Ohio Allows Electronic Bingo for Charitable Organizations

Strategic Insights -

Clark County veterans and fraternal organizations have been granted licenses to operate electronic instant bingo machines, also known as e-bingo. These machines provide a source of entertainment for members of these organizations while raising money for local charities. Springfield VFW Post Commander Frank Perkins stated that the e-bingo machines are more attractive, engaging, and entertaining than traditional pull tabs and paper bingo.

Key Takeaways:

  • Over two dozen Clark County organizations, including the Veteran of Foreign Wars, the Fraternal Order of the Eagles, and the American Legion, have been granted licenses to operate e-bingo machines.
  • The machines are linked to local charities, and at least 25% of the revenue raised must go to other charities in the local community.
  • Members of veteran and fraternal organizations can play low-stakes, low-risk games and win money.
  • Opponents of the program have cited the potential for gambling addiction.
  • Of the revenue raised by charitable gaming, 25% must go to other charities, and post #3660 donates around $40,000 annually to local groups.
  • Membership to veterans-affiliated clubs and fraternal organizations have declined over the years due to aging out and lack of recruitment.
  • E-bingo offers a sustainable solution to bring younger recruits into these organizations.
  • Electronic gaming platforms raise an average of $70 million annually in Ohio.
  • The amendment to the state budget bill in June 2021 authorized the electronic gaming platform after a nine-year legal fight.
  • Paper bingo games generated $689.7 million in bingo receipts in 2021 and $93.7 million in net profits for veteran groups.

Statistics:

  • 25% of revenue from e-bingo must go to other charities in the local community.
  • Post #3660 has over 400 members and donates $40,000 annually to local groups.
  • Membership to veterans-affiliated clubs and fraternal organizations has declined over the years.
  • Over 900 clubs statewide are part of the veterans-based groups and fraternal organizations.
  • Electronic gaming platforms raise an average of $70 million annually in Ohio.
  • Paper bingo games generated $689.7 million in bingo receipts in 2021.
  • Paper bingo games generated $93.7 million in net profits for veteran groups in 2021.

Sources:

  • "Ohio launches electronic bingo for charitable organizations," Springfield News-Sun
  • "Ohio allows electronic bingo for veterans organizations," WCPO
  • Ohio Attorney General's Office records
  • Arrow International's e-gaming platform
  • WCPO's reporting on the electronic gaming platform
  • WCPO's article on the paper bingo games in Ohio
  • Ohio budget bill amendment (June 2021)