Article 1.1:1. Charitable Gaming.
§ 18.2-340.15. State control of charitable gaming.
A. Charitable gaming as authorized herein shall be permitted in the Commonwealth as a means of funding qualified organizations but shall be conducted only in strict compliance with the provisions of this article. The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is vested with control of all charitable gaming in the Commonwealth. The Charitable Gaming Board shall have the power to prescribe regulations and conditions under which such gaming shall be conducted to ensure that it is conducted in a manner consistent with the purpose for which it is permitted.
B. The conduct of any charitable gaming is a privilege that may be granted or denied by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services or its duly authorized representatives in its discretion in order to effectuate the purposes set forth in this article.
1995, c. 837; 2003, c. 884; 2006, c. 644; 2008, cc. 387, 689.§ 18.2-340.16. Definitions.
As used in this article, unless the context requires a different meaning:
“Bingo” means a specific game of chance played with (i) individual cards having randomly numbered squares ranging from one to 75, (ii) Department-approved electronic devices that display facsimiles of bingo cards and are used for the purpose of marking and monitoring players’ cards as numbers are called, or (iii) Department-approved cards, in which prizes are awarded on the basis of designated numbers on such cards conforming to a predetermined pattern of numbers selected at random.
“Board” means the Charitable Gaming Board created pursuant to § 2.2-2455.
“Bona fide member” means an individual who participates in activities of a qualified organization other than such organization’s charitable gaming activities.
“Charitable gaming” or “charitable games” means those raffles, Texas Hold’em poker tournaments, and games of chance explicitly authorized by this article.
“Charitable gaming supplies” includes bingo cards or sheets, devices for selecting bingo numbers, instant bingo cards, pull-tab cards and seal cards, playing cards for Texas Hold’em poker, poker chips, and any other equipment or product manufactured for or intended to be used in the conduct of charitable games. However, for the purposes of this article, charitable gaming supplies shall not include items incidental to the conduct of charitable gaming such as markers, wands, or tape.
“Commissioner” means the Commissioner of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
“Conduct” means the actions associated with the provision of a gaming operation during and immediately before or after the permitted activity, which may include, but not be limited to, (i) selling bingo cards or packs, electronic devices, instant bingo or pull-tab cards, or raffle tickets, (ii) calling bingo games, (iii) distributing prizes, and (iv) any other services provided by volunteer workers.
“Department” means the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
“Fair market rental value” means the rent that a rental property will bring when offered for lease by a lessor who desires to lease the property but is not obligated to do so and leased by a lessee under no necessity of leasing.
“Gaming expenses” means prizes, supplies, costs of publicizing gaming activities, audit and administration or permit fees, and a portion of the rent, utilities, accounting and legal fees and such other reasonable and proper expenses as are directly incurred for the conduct of charitable gaming.
“Gross receipts” means the total amount of money generated by an organization from charitable gaming before the deduction of expenses, including prizes.
“Instant bingo,” “pull tabs,” or “seal cards” means specific games of chance played by the random selection of one or more individually prepacked cards, including Department-approved electronic versions thereof, with winners being determined by the preprinted or predetermined appearance of concealed letters, numbers or symbols that must be exposed by the player to determine wins and losses and may include the use of a seal card which conceals one or more numbers or symbols that have been designated in advance as prize winners. Such cards may be dispensed by electronic or mechanical equipment.
“Jackpot” means a bingo game that the organization has designated on its game program as a jackpot game in which the prize amount is greater than $100.
“Landlord” means any person or his agent, firm, association, organization, partnership, or corporation, employee, or immediate family member thereof, which owns and leases, or leases any premises devoted in whole or in part to the conduct of bingo games, and any person residing in the same household as a landlord.
“Management” means the provision of oversight of a gaming operation, which may include, but is not limited to, the responsibilities of applying for and maintaining a permit or authorization, compiling, submitting and maintaining required records and financial reports, and ensuring that all aspects of the operation are in compliance with all applicable statutes and regulations.
“Network bingo” means a specific bingo game in which pari-mutuel play is permitted.
“Network bingo provider” means a person licensed by the Department to operate network bingo.
“Operation” means the activities associated with production of a charitable gaming activity, which may include, but not be limited to (i) the direct on-site supervision of the conduct of charitable gaming; (ii) coordination of volunteers; and (iii) all responsibilities of charitable gaming designated by the organization’s management.
