Q: What kind of charitable or non-profit gaming is legal in Idaho?
By Idaho Statute, only charitable/non-profit organizations can conduct bingo and raffles. All other gaming activities such as poker runs, calcuttas and casino nights are strictly prohibited.
Q: Who can qualify for a charitable or non-profit bingo/raffle license?
Any bona fide tax-exempt charitable or non-profit organization that has been in continuous existence for one year in the county where it intends to operate bingo/raffle games can qualify for a Charitable Gaming License. The charitable organization must have IRS tax exempt status under section 501 ( c ) 3, 501 ( c ) 4, 501 ( c ) 6, 501 ( c ) 8, 501 ( c ) 10, 501 ( c ) 19, 501 (d) and be exempt from taxes under Title 63, Idaho Code. Non-profit organizations must be certified by the Secretary of State, as specified in the state statute, and the charitable contributions made from the proceeds of the bingo and/or raffle must be used for a charitable purpose as defined by IDAPA52, Title 01, Chapter 02 – Gaming Rules. The term “non-profit organization” is defined by an organization incorporated under Chapter 3, title 30, of the Idaho Code.
Q: How do you apply for a charitable or non-profit bingo/raffle license?
Application packets can be obtained from the Idaho Lottery by calling Lynette Craven at (208)334-2277 or from http://idaholottery.com/bingolicense.asp. The application must be completed and returned with a non-refundable fee to the Idaho Lottery.
Q: What is the cost of a charitable or non-profit bingo/raffle license?
Q: What is the cost of a charitable or non-profit bingo/raffle license?
The fee the first year an organization is licensed is $100.00. The fee for subsequent years is based on the amount of gross annual revenues from the bingo and/or raffle(s) held by the organization as follows:
Initial License (first year licensed) = $100
Subsequent years:
Less than $25,000 = $100
$25,000 to $75,000 = $200
Over $75,000 = $300
Criminal Background Investigations are required for the organization president and/or chairman, treasurer, and the individual(s) who will be managing/coordinating the fundraising event(s). An organization may conduct both raffle and bingo games under one license.
Q: Who is required to obtain a charitable or non-profit bingo/raffle license?
A charitable or non-profit organization conducting a bingo game where the annual gross bingo revenue is OVER ten thousand dollars ($10.000.00) must obtain a license. Also, a charitable or non-profit organization must obtain a license for raffles, if the aggregate fair market value for all merchandise prizes EXCEEDS one thousand dollars ($1000). However, organizations not needing a license must still comply with all requirements of the law.
A raffle is a game in which the prize is won by a random drawing of the name or number of one or more persons purchasing chances. Raffles also include duck (or other inanimate toys) races.
Bingo shall be limited to three 8-hour sessions per week (Sun-Sat), unless a special permit is issued for county fairs. The maximum top prize paid in cash or merchandise for any one game is $3,000. The maximum aggregate amount of prizes, in cash or merchandise offered at any one session (8-hour period) is limited to $25,000.
Raffles shall be limited to 12 events per license year. This limit shall not apply to public or private elementary or secondary schools located in the State of Idaho. The maximum cash prize offered for any one raffle is $1,000. If merchandise is used as a prize and is not redeemable for cash, there shall be no limit on the value of the merchandise. One event may include more than one raffle drawing.
The operation of bingo games or raffles shall be the direct responsibility of, and controlled by, a special committee selected by the governing body of the charitable or non-profit organization. If the governing body has not appointed a special committee, the members of the governing body shall be held responsible for the conduct of the bingo games or raffles.
Violation of Chapter 77, Title 67, Idaho Code, can result in a civil penalty not in excess of $10,000 and a criminal penalty of not more than a $1,000 fine and imprisonment of not more than 12 months in jail or both.
All funds received in connection with a bingo game must be placed in a separate bank account. The only allowable expenditures are for prizes, advertising, rent, utilities, wages and purchases of equipment and supplies for bingo games and raffle events. All organizations must track bingo sales by sequentially numbered paper for audit purposes. Winner’s names and addresses for prizes exceeding $100 must be recorded by charitable or non-profit organizations. Records are to be retained by the organization for three years. All licensed organizations are required to file an Annual Report with the Idaho Lottery within 30 days from the end of the license year on forms prescribed by the Idaho Lottery.
Licensing charitable and/or non-profit organizations to conduct bingo and/or raffles is the responsibility of the Idaho Lottery. Upon receiving a complete application, the Idaho Lottery will approve or deny within 15 days. If approved, the Idaho Lottery will issue the license to the charitable or non-profit organization. Refusal to grant a license by the Idaho Lottery shall be communicated to the applicant in writing within 15 days of such action. The applicant may appeal the decision within 15 days and a hearing will be held within 21 days (of the action or appeal).
Q: What percentages of gaming funds collected must be used for charitable or non-profit causes and expenses?
BINGO: A minimum of 20% of the gross revenue must be used for charitable purposes per Idaho Code 67-7709. Prize payout cannot exceed 65% of gross revenue and expenses cannot exceed 15% of gross revenue. Note: The prize payout percentage can be increased up to 70%, however the total expense percentage must be decreased proportionately.
RAFFLES: Not less than 90% of net raffle proceeds (net raffle proceeds equals total raffle sales less cost of prizes, except in the case of inanimate toy races) must be used for charitable or non-profit purposes per Idaho Code 67-7709.
Q: How can a license be revoked, suspended or denied?
The Idaho Lottery may revoke, suspend or deny a license for violation or non-compliance with state law, or Lottery rules concerning gaming. Additionally, by losing tax exempt status; by misrepresentation, fraud or concealment of facts and information to obtain a license or operate bingo/raffles; by denying the Idaho Lottery officials access to gaming location and books; or violation of criminal or civil laws pertaining to gaming.
$80 MILLION!
$6.7
MILLION
$1,480,000
