After more than twenty-five years, a local bingo club is closing its doors.

The Saint Vincent DePaul church held its final game Thursday night.

It was in 1977, the church started bingo night to help raise money for its school. Since then, it has been hosting the game every Thursday at the Knights of Columbus hall.

However, for the past several months the church has not made enough money from the bingo games.

Organizers said they can't compete with bigger bingo halls and area casinos that offer bigger prizes and where players can smoke.

Some blame the smoking ban for the closing.

Bingo director Alberta Destefano feels smaller bingo halls have more to offer the community and that many players will feel a loss at St. Vincent DePaul’s closing.

Many players seemed to agree, and said the church provided a family-friendly atmosphere for bingo.

The church's focus is now saving its youth program. Money raised from pull tabs go to provide scholarships and activities for youngsters.

The church plans to expand its fundraisers.

Church members said they are thankful for the hundreds of volunteers who helped set up bingo games throughout the years.