Saskatchewan’s Meadow Lake’s Bingo Palace is now a thing of the past. Almost seven months ago, Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) ordered the bingo hall to close, claiming several illegal actions. According to the allegations, the bingo hall allegedly did not pay the required amount to charities, and hired paid workers. Local ordinances state that workers in bingo halls must be volunteers.

The Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Licensing Commission has upheld the SLGA’s decision and has withdrawn the bingo license for the Western Métis Bingo Association. Meadow Lake Road Ambulance was supposed to receive 20% of the bingo earnings, but claims that it never saw the money. While they will be able to apply for a new license, Meadow Lake Road Ambulance will probably not re-apply, both because of the above complications and because a member of their staff must be present at all bingo nights, something that can be complex with shift-workers such as ambulance personnel.