BELLAIRE — D-J bingo has been canceled across much of Northern Michigan due to state allegations of illegal gambling.
The Michigan Liquor Control Commission is arguing that D-J bingo meets the criteria for illegal gambling because it gives a prize for a game of chance, and it brings patrons into an establishment they normally wouldn’t go to.
For regulated bingo games, the state of Michigan normally requires a special bingo license that is given to non-profits.
But when a similar case was taken to court in 2021, the state dismissed the charges because an investigation found they couldn’t prove that people were coming just for the free bingo games. Furthermore, coupons for food and beer did not meet the requirements of a prize.
But now, the state is trying again.
However, a Bellaire area restaurant and brewery is keeping it on the calendar, and they are vowing to bring the issue to legislators in Lansing if regulators come knocking.
Nine and Ten met up with the head of the brewery to learn why they are taking a stand.
Scott Newman-Bale is the CEO of Shorts Brewing, and he’s also a member of the Michigan Brewers Guild.
“There aren’t very many people who think that this is a legitimate government intervention,” Newman-Bale said.
He says the bingo ban is something his members have fought against and won in the past.
“We did have this issue before,” Newman-Bale said. ”Over five years ago, that went through the entire system, hearings, and liquor control, and charges against a number of companies were dismissed as they found it was not gambling…And we kind of thought that this had resolved itself in 2021.”
But now that the state is trying to litigate the same issue, Newman-Bale is using his position to try and get clear answers from regulators.
“One of the more disturbing issues is, you know, we want to follow the law,” Newman-Bale said. “And when issues are resolved, it kind of sets a precedent, and everyone follows through, and everyone thinks they know what they’re doing. So if this changes, which I understand, the world changes. But, you know, we want to have good communication on what that means. ”
Until he gets those answers, Newman-Bale is keeping the needle on the record at Shorts Brewing, and if he gets a challenge, he’s vowing to bring the issue all the way to the state capitol.
“We are continuing right now,” Newman-Bale said. “So I am in touch with Lansing, and hopefully we’ll figure out where they’re coming from. And yeah, if it needs to be changed, then there’s the ultimate option is we can introduce legislation to make it legal.”
Newman-Bale says his bar would get by without bingo nights, but losing them would leave a big hole in the community.
“People like to get out,” Newman-Bale said. “And it’s a good way to get people out. It has a number of benefits as well. This isn’t to attract people to come out and drink more. This is a wide variety of people coming to these. So it’s more of a social engagement and a little bit of fun. It’s not gambling.”
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