Missouri ballot proposal may alleviate bingo worker shortage

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COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) – Missouri’s multimillion-dollar bingo game industry has
been in steady decline, but could find relief under a ballot proposal that aims
to alleviate the shortage of workers.

The Columbia Missourian reports the Amendment 4 proposal on the Nov. 6th ballot would remove language from the Missouri Constitution that restricts bingo advertisement and changes prerequisites for bingo volunteers.

State law requires bingo workers to be part of the organization that’s running
games for two years before starting. The rule makes it difficult for
organizations to find workers, particularly due to high turnover because of most
members’ ages.

The Missouri Gaming Commission says there are 227 regular bingo license holders
in 2018, down from 435 in 2006.

Association of Charitable Games of Missouri President Tom Murphy says 85
percent of bingo games that closed down cited lack of workers.

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