Local authorities in Tallahassee recently distributed funds to charitable organization previously denied their share of a local "charity" bingo game. These organizations were paid a portion of the funds which were previously embezzled by a local bingo operator instead of distributed to charities according to the law.

In May, the owner of a local charity bingo hall was charged with conducting unlawful bingo games after he pocketed an estimated $600,000 over a period of several years through his alleged charity bingo halls. Bingo for profit is illegal in Florida, and thus all proceeds earned though bingo games must either be doled out to charities or be offered as prizes.

Out of the $600,000 that the man pocketed since 2000, authorities only succeeded in seizing approximately $20,000. Last week, this money was distributed among charities intended to receive them in the first place.