Bingo/Bingo:
May we combine checks for Bingo and Games of Chance licenses from the same checking account?
· No, these two accounts must be kept separately.
When must our application for license(s) be submitted?
· At least 8 days prior to the date you wish to conduct Bingo. (Please allow extra time for weekends and holidays)
Is it preferable to have the town/city sign the back of the application or must we submit a “Blanket Letter of Approval”?
· If your organization hold games only occasionally, it would be more practical to have the application signed. If you hold games on a regular basis a “Blanket Letter of Approval” would be appropriate.
Must my organization still file a report even though we didn’t use one of our licenses?
· Yes, this office will be able track any funds you may have used or that no Bingo was held on a particular date.
Can a person under 16 remain in the Bingo hall?
· Yes, if accompanied by parent or guardian.
Can we sell a Bingo package/admission to the Bingo occasion prior to the occasion?
· Yes, however a seat may not be reserved for that presale.
Why can't the raffles be drawn during intermission?
· The law limits the conduct of raffles to one hour prior to the occasion.
Who is eligible for a Bingo license?
· There are several variables and the best answer would be to contact the Gaming section at 624-7210 and speak to an Inspector.
How many wild numbers may be covered in a wild number game?
· Only one and that number may be used to fill any number or letter on the card.
What is the exemption to the requirement for a Bingo license?
· The only exemption is for clubs, groups or organizations, with at least 90% of whom are 62 years of age or older, that operate Bingo games for their own entertainment and recreation and not for profit.
What are the licensing fees?
· The fees are $5.00 per occasion up to 6 times in a calendar year; $12.00 per week; $36.00 per month or $400.00 per year.
What is a winner-take-all round?
· “Winner-take-all round” means a bingo game or series of games in which all proceeds from the sale of cards for that round are paid to players as prizes during that round.
What is the limit for Bingo?
· $1,400 occasion and a prize limit of $400 per game. For Winner-Take-All games there is no total limit, but a prize limit of $500 per game.
Do you have to be a member to conduct Bingo?
· Yes.
Whose responsibility is it to exclude a disorderly person at Bingo?
· The licensee’s.
What other games of chance are allowed in conjunction with Bingo?
· Sealed tickets are the only game of chance that may be sold two hours prior, during and two hours after the Bingo occasion. Lottery tickets (sold by a licensed lottery agent) and Raffle tickets may be sold one hour prior to the start of the Bingo occasion
Who may buy sealed tickets at a Bingo occasion?
· Sealed tickets may only be purchased by those persons playing Bingo. In order to qualify as a Bingo player that person must have purchased their Bingo cards for the occasion.
What can I use the Bingo proceeds for?
· Those expenses which further the purpose for which the organization is formed.
Can I pay workers?
· Only Bingo workers and workers conducting sealed tickets in conjunction with Bingo.
o An amount not to exceed 200% of the minimum wage and the total paid to all workers may not exceed 20% net.
o Payments to Bingo workers may only be paid only from the account utilized for Bingo and payments to Sealed Ticket workers may only be paid from the account utilized for Games of Chance.
Are Bingo licenses transferable?
· No.
Are there any refunds for unused licenses?
· No.
Can we rent Bingo equipment?
· No.
If a person calls Bingo and the caller has removed the ball from the blower, but the number has not been announced does the caller put the ball back in the blower?
· Yes, the caller needs to put the ball back in the blower or cage.
How many wins on a single card?
· House rule dictate.
Can one player assist another player?
· No.
How long do we have to maintain Bingo records?
· 3 years
If I want to move the occasion from the hall to (any other location) what do I have to do?
· Simply request a location permit for that location if it is in the same town. If it is a different town then a new license and location permit will have to be issued.
If you have questions please call the Gaming section.
· Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 624-7210