“Organization” means any one of the following:
1. A volunteer fire department or volunteer emergency medical services agency or auxiliary unit thereof that has been recognized in accordance with § 15.2-955 by an ordinance or resolution of the political subdivision where the volunteer fire department or volunteer emergency medical services agency is located as being a part of the safety program of such political subdivision;
2. An organization that is exempt from income tax pursuant to § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, is operated, and has always been operated, exclusively for educational purposes, and awards scholarships to accredited public institutions of higher education or other postsecondary schools licensed or certified by the Board of Education or the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia;
3. An athletic association or booster club or a band booster club established solely to raise funds for school-sponsored athletic or band activities for a public school or private school accredited pursuant to § 22.1-19 or to provide scholarships to students attending such school;
4. An association of war veterans or auxiliary units thereof organized in the United States;
5. A fraternal association or corporation operating under the lodge system;
6. An organization that is exempt from income tax pursuant to § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and is operated, and has always been operated, exclusively to provide services and other resources to older Virginians, as defined in § 51.5-116;
7. An organization that is exempt from income tax pursuant to § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and is operated, and has always been operated, exclusively to foster youth amateur sports;
8. An organization that is exempt from income tax pursuant to § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and is operated, and has always been operated, exclusively to provide health care services or conduct medical research;
9. An accredited public institution of higher education or other postsecondary school licensed or certified by the Board of Education or the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia that is exempt from income tax pursuant to § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code;
10. A church or religious organization that is exempt from income tax pursuant to § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code;
11. An organization that is exempt from income tax pursuant to § 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code and is operated, and has always been operated, exclusively to (i) create and foster a spirit of understanding among the people of the world; (ii) promote the principles of good government and citizenship; (iii) take an active interest in the civic, cultural, social, and moral welfare of the community; (iv) provide a forum for the open discussion of matters of public interest; (v) encourage individuals to serve the community without personal financial reward; and (vi) encourage efficiency and promote high ethical standards in commerce, industries, professions, public works, and private endeavors;
12. An organization that is exempt from income tax pursuant to § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and is operated, and has always been operated, exclusively to (i) raise awareness of law-enforcement officers who died in the line of duty; (ii) raise funds for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial and Museum; and (iii) raise funds for the charitable causes of other organizations that are exempt from income tax pursuant to § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code;
13. An organization that is exempt from income tax pursuant to § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and is operated, and has always been operated, exclusively to (i) promote the conservation of the environment, caves, or other natural resources; (ii) promote or develop opportunities for the use of science and technology to advance the conservation of the environment, caves, or other natural resources; and (iii) raise funds for the conservation of the environment, caves, or other natural resources or provide grant opportunities to other nonprofit organizations that are devoted to such conservation efforts;
14. A local chamber of commerce; or
15. Any other nonprofit organization that is exempt from income tax pursuant to § 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code and that raises funds by conducting raffles, bingo, instant bingo, pull tabs, or seal cards that generate annual gross receipts of $40,000 or less, provided that such gross receipts, less expenses and prizes, are used exclusively for charitable, educational, religious or community purposes. Notwithstanding § 18.2-340.26:1, proceeds from instant bingo, pull tabs, and seal cards shall be included when calculating an organization’s annual gross receipts for the purposes of this subdivision.
“Pari-mutuel play” means an integrated network operated by a licensee of the Department comprised of participating charitable organizations for the conduct of network bingo games in which the purchase of a network bingo card by a player automatically includes the player in a pool with all other players in the network, and where the prize to the winning player is awarded based on a percentage of the total amount of network bingo cards sold in a particular network.
“Qualified organization” means any organization to which a valid permit has been issued by the Department to conduct charitable gaming or any organization that is exempt pursuant to § 18.2-340.23.
“Raffle” means a lottery in which the prize is won by (i) a random drawing of the name or prearranged number of one or more persons purchasing chances or (ii) a random contest in which the winning name or preassigned number of one or more persons purchasing chances is determined by a race involving inanimate objects floating on a body of water, commonly referred to as a “duck race.”
“Reasonable and proper business expenses” means business expenses actually incurred by a qualified organization in the conduct of charitable gaming and not otherwise allowed under this article or under Board regulations on real estate and personal property tax payments, travel expenses, payments of utilities and trash collection services, legal and accounting fees, costs of business furniture, fixtures and office equipment and costs of acquisition, maintenance, repair or construction of an organization’s real property. For the purpose of this definition, salaries and wages of employees whose primary responsibility is to provide services for the principal benefit of an organization’s members shall not qualify as a business expense. However, payments made pursuant to § 51.1-1204 to the Volunteer Firefighters’ and Rescue Squad Workers’ Service Award Fund shall be deemed a reasonable and proper business expense.
“Supplier” means any person who offers to sell, sells or otherwise provides charitable gaming supplies to any qualified organization.
“Texas Hold’em poker game” means a variation of poker in which (i) players receive two cards facedown that may be used individually, (ii) five cards shown face up are shared among all players in the game, (iii) players combine any number of their individual cards with the shared cards to make the highest five-card hand to win the value wagered during the game, and (iv) the ranking of hands and the rules of the game are governed by the official rules of the Poker Tournament Directors Association.
“Texas Hold’em poker tournament” or “tournament” means an organized competition of players (i) who pay a fixed fee for entry into the competition and for a certain amount of poker chips for use in the competition; (ii) who may be allowed to pay an additional fee, during set preannounced times of the competition, to receive additional poker chips for use in the competition; (iii) who may be seated at one or more tables simultaneously playing Texas Hold’em poker games; (iv) who upon running out of poker chips are eliminated from the competition; and (v) a pre-set number of whom are awarded prizes of value according to how long such players remain in the competition.
