In Kentucky, yelling out bingo just to mess with the crowd can come with some legal repercussions.

Just ask 18-year-old Austin Whaley, who was recently cited for second-degree disorderly conduct after witnesses say he deceptively called out the word “bingo” even thought he wasn’t the winner. Incidentally, Whaley’s punishment for the offense, which was handed down by Kenton District Judge Douglas Grothaus, is that he be put on verbal probation and not allowed to utter the word “bingo” for six months.

Just like you can’t run into a theater and yell ‘fire’ when it’s not on fire, you can’t run into a crowded bingo hall and yell ‘bingo’ when there isn’t one, said Sergeant Richard Webster, who cited Whaley for the offense.

Webster says that the elderly women that frequent the bingo hall do not appreciate phony bingo calls, even when they happen by accident. However, when someone does what Whaley did and intentionally yells out bingo just to disrupt the crowd, most of the patrons are out for blood; “hollering and yelling and cussing,” he said.

Incidentally, authorities say that Whaley could have received 90 days in jail and a fine of $250, but since he had no prior convictions, the judge felt the punishment was sufficient. Now, as long as Whaley can refrain from getting into any more trouble for the duration of his sentence, the charges will be dismissed.

“He was remorseful in court,” said Judge Grothaus. “He was obviously a good kid who hadn’t been in trouble before. With all the other things that happen in the court system and the families you’re dealing with, you’ve got to keep a sense of humor.”

If you have never witnessed some of the psychotic behavior that takes place in bingo halls, be sure to watch this clip from the television show Roseanne. It is a freakishly accurate portrayal.

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