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Cannery Row Bingo to close as part of amalgamation

Two Red Deer bingo halls are joining forces and predict local players and charities will be the big winners.

Two Red Deer bingo halls are joining forces and predict local players and charities will be the big winners.

Red Deer Bingo Centre and Cannery Row Bingo have been discussing amalgamation through a joint committee for some time and announced on Tuesday that it was a done deal.

Cannery Row Bingo, at 5239 53rd Ave., will close its doors on June 30, leaving the Bingo Centre, at 4946 53rd Ave., the only game in town.

All Seasons Bingo Association runs Cannery Row.

Association president Dallas Locke said the move will be good for players, the community and its charities.

“Attendance has been declining, so we’re trying to bring some new life to it, I guess.”

Locke said by concentrating players at one location there will be more players, which means bigger payouts and pots will grow faster.

She’s anticipating the change will go over well in the bingo community, and the boards and staffs for both facilities have been “very positive” about the move.

Locke, who will continue to be involved with local bingo after amalgamation, admits to some mixed feelings.

“I’m excited.

“(But) it’s going to be sad to see something close that’s been there for so long, but I’m excited to see this historic event in bringing them together.”

Cannery Row is already planning some events in appreciation of the patronage it has received from loyal players over the years. Special closing events will be held in the afternoon and evening just prior to the move.

Red Deer Bingo is also planning an event to welcome new players and mark the beginning of the new partnership.

Jody Korchinski, communications director with the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission, said the bingo industry has been declining over the last few years compared with other forms of gaming.

Mergers have been the chosen answer in other communities as well. In St. Paul, amalgamating bingo halls saw a 24 per cent boost in gross revenues, thanks to reduced operating costs.

“Certainly what we have seen in other communities is that when amalgamation has taken place, it has produced positive results for the association players and, therefore, and most importantly, for the charities that they are raising funds for,” said Korchinski.

“It makes it a little more exciting for the players as well, if you’ve got one vibrant hall.”

pcowley@www.reddeeradvocate.com