Bingo Emporium to Take Wait & See Approach to E-Bingo

ST. CLOUD -- Electronic bingo will begin showing up around bars and other places that offer pulltabs in Minnesota after the Minnesota Gambling Control Board approved e-bingo. But, don't expect to see it at the Bingo Emporium in St. Cloud anytime soon.

Hall Manager Bonnie Merkling says she's not against it, but doesn't think it's something her clientele are asking for right now. Merkling says her customers play bingo for the socializing and it's a live, slower-paced game.

Merkling says if e-bingo takes off and their customers call for it, they could offer it later.

E-bingo was approved to help pay for the state's share of the Vikings' new $975-million stadium.

Supporters say the "linked bingo" allows gamblers at different locations to play together and jackpots as high as $75-thousand will help boost interest for the games.