In states across the U.S., bingo halls are experiencing serious losses in the face of the riverboat casino industry's continual rise. One Missouri lawmaker, however, is trying to help restore the fate of the neighborhood bingo game by proposing a bill similar to measures passed in the states of Washington and Oregon.

Interest in bingo has plummeted in Missouri since the legalization of casinos in 1993. In 1994, the state boasted over 900 bingo venues. Today, due to waning interest in the game, that number is roughly half that.

To help save the bingo industry, Missouri State Representative Ray Salva is trying to introduce a bill that would allow more attractive jackpots to bingo games. Salva's bill would allow for jackpot's up to, or even exceeding, $50,000. Currently, bingo jackpots in the state are limited to $3,600. Salva's hope is that increasing the jackpot will help tempt people back to the din of bingo venues across the state. The assumption is that when a considerable amount of money is involved, casino patrons will give up the glitz of the riverboats for a chance at some serious money.

The new proposal would allow the establishment of "linked" bingo games, in which the local game would break to play state-wide satellite bingo with players across the state. Bingo numbers would be drawn live and broadcast over satellite television. The bill's fate is iffy, as previous attempts to pass similar provisions in Missouri have not ended favorably.