1995, c. 837; 1996, c. 919; 1997, cc. 777, 838; 1998, cc. 57, 398; 1999, c. 534; 2002, cc. 282, 340; 2003, c. 884; 2006, c. 644; 2007, cc. 160, 264; 2008, cc. 387, 689; 2009, c. 121; 2010, c. 429; 2013, cc. 36, 350; 2015, cc. 502, 503; 2020, c. 982; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 520.§ 18.2-340.17. Repealed.
Repealed by Acts 2003, c. 884, cl. 2.§ 18.2-340.18. Powers and duties of the Department.
The Department shall have all powers and duties necessary to carry out the provisions of this article and to exercise the control of charitable gaming as set forth in § 18.2-340.15. Such powers and duties shall include but not be limited to the following:
1. The Department is vested with jurisdiction and supervision over all charitable gaming authorized under the provisions of this article and including all persons that conduct or provide goods, services or premises used in the conduct of charitable gaming. It may employ such persons as are necessary to ensure that charitable gaming is conducted in conformity with the provisions of this article and the regulations of the Board. The Department shall designate such agents and employees as it deems necessary and appropriate who shall be sworn to enforce the provisions of this article and the criminal laws of the Commonwealth and who shall be law-enforcement officers as defined in § 9.1-101.
2. The Department, its agents and employees and any law-enforcement officers charged with the enforcement of charitable gaming laws shall have free access to the offices, facilities or any other place of business of any organization, including any premises devoted in whole or in part to the conduct of charitable gaming. These individuals may enter such places or premises for the purpose of carrying out any duty imposed by this article, securing records required to be maintained by an organization, investigating complaints, or conducting audits.
3. The Department may compel the production of any books, documents, records, or memoranda of any organizations or supplier involved in the conduct of charitable gaming for the purpose of satisfying itself that this article and its regulations are strictly complied with. In addition, the Department may require the production of an annual balance sheet and operating statement of any person granted a permit pursuant to the provisions of this article and may require the production of any contract to which such person is or may be a party.
4. The Department may issue subpoenas for the attendance of witnesses before it, administer oaths, and compel production of records or other documents and testimony of such witnesses whenever, in the judgment of the Department, it is necessary to do so for the effectual discharge of its duties.
5. The Department may compel any person conducting charitable gaming to file with the Department such documents, information or data as shall appear to the Department to be necessary for the performance of its duties.
6. The Department may enter into arrangements with any governmental agency of this or any other state or any locality in the Commonwealth or any agency of the federal government for the purposes of exchanging information or performing any other act to better ensure the proper conduct of charitable gaming.
7. The Department may issue a charitable gaming permit while the permittee’s tax-exempt status is pending approval by the Internal Revenue Service.
8. The Department shall report annually to the Governor and the General Assembly, which report shall include a financial statement of the operation of the Department and any recommendations for legislation applicable to charitable gaming in the Commonwealth.
9. The Department, its agents and employees may conduct such audits, in addition to those required by § 18.2-340.31, as they deem necessary and desirable.
10. The Department may limit the number of organizations for which a person may manage, operate or conduct charitable games.
11. The Department may report any alleged criminal violation of this article to the appropriate attorney for the Commonwealth for appropriate action.
12. Beginning July 1, 2024, and at least once every five years thereafter, the Department shall convene a stakeholder work group to review the limitations on prize amounts and provide any recommendations to the General Assembly by November 30 of the year in which the stakeholder work group is convened.
1995, c. 837; 1997, cc. 777, 838; 2003, c. 884; 2006, c. 644; 2014, c. 208; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 491.§ 18.2-340.19. Regulations of the Board.
A. The Board shall adopt regulations that:
1. Require, as a condition of receiving a permit, that the applicant use a predetermined percentage of its gross receipts for (i) those lawful religious, charitable, community or educational purposes for which the organization is specifically chartered or organized or (ii) those expenses relating to the acquisition, construction, maintenance or repair of any interest in real property involved in the operation of the organization and used for lawful religious, charitable, community or educational purposes.
2. Specify the conditions under which a complete list of the organization’s members who participate in the management, operation or conduct of charitable gaming may be required in order for the Board to ascertain the percentage of Virginia residents in accordance with subdivision A 3 of § 18.2-340.24.
Membership lists furnished to the Board or Department in accordance with this subdivision shall not be a matter of public record and shall be exempt from disclosure under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act (§ 2.2-3700 et seq.).
3. Prescribe fees for processing applications for charitable gaming permits. Such fees may reflect the nature and extent of the charitable gaming activity proposed to be conducted.
