Bingo is Still His Name-O in Eastern Baltimore County

Before lotto, scratch-offs and slot parlors, there was only one form of legalized gambling in Maryland: bingo.

For years, players would pack local church halls and bingo parlors, line up their good luck charms and vigilantly cover their tickets with ink dots, hoping to score a bingo.

Local bingo halls such as the Plaza Bingo, located in the North Point Plaza, have seen a drop in attendance as Maryland offers more legalized gaming including Keno, instant win scratch-offs, and the newly opened Hollywood Casino in Perryville

But to those loyal followers, bingo remains a fun, affordable, family-friendly activity.

Angie McGraw, of Middle River, tries to play twice a week with her son Sean.

“We enjoy playing together,” McGraw said. “We have a fun time spending time with each other hoping to win. The biggest prize we ever won was the $600 jackpot.”

Cassie Furman of Baltimore brought her best friend Meghan Dolan from Woodbridge, NJ to try their luck at bingo.

“We really don’t have bingo in New Jersey,” Dolan said. “We are excited to win some money.”

Theresa Thompson brought her daughter Whitney, who attends Dundalk Middle School, for Whitney’s first time playing bingo.

“I want to win,” Whitney said. “We are hoping for some beginners’ luck.” 

Len Bucheit, Plaza Bingo’s office manager, blames the poor economy for low attendance.

“Ever since the economy has gone downhill, we really don’t get too busy,” said Bucheit.

There are several local bingo halls and churches that still offer players a chance to win big: on Bel Air Road, in Parkville, Pulaski Bingo in Joppa. There are also weekly games held at the .