'It's really disappointing': Winnipeg community centre stopping bingo nights
Some bingo lovers in the city are voicing their displeasure about a community centre halting bingo operations.
Bingo players who attend Varsity View Community Centre have been informed that the centre will no longer be hosting bingo nights, which have been scheduled on Sundays and Tuesdays.
Lisa Briggs said she and her family have been involved in the bingos for 50-plus years.
She said she was shocked when she heard the news.
"We heard that bingo would continue until (April) 11, but we just heard yesterday, I think it was, that no, in fact, they're suspending bingo playing at the community club, which means they don't want workers in, or the manager in," said Briggs.
Tanis Poturica has also enjoyed attending bingos at the community centre over the years and said it's a real loss.
"It was a reaction of disbelief, actually, because we know the bingo license had been renewed in November for another three years by Western Canada Lotteries," said Poturica.
"I just think it's really disappointing, not just for me…I think it was a really social outing for people in a quiet, safe neighbourhood."
Both Briggs and Poturica said it wasn't just people in the neighbourhood who came to the community centre, but people from all over the city.
"If you want to play bingo, you're going to have to find a different place to go and play," said Briggs.
Poturica added she and others are going to find another community-based bingo night, noting many that attended didn't want to go to the casinos.
In an email to CTV News, the president of the community centre, Sean Moore, said bingo was losing money and it wasn't financially viable anymore.
"The Bingo manager has known for years that this program was of concern and that the board was willing to work to make it work, but not indefinitely. We conducted surveys, tried different table set ups and adjusted the payouts but nothing kept it solvent," said Moore.
He added the community centre also had to turn away other programs and events over concerns about damaging bingo equipment.
"Unfortunately, it is not sustainable and the volunteer board unanimously voted to end it. We tried but we can't continually subsidize a gambling event that loses money."
While he said the board regrets and is saddened by ending the program and how it impacts people in the community, the community centre will have a lot more programming for people of all ages.
Briggs feels the board should have looked at other options first, like reducing bingo to just one night a week, so that the community wasn't losing the event.
"Have something in the community for the seniors to look forward to because it is community-based," said Briggs.
"I really think it served people well, that went there anyway," said Poturica. "I just think it's really sad for the community to lose another bingo."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.