A blind bingo player in the US has won her fight to use audible bingo cards at her local bingo hall. Joanna Richardson, 51, of Rochester New York is a long term bingo fan who just happens to be blind. Previously she had to rely on a friend but when audible bingo cards became available she decided to make use of the new technology.

Unfortunately some small minded and mean spirited players complained and Joanna was told she could only use the special bingo cards in ‘silent’ mode which defeats the purpose of the audible bingo cards. Joanna refused to take the decision lying down and took her complaint all the way to the New York Racing and Wagering Board. She fought until the board relented.

The bingo card in question emits beeps when numbers are daubed on the bingo card and has a setting when a bingo is scored. Although the board was uncomfortable in their decision stating they do not want bingo halls to be noisy like casinos. It is hard to understand why anyone would want to restrict a disabled person from playing bingo which has a long tradition of welcoming all kinds of players.

Bingo players by and large are a very friendly group and it is disturbing that the complaints came from fellow bingo players. The complaints seem totally out of character for bingo players and are hard to understand. Obviously Ms. Richardson is one feisty bingo player who was willing to take her fight for her right to play bingo to the highest levels. Hopefully the next news featuring Ms. Richardson will be a big win!