A popular vote by the people of Arkansas in November 2006 approved nonprofit groups to run bingo games in 2007. Just two weeks into the new year the number of nonprofit groups calling the Independence County Sheriff’s Office to get a license to play bingo continues to grow.

“I can’t let people run bingo parlors in the county just yet,” Sheriff Keith Bowers said this morning.

“I’ve had dozens of calls by people wanting to know about opening a parlor so I contacted the co-sponsor of the bingo bill, Rep. Rick Saunders, about the issue.

“He said the bill has to be enabled by the state legislators along with setting up the rules and regulations that will control the games. He said the new law won’t take effect until July 1; this will allow plenty of time for lawmakers to get everything set up for a smooth start,” Bowers said. “I’d love to just say go ahead and play — it’s gonna be legal soon, but I can’t do that.”

Bowers also said people should remember the new law covers legitimate nonprofit organizations and is not intended for private enterprise.