ELKS, VFW THREATENED WITH LOSS OF BINGO

The Cape Girardeau Elks Lodge and the Veterans of Foreign Wars post may lose their right to sponsor bingo games.

The Missouri Gaming Commission ruled last week that the two groups violated state bingo laws and decided to prohibit them from holding bingo games for five years, said Eddie Mueller, commander of VFW Post 3838.

The VFW and Elks currently have stays on the commission's orders until hearings are conducted.

Mueller, also a member of the Elks Lodge, said the Elks' hearing will be Sept. 23. He didn't know when the VFW could tell its side.

One of the violations cited was that VFW lounge employees helped sell pull tabs at the bingo games. Only certain approved people are supposed to sell pull tabs. Mueller wouldn't comment on other alleged violations.

Thanks to the stay, the Elks will have their regularly scheduled bingo game tonight. Mueller said he wants to avoid the suspension or at least have the amount of time reduced. If the suspension takes place, many community groups will lose funds raised through bingo.