4. Establish requirements for the audit of all reports required in accordance with § 18.2-340.30.
5. Define electronic and mechanical equipment used in the conduct of charitable gaming. Board regulations shall include capacity for such equipment to provide full automatic daubing as numbers are called. For the purposes of this subdivision, electronic or mechanical equipment for instant bingo, pull tabs, or seal cards shall include such equipment that displays facsimiles of instant bingo, pull tabs, or seal cards and are used solely for the purpose of dispensing or opening such paper or electronic cards, or both; but shall not include (i) devices operated by dropping one or more coins or tokens into a slot and pulling a handle or pushing a button or touchpoint on a touchscreen to activate one to three or more reels marked into horizontal segments by varying symbols, where the predetermined prize amount depends on how and how many of the symbols line up when the rotating reels come to rest, or (ii) other similar devices that display flashing lights or illuminations, or bells, whistles, or other sounds, solely intended to entice players to play. Such regulations shall not prohibit the use of multiple video monitors or touchscreens on an electronic pull tab device.
6. Prescribe the conditions under which a qualified organization may (i) provide food and nonalcoholic beverages to its members who participate in the management, operation or conduct of bingo; (ii) permit members who participate in the management, operation or conduct of bingo to play bingo; and (iii) subject to the provisions of subdivision 12 of § 18.2-340.33, permit nonmembers to participate in the conduct of bingo so long as the nonmembers are under the direct supervision of a bona fide member of the organization during the bingo game.
7. Prescribe the conditions under which a qualified organization may sell raffle tickets for a raffle drawing that will be held outside the Commonwealth pursuant to subsection B of § 18.2-340.26.
8. Prescribe the conditions under which persons who are bona fide members of a qualified organization or a child, above the age of 13 years, of a bona fide member of such organization may participate in the conduct or operation of bingo games.
9. Prescribe the conditions under which a person below the age of 18 years may play bingo, provided that such person is accompanied by his parent or legal guardian.
10. Require all qualified organizations that are subject to Board regulations to post in a conspicuous place in every place where charitable gaming is conducted a sign which bears a toll-free telephone number for “Gamblers Anonymous” or other organization which provides assistance to compulsive gamblers.
11. Prescribe the conditions under which a qualified organization may sell network bingo cards in accordance with § 18.2-340.28:1 and establish a percentage of proceeds derived from network bingo sales to be allocated to (i) prize pools, (ii) the organization conducting the network bingo, and (iii) the network bingo provider. The regulations shall also establish procedures for the retainage and ultimate distribution of any unclaimed prize.
12. Prescribe the conditions under which a qualified organization may manage, operate or contract with operators of, or conduct Texas Hold’em poker tournaments.
B. In addition to the powers and duties granted pursuant to § 2.2-2456 and this article, the Board may, by regulation, approve variations to the card formats for bingo games, provided that such variations result in bingo games that are conducted in a manner consistent with the provisions of this article. Board-approved variations may include, but are not limited to, bingo games commonly referred to as player selection games and 90-number bingo.
1995, c. 837; 1996, c. 919; 1997, cc. 777, 838; 1998, c. 845; 2001, c. 833; 2003, c. 884; 2006, c. 644; 2010, cc. 429, 572; 2013, cc. 36, 350; 2020, cc. 568, 982; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 14, 499, 520.§ 18.2-340.20. Denial, suspension or revocation of permit; hearings and appeals.
A. The Department may deny, suspend or revoke the permit of any organization found not to be in strict compliance with the provisions of this article and the regulations of the Board only after the proposed action by the Department has been reviewed and approved by the Board. The action of the Department in denying, suspending or revoking any permit shall be subject to the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq.).
B. Except as provided in §§ 18.2-340.25, 18.2-340.30 and 18.2-340.36, no permit to conduct charitable gaming shall be denied, suspended or revoked except upon notice stating the proposed basis for such action and the time and place for the hearing. At the discretion of the Department, hearings may be conducted by hearing officers who shall be selected from the list prepared by the Executive Secretary of the Supreme Court. After a hearing on the issues, the Department may refuse to issue or may suspend or revoke any such permit if it determines that the organization has not complied with the provisions of this article or the regulations of the Board.
C. Any person aggrieved by a refusal of the Department to issue any permit, the suspension or revocation of a permit, or any other action of the Department may seek review of such action in accordance with Article 4 (§ 2.2-4025 et seq.) of the Administrative Process Act.
1995, c. 837; 1996, c. 573; 1997, cc. 777, 838; 2000, c. 1000; 2001, c. 813; 2002, c. 282; 2003, c. 884; 2004, c. 213; 2006, c. 644; 2010, c. 711.§ 18.2-340.21. Repealed.
Repealed by Acts 2003, c. 884, cl. 2.§ 18.2-340.22. Only raffles, bingo, network bingo, instant bingo games, and Texas Hold’em poker tournaments permitted; prizes not gaming contracts.
A. This article permits qualified organizations to conduct raffles, bingo, network bingo, instant bingo games, and Texas Hold’em poker tournaments. All games not explicitly authorized by this article or Board regulations adopted in accordance with § 18.2-340.18 are prohibited. Nothing herein shall be construed to authorize the Board to approve the conduct of any other form of poker in the Commonwealth.
B. The award of any prize money for any charitable game shall not be deemed to be part of any gaming contract within the purview of § 11-14.
