Numerous nonprofit organizations rely on bingo operations as a source of funding for their causes. The Ohio Attorney General’s Office helps ensure these groups are properly registered with the state and receive the training necessary to operate within the law.
Bingo Law Updates
House Bill 386, signed by Gov. John Kasich on June 11, 2012, made a number of changes to the bingo statutes that are effective immediately. (To read the complete legislation, click
here).
Major changes include:
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The General Assembly expanded the types of organizations eligible to apply for bingo licenses. Now all 501c3 organizations that have been in continuous operation for at least two years may apply for a bingo license to raise funds for charitable purposes. Those considering applying for a new license might want to register to attend a Bingo School training to learn the recordkeeping and other requirements. Otherwise, new applicants should apply online.
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Also eligible for bingo licenses are volunteer rescue service organizations, volunteer firefighter’s organizations, veteran’s organizations, fraternal organizations or sporting organizations exempt under 501(c)(4), (c)(7), (c)(8), (c)(10) or (c)(19) and that have been in continuous existence for at least two years.
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Licensed charities can pay up to six percent of total gross receipts of a deal of tickets to an owner of a Type III premises for certain expenses incurred by the owner. However, the charity must pay these expenses on a check or ETF drawn on the bingo account similar to all other expenses. These expenses can only be paid after receiving an invoice itemizing those expenses. A model invoice has been provided. A modified application including a new contract, must be adopted and filed for organizations that decide to pursue that option. The new provisions are also provided in an information sheet.
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There is no longer a limit on the number of Type III locations that can be used within the county of the charitable organization. No locations are permitted in other counties.
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Traditional bingo can now be conducted until 2 AM.
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Charitable games of chance festivals can be conducted for no more than five days during a calendar year.
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Veteran, fraternal and sporting organizations can deduct real property taxes and assessments levied on a premises on which they conduct instant bingo as an expense in determining net profit from the proceeds of the sale of instant bingo.
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Electronic funds transfers can be used in addition to checks from the bingo account for expenses.
All of these changes will be reviewed at the Bingo School trainings held throughout the state, as well as the Fall Tour which will be held prior to the 2013 application period.