Issue link: https://imageup.uberflip.com/i/1542720
38 | OHCC LIVING | FEBRUARY 2026 | Bingo Bingo is Very Big Business Bingo is all fun and games until you realize that it is also very big business. Did you know that OHCC Bingo has a Gambling License? Did you know that we send reports monthly about our finances to Oceanside Parks and Recreation? Within Parks and Recreation are two very nice ladies named Jennifer and Lleymi who are Bingo code enforcement officers. Their responsibility is to keep your OHCC Bingo Board out of Bingo Jail. If Jennifer or Lleymi have any real question of malfeasance, do you know who comes for a visit? Vice. Yes, when code enforcement calls Vice, big scary guys knock on my door. I can easily live without that. Rest assured that OHCC is small potatoes. We comply with all requirements, call code enforcement when we have a question, and run our business to the letter of the law. Can you imagine what it must be like to run a casino like Pechanga or Barona? Although the laws are somewhat different than ours, the laws are very strict and having a gambling license is no joke. When I confirmed that the Ocean Hills Journalism Club wanted to donate $20,000, Lleymi was one of the first half dozen people I called. Were we allowed to accept these funds? Lleymi did some research and sent us on our way to spend our donation. So, you may be asking yourself, why is it taking so long to spend our amazing donation? Red tape — to be specific, OHCC red tape. Don't get me wrong, I understand. We got a lot of money. OHCC wants to be sure we meet or exceed all requirements. Most people don't know me or my Board of Directors. They don't know that in order for me to engage my current treasurer, I had to promise that she would never have to go to jail. Now that was a joke, but it was also a promise I made sincerely due to our gambling license. We don't joke around when it comes to money. Another thing you should know, 80 percent of our income MUST go back to our players. In other words, the $10 Bingo card, $8 is given back in Jackpots and $2 is used for our overhead. That doesn't leave us much money; thus we have wonderful sponsors who help with extras like ice cream and popcorn, some funds for door prizes and such. So, why haven't we spent the donation yet? Due diligence. We are essentially spending your money and we want to be sure we purchase equipment that will last, grow with our community, and be the asset we all expect. Written by Adele Siesel