C. Nothing in this article shall prohibit an organization from using the Virginia Lottery’s Pick-3 number or any number or other designation selected by the Virginia Lottery in connection with any lottery, as the basis for determining the winner of a raffle.
1995, c. 837; 1997, cc. 777, 838; 2003, c. 884; 2013, cc. 36, 350; 2014, c. 225; 2020, c. 982.§ 18.2-340.23. Organizations exempt from certain fees and reports.
A. No organization that reasonably expects, based on prior charitable gaming annual results or any other quantifiable method, to realize gross receipts of $40,000 or less in any 12-month period from raffles conducted in accordance with the provisions of this article shall be required to (i) notify the Department of its intention to conduct raffles or (ii) comply with Board regulations governing raffles. If any organization’s actual gross receipts from raffles for the 12-month period exceed $40,000, the Department shall require the organization to file by a specified date the report required by § 18.2-340.30.
B. Any (i) organization described in subdivision 15 of the definition of “organization” in § 18.2-340.16 or (ii) volunteer fire department or volunteer emergency medical services agency or auxiliary unit thereof that has been recognized in accordance with § 15.2-955 by an ordinance or resolution of the political subdivision where the volunteer fire department or volunteer emergency medical services agency is located as being part of the safety program of such political subdivision shall be exempt from the payment of application fees required by § 18.2-340.25 and the payment of audit fees required by § 18.2-340.31. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed as exempting any organizations described in subdivision 15 of the definition of “organization” in § 18.2-340.16, volunteer fire departments, or volunteer emergency medical services agencies from any other provisions of this article or other Board regulations.
C. Nothing in this section shall prevent the Department from conducting any investigation or audit it deems appropriate to ensure an organization’s compliance with the provisions of this article and, to the extent applicable, Board regulations.
1995, c. 837; 1997, cc. 777, 838; 2003, c. 884; 2006, c. 644; 2009, c. 121; 2015, cc. 502, 503; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 520.§ 18.2-340.24. Eligibility for permit; exceptions; where valid.
A. To be eligible for a permit to conduct charitable gaming, an organization shall:
1. Have been in existence and met on a regular basis in the Commonwealth for a period of at least three years immediately prior to applying for a permit.
The three-year residency requirement shall not apply (i) to any lodge or chapter of a national or international fraternal order or of a national or international civic organization which is exempt under § 501(c) of the United States Internal Revenue Code and which has a lodge or chapter holding a charitable gaming permit issued under the provisions of this article anywhere within the Commonwealth; (ii) to booster clubs which have been operating for less than three years and which have been established solely to raise funds for school-sponsored activities in public schools or private schools accredited pursuant to § 22.1-19; (iii) to recently established volunteer fire and rescue companies or departments, after county, city or town approval; or (iv) to an organization which relocates its meeting place on a permanent basis from one jurisdiction to another, complies with the requirements of subdivision 2 of this section, and was the holder of a valid permit at the time of its relocation.
2. Be operating currently and have always been operated as a nonprofit organization.
3. Have at least 50 percent of its membership consist of residents of the Commonwealth; however, if an organization (i) does not consist of bona fide members and (ii) is exempt under § 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code, the Board shall exempt such organizations from the requirements of this subdivision.
B. Any organization whose gross receipts from all charitable gaming exceeds or can be expected to exceed $40,000 in any calendar year shall have been granted tax-exempt status pursuant to § 501(c) of the United States Internal Revenue Code. At the same time tax-exempt status is sought from the Internal Revenue Service, the same documentation may be filed with the Department in conjunction with an application for a charitable gaming permit. If such documentation is filed, the Department may, after reviewing such documentation it deems necessary, issue a charitable gaming permit.
C. A permit shall be valid only for the dates and times designated in the permit.
1995, c. 837; 1996, c. 919; 2003, c. 884; 2006, c. 644; 2009, c. 121; 2014, c. 208; 2020, c. 568.§ 18.2-340.25. Permit required; application fee; form of application.
A. Except as provided for in § 18.2-340.23, prior to the commencement of any charitable game, an organization shall obtain a permit from the Department.
B. All complete applications for a permit shall be acted upon by the Department within 45 days from the filing thereof. Upon compliance by the applicant with the provisions of this article, and at the discretion of the Department, a permit may be issued. All permits when issued shall be valid for the period specified in the permit unless it is sooner suspended or revoked. No permit shall be valid for longer than two years. The application shall be a matter of public record.
All permits shall be subject to regulation by the Department to ensure the public safety and welfare in the operation of charitable games. The permit shall only be granted after a reasonable investigation has been conducted by the Department. The Department may require any prospective employee, permit holder or applicant to submit to fingerprinting and to provide personal descriptive information to be forwarded along with employee’s, licensee’s or applicant’s fingerprints through the Central Criminal Records Exchange to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the purposes of obtaining criminal history record information regarding such prospective employee, permit holder or applicant. The Central Criminal Records Exchange upon receipt of a prospective employee, licensee or applicant record or notification that no record exists, shall forward the report to the Commissioner of the Department or his designee, who shall belong to a governmental entity. However, nothing in this subsection shall be construed to require the routine fingerprinting of volunteer bingo workers.
