Question of the Day - 17 February 2015

When we first tackled a Question of the Day about which casinos offer bingo, which was back on May 10, 2005 (just five days after the debut of this column, which will be celebrating its decade, or tin/aluminum*, anniversary this year), there were no less than 22 casinos in Las Vegas offering bingo, although of those, only the New Frontier was located on the Strip. Once that property closed in July 2007, S. Las Vegas Boulevard remained bingo-free until a brief and abortive experiment by the Riviera back in 2011, which was soon scaled back to monthly tournaments, before being scrapped altogether.

Still, while it seems there just isn't the mainstream-tourist appetite to support live bingo on the Las Vegas Strip -- or even downtown, where the Plaza's the only casino to offer bingo since the Western closed -- today there are even more "locals" casinos -- 27, no less -- where the game continues to thrive. As a spokesman for Boyd Gaming put it when we addressed the profitability of bingo rooms in a QoD last June, "They are key traffic generators. It’s definitely not a loss leader."

In fact, in efforts to capitalize upon and broaden the game's appeal, some rooms have added "novelty" twists and enticing come-ons in recent times, including large progressive jackpots, free sessions, cocktail programs, bilingual bingo, and more (see below).

Plus, in addition to those casinos offering bona fide gambling on bingo, there are also non-gaming venues we're aware of that are offering an array of "social" bingo nights -- see details below. Note that things move faster than you may think on the bingo landscape, so be sure to call ahead before you make a special trip to any of the venues we mention, and please drop us a line if you know something we don't.

As far as regular sessions at valley casinos are concerned, ready your daubers, ladies and gentlemen, because here's the current list of casino bingo rooms, including session times and details about the smoking policy. Note that as far as proximity to Bellagio is concerned, you're pretty well placed, with the largest bingo hall in Nevada just a little west of you, at Gold Coast, and both Ellis Island and Silver Sevens also within close reach on Flamingo Road, just a few blocks east of the Strip.

In addition, though the number of free bingo sessions has been decimated since we first covered it, back on 11/11/13 (see QoD Archives, you can still find free sessions at the following:

• Aliante: "Bounce Back" bingo sessions every 48 hours on Mon., Wed. & Fri. (i.e., play on one day and play for free 48 hours later (receipt required as proof of play)

• Boulder Station: Mon & Wed, 5 p.m. (Gold-level Boarding Pass members or higher, only).

• Ellis Island: Mon-Fri, 9.a.m. Must be in 50s Club, be a players club Copper Member or higher, or play $20 the day before. Check with the club kiosk for more information.

• Texas Station: Sun, 9 a.m. & 5 p.m.; Mon, 5 p.m. (Gold-level Boarding Pass members or higher, only).

• Silver Nugget: There was a seniors (50+) free session on Wednesdays at 11 a.m.. We can't confirm whether or not this is ongoing, as multiple attempts to get hold of a human here have failed. We will persevere or wait to hear from an informed reader, whichever delivers first...

NOVELTY BINGO SESSIONS, IN AND OUT OF THE CASINOS:

Sadly, Double Down Saloon's "Punk Rock Bingo" has been discontinued, as has the short-lived "Bingo Brunch" experiment at Red Rock, Green Valley Ranch, and Santa Fe Station. Here's what's left:

• The Center: Downtown's LGBT community center is now the home of PRIDE Family Bingo, previously housed by Circus Circus. Sessions take place at 7 p.m. on the first Wednesday of the month, featuring 10 games, plus a raffle. $10 cover; raffle tix are 10 for $5.
• Charlie’s: Every Tuesday at 9 p.m. features Drag Queen Bingo at 9 p.m. It's free, it's fun, and it's fabulous, dahhlings! Complimentary shots for everyone each time the Drag Queen caller screws up, plus more free shots on the "shot ball of the night" -- see, told you it was fun!
• Downtown's Banger Brewing features Bingo & Beers on the first Weds. of every month. From 5-7 p.m., win free beers, swag, and gift cards. Bingo-card buy-in is the price of a beer.
• Lucky’s, the casino out by the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, is wooing the Latin crowd with Spanish Bingo on Fri. & Sat., at 7 and 9 p.m. (we think); $5 minimum.
• Earlier this month, the Plaza introduced complimentary pastries at every 11 a.m. session, plus free cocktails in the bingo room daily from 2-10 p.m.
• Piranha features Drag Queen Bingo on Thursdays from 7-10 p.m., with twofer drinks and prizes up for grabs.
• Green Valley Ranch features Rock Shot Bingo on the second Thursday of each month. Registration opens at 8 p.m., session commences 9 p.m., with prizes up to $1,000, live DJ, free shots for all winners, and complimentary cocktails for players. It's $25/person, which includes 10 games/30 electronic cards.

*It came to our attention that these days, apparently, diamonds" are considered a more suitable gift for the 10th anniversary, which is fine by us. Allegedly daffodils are also acceptable, but we're good with diamonds. No, really, we are.