Bill would allow expansion of remote bingo

By Cy Ryan

Monday, March 21, 2011 | 5:56 p.m.

CARSON CITY – The church bingo game might soon be able to expand statewide under a bill introduced Monday in the Senate.

Sen. Mike Schneider, D-Las Vegas, sponsored a bill to authorize charitable organizations to operate remote bingo games at multiple locations in Nevada through audio and video technology.

Schneider said a group came to him to promote the remote bingo games with the profits going to schools or other charities.

At least 35 percent of the gross proceeds must be given to the charitable program being promoted by the nonprofit organization. The bill says the value of prizes awarded from any remote bingo game must not exceed 40 percent of the gross receipts for that game.

Prize money of $1,000 or more must be paid in check, according to Senate Bill 308.

The state Gaming Commission must adopt regulations and license the operators of the remote bingo games. A charitable organization can work with an operator, licensed by the state to run the remote games.

The bill, which would require a two-thirds vote in both the Senate and Assembly, was referred to the Judiciary Committee for study.