BINGO!!

The headlines today are about BINGO!! Electronic, virtual BINGO that you can play from home. (I certainly hope this isn’t available in the States yet, and if so, we must not let my grandma find out.)

The controversy? Former Secretary of State Santiago Creel, who is not a pre-candidate for the presidential nomination of the PAN, apparently issued regulations regarding video or satellite BINGO and then sold over 400 permits for run video BINGO to a large television network, Televisa.

Apparently, people would call in, pay US$2 for a BINGO card, and they play via TV. The cost of the permit was apparently US$50, though a PRD legislator insists that Televisa will make millions. And that every living room in Mexico will become a tiny gambling establishment. Some will have to go to electronic BINGO halls to play.

The concession to a relative company of Televisa is good for 25 years, with the option to extend another 15. The concession will also allow off track betting on sporting events.

Apparently, previous administrations have given out similar permits. But, that doesn’t excuse Creel. Members of his own party are questioning whether he should be allow to run as a pre-candidate for the PAN. At the same time, the new Secretary of State has agreed to open an investigation and the President’s spokesperson claims the President’s office was not consulted by Creel before making the concessions.