Most visitors to the Tahlequah Veterans of Foreign Wars Post come around to enjoy camaraderie with others who have served, or to pay tribute to those who have. And some enjoy a good game of bingo, while they're at it.

Bingo may seem obscure these days, with casino games taking the front seat for action. But long-time bingo fans say slot machines can't hold a candle to a good, old-fashioned bingo card.

On Monday nights, guests find a variety of ways to leave with a pocket full of dough. Patrons can purchase singe packs of games for $10 or double packs for $20, but splitting packs is not allowed. Throughout the evening, players have several chances to yell "Bingo," which would earn them between $40 and $50.

The VFW post offers others routes to win money, however, including hot ball and pig games. Before the bingo begins, the caller will select two numbers - one for the hot ball game and one for the pig game.

"On the hot ball, if they caller draws out a B7, that will be the hot ball number for the whole evening," said Earlene Rystedt, VFW Auxiliary president. "So if you happen to bingo on B7, you get a regular prize, which is usually around $50, plus $263. So pretty much everybody will buy the hot ball ticket for $1."

The pig game is similar, in that whoever bingos on the pig number wins an extra pot of cash. The pot increases by $1 every time that number is called, or anytime the caller makes a mistake. Another way people can win additional cash is if they're crowned the king or queen.

"The first person who gets a bingo by themselves - single winner - is either the king or queen," said Rystedt. "They give me a number between 1-75, and every time that number is called, they get $5. So it's a chance to make a little extra money."

Especially lucky players can leave the VFW building with $1,199, by winning the progressive jackpot. It might be difficult, though, as every player hopes to get lucky, and many strictly adhere to their superstitious routines.

Cheryl Overacker doesn't allow any of her bingo buddies to keep paper clips on the table. Sue Truitt reminds those at her table to leave their dauber caps turned up, and Terry Terry asks that people draw smiley faces on their hot ball tickets.

"We all have out superstitions to bring good luck," said Terry. "Really, it's just fun, it's relaxing, and I enjoy the people."

Those who stop by the VFW bingo night won't have to miss dinner, either. The concession stand offers hot dogs, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, nachos, Frito chili pie and nacho salad. All the proceeds go back to the VFW, where bingo is run solely by volunteers, hoping to make an impact on the community.

"We want to keep the post going," said Deborah Smoke of the VFW. "Everything that is made from bingo goes right back into this post. It pays the utilities and they're giving money away to veterans every month that come in. We wouldn't be able to do that if it wasn't for bingo. We're volunteering to give it away."

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