Judge upholds Riverdale's decision to shut down bingo parlor

OGDEN — A judge has upheld the Riverdale City Council's decision to revoke the business license of a bingo parlor for violating state gambling law.

Second District Judge Michael Lyon rejected arguments that patron of Riverdale Dinner & Bingo don't "pay to play."

He says attorneys on both sides agree bingo games are integral to the club's operations, even though bingo cards are "free" to diners. The more expensive the meal, the more cards received.

Riverdale rejected the supper club's license in February.

Owners filed a federal lawsuit against the city claiming police threatened to arrest employees with arrests if the club didn't close in December 2006. That lawsuit is still pending.