C. In no case shall an organization receive more than one permit allowing it to conduct charitable gaming.
D. Application for a charitable gaming permit shall be made on forms prescribed by the Department and shall be accompanied by payment of the fee for processing the application.
E. Applications for renewal of permits shall be made in accordance with Board Regulations. If a complete renewal application is received 45 days or more prior to the expiration of the permit, the permit shall continue to be effective until such time as the Department has taken final action. Otherwise, the permit shall expire at the end of its term.
F. The failure to meet any of the requirements of § 18.2-340.24 shall cause the automatic denial of the permit, and no organization shall conduct any charitable gaming until the requirements are met and a permit is obtained.
1995, c. 837; 1997, cc. 777, 838; 1999, c. 361; 2003, c. 884; 2006, cc. 211, 644; 2008, cc. 387, 689; 2017, c. 739; 2020, c. 568.§ 18.2-340.26. Sale of raffle tickets; drawings.
A. Except as provided in subsection B, a qualified organization may sell raffle tickets both in and out of the jurisdiction designated in its permit and shall conduct the drawing within the Commonwealth.
B. A qualified organization may sell raffle tickets for a raffle drawing which will be held outside the Commonwealth, provided the raffle is conducted in accordance with (i) the regulations of the Board and (ii) the laws and regulations of the jurisdiction in which the raffle drawing will be held.
C. Before a prize drawing, each stub or other detachable section of each ticket sold or won through some other authorized charitable game conducted by the same organization holding the raffle, shall be placed into a receptacle from which the winning tickets are drawn. The receptacle shall be designed so that each ticket placed in it has an equal chance of being drawn.
1995, c. 837; 1997, cc. 777, 838; 2001, c. 833; 2003, c. 884; 2006, c. 644; 2008, c. 573.§ 18.2-340.26:1. Sale of instant bingo, pull tabs, or seal cards; proceeds not counted as gross receipts.
A. Instant bingo, pull tabs, or seal cards may be sold only (i) by a qualified organization, as defined in § 18.2-340.16, (ii) upon premises that are owned or exclusively and entirely leased by the qualified organization, and (iii) at such times that the premises in which the instant bingo, pull tabs, or seal cards are sold is open only to members and their guests via controlled access. No organization, except for an association of war veterans or auxiliary units thereof organized in the United States or a fraternal association or corporation operating under the lodge system, may sell instant bingo, pull tabs, or seal cards (a) at a location outside of the county, city, or town in which the organization’s principal office, as registered with the State Corporation Commission, is located or in an adjoining county, city, or town or (b) at an establishment that has been granted a license pursuant to Chapter 2 (§ 4.1-200 et seq.) of Title 4.1 unless such license is held by the organization. Nothing in this article shall be construed to prohibit the conduct of games of chance involving the sale of pull tabs, or seal cards, commonly known as last sale games, conducted in accordance with this section.
B. Except as otherwise provided in subdivision 15 of the definition of “organization” in § 18.2-340.16, the proceeds from instant bingo, pull tabs, or seal cards shall not be included in determining the gross receipts for a qualified organization provided the gaming (i) is limited exclusively to members of the organization and their guests, (ii) is not open to the general public, and (iii) there is no public solicitation or advertisement made regarding such gaming.
C. No more than 18 devices that facilitate the play of electronic versions of instant bingo, pull tabs, or seal cards, commonly referred to as electronic pull tabs, may be used upon the premises owned or exclusively leased by the organization and at such times as the portion of the premises in which the instant bingo, pull tabs, or seal cards are sold is open only to members and their guests.
2001, c. 833; 2006, c. 644; 2007, c. 196; 2020, c. 979; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 520.§ 18.2-340.26:2. Sale of instant bingo, pull tabs, or seal cards by certain booster clubs.
As a part of its annual fund-raising event, any qualified organization that is an athletic association or booster club or a band booster club may sell instant bingo, pull tabs, or seal cards provided that (i) the sale is limited to a single event in a calendar year and (ii) the event is open to the public. The Department may require organizations authorized under this section to make such financial reporting as it deems necessary.
Nothing in this section shall be construed as exempting organizations authorized to sell instant bingo, pull tabs, or seal cards under this section from any other provisions of this article or other Board regulations.
2007, c. 160.§ 18.2-340.27. Conduct of bingo games.
A. A qualified organization shall accept only cash or, at its option, checks or debit cards in payment of any charges or assessments for players to participate in bingo games. However, no such organization shall accept postdated checks in payment of any charges or assessments for players to participate in bingo games.
B. No qualified organization or any person on the premises shall extend lines of credit or accept any credit or other electronic fund transfer other than debit cards in payment of any charges or assessments for players to participate in bingo games.
