Big Valley Bingo makes big splash after opening

WASILLA — Sandy Powers is the owner and operator of Big Valley Bingo. She said after a looking for a good location for three years, she was finally able to get Big Valley Bingo off the ground. Located off the Parks Highway at the old movie theater near Hermon Road, Big Valley Bingo had a ribbon cutting ceremony with an appearance by Wasilla Mayor Bert Cottle. On the first day of operation, 300 people gathered to play bingo in the newly renovated building. It’s now the only bingo hall in the Valley and currently the biggest operation in its history.

“The timing is really good,” Powers said.

Her friend, Trudy Visker, wanted to retire from her Wasilla bingo hall, Bingo Mania. Powers helped her transition out of there and took on a cause that was very important to Visker, the friends of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs). That organization is designed to help youth in the court system, speaking out for and aiding abused and neglected children.

“She is very supportive of us,” Powers said.

All gaming in Alaska must have charitable causes. Ten percent of bingo proceeds and 30 percent of pull-tabs proceeds go toward local charities. Powers said she enjoys the freedom of choosing her own charities because she wants to work with organizations that best suit the community’s needs. Places like MyHouse and the Mat-Su Amateur Hockey Association are among her priorities. She is working on entities like the Mat-Su Food Bank.

Among the bingo hall’s supporters is its neighbor, Evangelo's Restaurant. Owner Evangelo Lambernakis came to the ribbon cutting.

“Local businesses here seem to be supportive of each other,” Powers said.

Big Valley Bingo is now the only bingo hall in the Valley. This is something many of her customers have expressed much relief over. She said that many people are thankful they don’t have to drive all the way into Anchorage to play bingo, especially now that winter is approaching. She said that over half of the people she’s talked to went to Anchorage to play, even when Bingo Mania was running. She hopes that her larger facility will continue to draw more large crowds.

What makes Big Valley Bingo special is the fact that players can either use paper or one of 250 electronic tablets. Another twist they like to offer is special gaming events like the money booth. One gentleman walked away with $550. Powers plans to incorporate numerous activates to tie in with her bingo nights. She has enjoyed getting to know the people of small town Alaska. She’s noticed how important the social component is to people when they go out to play, be it with their friends or meeting new ones.

“You meet a lot of interesting people playing bingo,” Powers said.

Big Valley Bingo opens its doors at 5:30 p.m. every day. Bingo starts at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. There are two sessions, 7:30 and 10:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. There are pull tabs on site and concessions available. For more information, call 373-7003.