As with a number of other things, age and visual handicaps can take some of the fun out of playing a game that is extremely popular on Guam.
Sen. Jose "Pedo" Terlaje introduced Bill 64-35 which would do something about it.
Terlaje's measure would allow approved bingo establishments under Guam law to use bingo card minders. These handheld portable devices assist bingo players in recognizing numbers called during a bingo game, and further assist players in marking their bingo cards.
"Like a wheelchair, a pair of prescription eyeglasses, or voice recognition software, all manner of assistive technology should be made available to people who play bingo and are visually and physically impaired," said Terlaje.
According to the senator's press release, bingo card minders are currently used across many bingo establishments across the United States. These devices make the game of bingo more enjoyable and less challenging for players. This bill does not authorize any new gaming in Guam.
"I want to make this clear," said Sen. Terlaje. "This bill simply provides an existing assistive device, in this case, bingo card minders, to our man'amko who enjoy playing bingo and those who are visually and physically challenged. I and my co-sponsors, look forward to making this bill a law. I always stand ready to help persons with any disability to make their lives a little easier and to improve their quality of life. Let's get this bill passed," he urged.
Co-sponsors of Bill 64-35 are Sens. Joe S. San Agustin, Clynt Ridgell and James Moylan.
"Our visually and physically impaired who play bingo deserve to enjoy themselves with enhanced assistive technology," said Sen. Terlaje.