Hotel-casino to host bingo championship

Monday, May 14, 2001 | 10:39 a.m.

A Canadian firm announced plans to hold a "World Championship of Bingo" in November at the Venetian.

Dion Entertainment Inc. of Surrey, British Columbia, said it expects more than 2,000 to participate in its "Bingo Magic" event, scheduled for Nov. 19-21. A minimum of $1 million will be awarded to the winner of the championship game, and a total of $1.25 million in cash and prizes will be awarded during the tournament. Dion has signed a multi-year contract to hold the event at the Venetian.

Dion said it will market a travel package to bingo players for the event that includes transportation to Las Vegas and accommodations at the Venetian.

Last year Dion held the tournament at Paris Las Vegas, owned by Park Place Entertainment Corp. The company decided to seek another venue after players at last year's tournament were booked at sister property Bally's Las Vegas, said Rhoda Rizkalla, president of Dion subsidiary Bingo Plus Services America Inc.

"The expectation was they would all be staying at the same venue," Rizkalla said. "That's taken care of with the Venetian."

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