C. Bingo games may be held by qualified organizations on any calendar day.
D. Qualified organizations may hold an unlimited number of bingo sessions on any calendar day.
E. Any organization may conduct bingo games only in the county, city, or town in which its principal office, as registered with the State Corporation Commission, is located or in an adjoining county, city, or town. An organization shall have only one principal office. An organization may not conduct bingo games at an establishment that has been granted a license pursuant to Chapter 2 (§ 4.1-200 et seq.) of Title 4.1 unless such license is held by the organization. This subsection shall not apply to any association of war veterans or auxiliary units thereof organized in the United States or any fraternal association or corporation operating under the lodge system.
1995, c. 837; 2006, c. 644; 2010, c. 429; 2017, c. 739; 2020, c. 568; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 520.§ 18.2-340.27:1. Repealed.
Repealed by Acts 2020, c. 568, cl. 2.§ 18.2-340.28. Conduct of instant bingo, network bingo, pull tabs, and seal cards.
A. Any organization qualified to conduct bingo games pursuant to the provisions of this article may also play instant bingo, network bingo, pull tabs, or seal cards; however, such games shall be played only at such times designated in the permit for regular bingo games and only at locations at which the organization is authorized to conduct regular bingo games pursuant to subsection E of § 18.2-340.27.
B. Any organization conducting instant bingo, network bingo, pull tabs, or seal cards shall maintain a record of the date, quantity and card value of instant bingo supplies purchased as well as the name and address of the supplier of such supplies. The organization shall also maintain a written invoice or receipt from a nonmember of the organization verifying any information required by this subsection. Such supplies shall be paid for only by check drawn on the gaming account of the organization. A complete inventory of all such gaming supplies shall be maintained by the organization on the premises where the gaming is being conducted.
C. No qualified organization shall sell any instant bingo, network bingo, pull tabs, or seal cards to any individual younger than 18 years of age. No individual younger than 18 years of age shall play or redeem any instant bingo, network bingo, pull tabs, or seal cards.
D. The use of electronic pull tab devices utilizing multiple video monitors or touchscreens shall be limited to one player at a time.
1995, c. 837; 1997, cc. 777, 838; 2006, c. 644; 2013, cc. 36, 350; 2020, c. 568; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 14, 499, 520.§ 18.2-340.28:1. Conduct of network bingo.
A. Any organization qualified to conduct bingo games pursuant to the provisions of this article may also sell network bingo cards; however, network bingo shall be sold only at such times designated in the permit for regular bingo games and only at locations at which the organization is authorized to conduct regular bingo games pursuant to subsection E of § 18.2-340.27.
B. Any organization selling network bingo cards shall maintain a record of the date and quantity of network bingo cards purchased from a licensed network bingo provider. The organization shall also maintain a written invoice or receipt from a licensed supplier verifying any information required by this subsection. Such supplies shall be paid for only by check drawn on the gaming account of the organization or by electronic fund transfer. A complete inventory of all such gaming supplies shall be maintained by the organization on the premises where network bingo cards are sold.
C. No qualified organization shall sell any network bingo cards to any individual younger than 18 years of age. No individual younger than 18 years of age shall play or redeem any network bingo cards.
D. A qualified organization shall accept only cash or, at its option, checks or debit cards in payment of any charges or assessments for players to participate in any network bingo game. However, no such organization shall accept postdated checks in payment of any charges or assessments for players to participate in network bingo games.
E. No qualified organization or any person on the premises shall extend lines of credit or accept any credit or other electronic fund transfer other than debit cards in payment of any charges or assessments for players to participate in network bingo games.
F. No qualified organization shall conduct network bingo more frequently than one day in any calendar week, which shall not be the same day of each week.
G. No network bingo games shall be permitted in the social quarters of an organization that are open only to the organization’s members and their guests.
H. No qualified organization shall sell network bingo cards on the Internet or other online service or allow the play of network bingo on the Internet or other online service. However, the location where network bingo games are conducted shall be equipped with a video monitor, television, or video screen, or any other similar means of visually displaying a broadcast or signal, that relays live, real-time video of the numbers as they are called by a live caller. The Internet or other online service may be used to relay information about winning players.
I. Qualified organizations may award network bingo prizes on a graduated scale; however, no single network bingo prize shall exceed $25,000.
J. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit an organization from participating in more than one network bingo network.
2013, cc. 36, 350; 2020, c. 568; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 520.§ 18.2-340.28:2. Conduct of Texas Hold’em poker tournaments by qualified organizations; limitation of operator fee; conditions.
A. Any organization qualified to conduct bingo games on or after July 1, 2019, may conduct Texas Hold’em poker tournaments. The Board shall promulgate regulations establishing circumstances under which organizations qualified to conduct bingo games prior to July 1, 2019, may conduct Texas Hold’em poker tournaments.
B. A qualified organization may contract with an operator to administer Texas Hold’em poker tournaments. Limitations on operator fees shall be established by Board regulations.
C. A qualified organization shall accept only cash or, at its option, checks in payment of any charges or assessments for players to participate in Texas Hold’em poker tournaments. However, no such organization shall accept postdated checks in payment of any charges or assessments for players to participate in Texas Hold’em poker tournaments.
