With North Dakota’s statewide smoking ban coming into effect Aug. 1, the North Dakota Association for the Disabled (NDAD) is concerned about bingo revenues at the Minot Bingorama site. Janelle Mitzel, an NDAD representative, said that the majority of bingo players are smokers and there is significant concern about the ban.

State Senator Randy Schobinger said that Bingorama is an unintended victim of the new law. NDAD attempted to obtain an alcohol license to enable their patrons to continue smoking. Taverns and bars are exempt from the no-smoking law. Since the Bingorama building is in Nedrose Township, which has already issued two liquor licenses, the maximum allowed for the township’s population, it is doubtful that Bingorama will see alcohol or smoking in their bingo hall.

Many area residents are upset that Bingorama, represented by mascot Bingo Bennie, may have to close as a result of the drop in revenues. Closing Bingorama would result in the loss of 40 jobs, as well as $9000 in tax revenues.

In West Fargo, a city ordinance ended smoking in the local VFW hall, dropping the bingo profits significantly. The VFW post reported that they would be able to continue operating, but that their ability to donate to charities has been seriously reduced.