SPRINGFIELD, Ill., April 10 (UPI) -- The recession has put a damper on Illinois' riverboat casinos, but bingo has become a popular alternative, officials say.
Case in point is the Caritas Hall Bingo parlor in Springfield, Ill., where the parking lot is nearly full every night, the State Journal-Register reported Friday.
Regular Cheryl Jarrett says she's been playing bingo for five or six years and has no intention of stopping even during a recession.
"I gave up the gambling boats for bingo because it's cheaper to come here than it is to go to a boat," Jarrett said. "I come five, six, seven times a week."
Manager Melody Dyer says Caritas Hall Bingo attracts an average of 180 players every evening.
"There are five $500 games here a night," Dyer said. "It's a very inexpensive night out. You can play 15 games of bingo for three dollars."
