Blind bingo players allowed 'audible cards'

Blind players can use electronic bingo cards

Visually-impaired bingo enthusiasts in New York state can now play the game with audible electronic bingo cards.

The new gadgets make a sound when a player has only one number left for a bingo and another sound to alert them to a win.

New York's Racing and Wagering Board changed the rules to allow the cards in bingo halls after a successful campaign let by Joanna Richardson, who was born blind.

Ms Richardson, aged 51, campaigned via email and telephone for two years in an effort to change the bingo regulations.

She lives in Rochester and plays bingo every week. Earlier this month, she celebrated her first win using an electronic bingo card.

"You know when you're waiting and you know when you won. You can't be cheated," said Ms Richardson.

In 2006, Ray Peart - an ex-corporal who lost his vision following a bomb blast in Belfast in 1973 - became the UK's first blind bingo caller.