OUR STORY
In 2009, Opera Idaho began a collaboration with a charitable gaming operation in Boise, Idaho that has come to be known as Boise Bingo, to embark on a new and creative fundraising adventure for opera! By 2016, Boise Bingo had expanded and a leadership change lead the founding of a second non-profit organization, the Opera Idaho Foundation, to take over and manage the now booming weekly bingo sessions. Boise Bingo’s charitable gaming activities support artists, performances, educational initiatives, community engagement events, and other performing arts initiatives in the Boise metro area and the state of Idaho. Additionally, the operation provides regular part-time and seasonal employment for Boise Bingo staff and supervisors.
Over the last decade, Boise Bingo has been under the management of Opera Idaho, Inc. and the Opera Idaho Foundation and collectively is the largest charitable bingo operation in the state of Idaho contributing over $200,000+ annually to support Idaho arts organizations and boasts the largest prize payouts in the state! EVERY PLAY PAYS! And with Boise Bingo everyone wins!
Boise Bingo now serves hundreds of patrons each week providing a fun, meaningful, and often times, lucrative past-time for Idahoans that also benefits the expansion of arts and culture in our community. Mostly through word-of-mouth and an engaged Facebook following, our bingo parlor has developed a loyal following, regular clientele, and a well-respected reputation in the gaming entertainment industry.
Boise Bingo is a licensed charitable gaming operation abides by all state laws, regulations, guidelines, and reporting standards set for charitable gaming by the Idaho Lottery Commission.
What is charitable gaming?
Charitable bingo and other charitable games are legal in 46 states and the Distict of Columbia. The only states that don’t allow charitable gaming are Arkansas, Tennessee, Hawaii, and Utah. According to the 2023 Idaho Charitable Gamin Annual Report, Idaho’s 179 licensed charitable and non-profit organizations reported total ticket sales that exceeded $15,468,011 with 62%–more than $9.6 million—donated back to benefit religious, charitable, civic, and educational organization; scientific testing and public safety; and amateur sports, human rights, and animal rights groups in 2023. Total charitable gaming ticket sales in 2023 exceeded $15,468,011
Click here to learn more about charitable gaming in Idaho and the Idaho Lottery.
Want to know more?
To learn more about Opera Idaho and the artists you are supporting by playing bingo, visit www.operaidaho.org. Consider attending a concert or event. There’s something for everyone with each exciting new season!