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KEY WEST, Fla.--Marlin and Betty Koch, veteran bingo operators, are looking for a big season in 1994.
Here in this paradise setting where they spend four months each year, Marlin said, "Up until four years ago, the bingo business grew every year. Each year was better than the last. It was off slightly for two years, but bounced back in 1993, though not to where it used to be."
After being discharged from the Air Force in 1961 after 10 years of military service, Harry became involved in the carnival business through his brother, Harry Koch, now deceased, who had purchased King Reid Shows from Reid Lefebvre. The Kochs now operate seven bingos.
"At one time we played all of Canada, and all the way to Florida. Now we have two units with Reithoffer Shows and three at the Allentown (Pa.) Fair each year. We used to be with Dell & Travers and Olympic Shows, and we still travel with Steve and Jackie Swika's S&S Amusements out of Jermyn, Pa. We have the largest portable bingo in the U.S. It's 46 by 72 feet when opened. In places where bingo is outlawed, we have the 'I Got It' game."
Koch said he has abandoned spots with Reithoffer in 1994 that don't allow the bingos.
He said one reason he has so many operations is...