OXNARD : Police Warn Group Over Bingo Proceeds
The Oxnard Police Department has threatened to fine the Ventura County Council on Aging $10,000 for spending part of the proceeds from a weekly bingo game to buy volunteers lunch and pay for their trips to Las Vegas.
The council, which operates a bingo game at a senior center on Rose Avenue, was issued a warning in a letter sent last week from the department’s vice detail.
The letter from Officer Randy Gens said state law prohibits “any person from receiving a profit, wage or salary from any bingo game.”
The letter goes on to say: “Organizations who continue this practice will be subject to a $10,000 fine as per California Penal Code . . . or having their bingo permits revoked.”
Oscar Karrin, a council member, said the organization uses part of the bingo proceeds to buy lunch for the 20 to 40 volunteers who help operate the weekly event. As a bonus, the council has also paid to send some volunteers to Las Vegas, he said.
Councilwoman Ann Johs, who learned about the Police Department’s letter on Tuesday, asked city staff to investigate the matter and return to the council with a report.
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