Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1943-10-10


had been given was
special" which conceded
with the numbers that to be called out
that evening that he would be among the
first to get five numbers in a row. This is
the principle of all Bingo games under what
name they operate: The winner is the
first player who gets five numbers in row.
do not say that every Bingo game by
clubs and movies and other organizations is So
dishonest But many of them operated by n
professional" gamblers constitute highly ~
profitable "rackets." And you can bet a shoe 81
coupon those professional Bngo gentry still
fly from their mast the ageless axiom of the
gambler:
Never give the sucker break"
d INGO's nationwide popularity has come in rush
ID in recent years But long before that it was played
at carnivals and resort concessions 1t was while in
vestigatng carnival cheats, some years ago. that
first into the matter of Bingo.
had been looking gilly outfit, a small truck
drawn carnival, playing a New Jersey town. The
Bngo concession attracted my attention because it was
flashy In the center of this concession was square
counter which arranged cleaning kitchen
articles large baskets of groceries, hams watermelons
certain to catch the eyes of housewives out for an
evening Of excitement.
AS a come-on three free games were held at the
start of every evenings play The Bingo operator sat
on platform above the groceries Players sat on
benches around the four sides They given cards
with numbers them.
After the three free games each card cost ten cents
three Tor quarter
Perched his platform, the Bingo operator was
in full sight of the players.
In front of him was a wooden globe in which were
ninety balls each with different number on it. At the
bottom Of the globe spout which would let out
only one ball at time.
When the play was on, the operator would spin
the globe mixing up the balls then open the spout
remove the one ball that rolled down The number on
this ball the number called out 1t also listed
on master card" placed for all to behind the
counters.
AS soon as someone went "Bingo" an assistant
took his card and called out the numbers. If they
Tailed with those on the master card, the player
declared winner.
The prize he received usually worth very little
in comparison with the total takes from the game
As I watched this game nightly I realized that the
operator could hardly lose. lie averaged five dollars
profit every game, whatever happened. There
seemed 20 reason for him to try to pull any fast
plays"
But this particular operator-IH call him Bill Jone
old hand at carnivals and liked TO work the ang
In addition TO his regular games, he offered his custom
special Saturday night attraction.
With each card sold the player was given a small ST
ticket One hundred Of these tickets entitled the pla
10 participate in the final game played on Saturday Mi
at which the winner received one hundred dollars in G.
Tho final game always given carefuy-plan
build-up II was not held usually until after midni
when there always good deal of shouting and bark
around the concession TO attract the crowds As many
FIVE hundred would mill around 20 watch the play
Always Bill Jones put a nicely staged act-checl
UP players nd cards, looking equipment, max
sure there copdot possibly be any dishonesty in the
When nay tshed that all was in order
game would begin, the barker calling out the number
tones scntoran they could be heard throughout the