House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda

House of Representatives
Session of 2013 - 2014 Regular Session

Posted:	January 29, 2014 01:49 PM
From:	Representative Garth D. Everett
To:	All House members
Subject:	Bar Bingo

In the near future, I plan to introduce a legislative proposal that would amend the Bingo Law by providing clarification as to when a player can participate in the bingo game. Currently, the Bingo Law does not address whether a player must be present when numbers are drawn and announced in order to participate in the bingo game. Bingo/small games of chance suppliers have for years offered a bingo game that holds to the same traditional bingo rules except it does not require players to be present while the numbers are selected and announced. This game is commonly known as “Bar Bingo”. In this game, players purchase a bingo card that has random numbers preprinted on it. If their card has a winning combination matching the card that is posted with the previously drawn and announced numbers – the player wins. When all the winning combinations on the previously drawn card are exhausted, a new card is drawn and posted. There is currently a lack of clarity concerning the Bingo Law among suppliers, bingo operators, and law enforcement, specifically Liquor Control enforcement under the Pennsylvania State Police, as to whether “Bar Bingo” complies with existing law and there is uneven enforcement of the law across the State. This bill will confirm that “Bar Bingo” is allowed in the State’s Bingo Law. Please join me in cosponsoring this legislation. Thank you.
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Introduced as HB2113