamness has seen a sharp increase in the number of players since the game was legalized.

Another bingo establishment benefiting from the popular game is the Fire Dragons. Operator Judy Wade said the karate and boxing club at 116 N. Main St. has been operating bingo for nearly three years. The club usually attracts about 100 players per night and has been successful in raising funds for college scholarships.

Wade said even though legalization of the game has made it more regulated, it's still a popular game for young and old alike. "It's an enjoyable game and inexpensive way of entertainment," Wade said Mike PJetcher Text by Photos by Clint Keller Page design by Ogle.