D. No qualified organization or any person on the premises shall extend lines of credit or accept any credit or debit card or other electronic fund transfer in payment of any charges or assessments for players to participate in Texas Hold’em poker tournaments.
E. No qualified organization shall allow any individual younger than 18 years of age to participate in Texas Hold’em poker tournaments.
2020, c. 982.§ 18.2-340.29. Joint operation of bingo games; written reports; joint permit required.
A. Any two or more qualified organizations may jointly organize and conduct bingo games provided both have fully complied with all other provisions of this article.
B. Any two or more qualified organizations jointly conducting such games shall be (i) subject to the same restrictions and prohibitions contained in this article that would apply to a single organization conducting bingo games and (ii) required to furnish to the Department a written report setting forth the location where such games will be held, the division of manpower, costs, and proceeds for each game to be jointly conducted.
Upon a finding that the division of manpower and costs for each game bears a reasonable relationship to the division of proceeds, the Department shall issue a joint permit.
C. No bingo game shall be jointly conducted until the joint permit issued pursuant to subsection B is obtained by the organizations.
1995, c. 837; 2003, c. 884; 2006, c. 644.§ 18.2-340.30. Reports of gross receipts and disbursements required; form of reports; failure to file.
A. Each qualified organization shall keep a complete record of all inventory of charitable gaming supplies purchased, all receipts from its charitable gaming operation, and all disbursements related to such operation. Except as provided in § 18.2-340.23, each qualified organization shall file at least annually, on a form prescribed by the Department, a report of all such receipts and disbursements, the amount of money on hand attributable to charitable gaming as of the end of the period covered by the report and any other information related to its charitable gaming operation that the Department may require. In addition, the Board, by regulation, may require any qualified organization whose net receipts exceed a specified amount during any three-month period to file a report of its receipts and disbursements for such period. All reports filed pursuant to this section shall be a matter of public record.
B. All reports required by this section shall be filed on or before the date prescribed by the Department. The Board, by regulation, shall establish a schedule of late fees to be assessed for any organization that fails to submit required reports by the due date.
C. Except as provided in § 18.2-340.23, each qualified organization shall designate or compensate an outside individual or group who shall be responsible for filing an annual, and, if required, quarterly, financial report if the organization goes out of business or otherwise ceases to conduct charitable gaming activities. The Department shall require such reports as it deems necessary until all proceeds of any charitable gaming have been used for the purposes specified in § 18.2-340.19 or have been disbursed in a manner approved by the Department.
D. Each qualified organization shall maintain for three years a complete written record of (i) all charitable gaming sessions using Department prescribed forms or reasonable facsimiles thereof approved by the Department; (ii) the name and address of each individual to whom is awarded any charitable gaming prize or jackpot that meets or exceeds the requirements of Internal Revenue Service Publication 3079, as well as the amount of the award; and (iii) an itemized record of all receipts and disbursements, including operating costs and use of proceeds incurred in operating bingo games.
E. The failure to file reports within 30 days of the time such reports are due shall cause the automatic revocation of the permit, and no organization shall conduct any bingo game or raffle thereafter until the report is properly filed and a new permit is obtained. However, the Department may grant an extension of time for filing such reports for a period not to exceed 45 days if requested by an organization, provided the organization requests an extension within 15 days of the time such reports are due and all projected fees are paid. For the term of any such extension, the organization’s permit shall not be automatically revoked, such organization may continue to conduct charitable gaming, and no new permit shall be required.
1995, c. 837; 1997, cc. 777, 838; 1999, c. 360; 2003, c. 884; 2006, c. 644; 2007, c. 541; 2014, c. 208.§ 18.2-340.30:1. Repealed.
Repealed by Acts 2010, c. 429, cl. 2.§ 18.2-340.31. Audit of reports; exemption; audit and administration fee; additional gross receipts assessment.
A. All reports filed pursuant to § 18.2-340.30 shall be subject to audit by the Department in accordance with Board regulations. The Department may engage the services of independent certified public accountants to perform any audits deemed necessary to fulfill the Department’s responsibilities under this article.
B. The Department shall prescribe a reasonable audit and administration fee to be paid by any organization conducting charitable gaming under a permit issued by the Department unless the organization is exempt from such fee pursuant to § 18.2-340.23. Such fee shall not exceed one and one-quarter percent of the gross receipts which an organization reports pursuant to § 18.2-340.30. The audit and administration fee shall accompany each report for each calendar quarter.
C. The audit and administration fee shall be payable to the Treasurer of Virginia. All such fees received by the Treasurer of Virginia shall be separately accounted for and shall be used only by the Department for the purposes of auditing and regulating charitable gaming.
D. In addition to the fee imposed under subsection B, an additional fee of one-quarter of one percent of the gross receipts that an organization reports pursuant to § 18.2-340.30 shall be paid by the organization to the Treasurer of Virginia. All such amounts shall be collected and deposited in the same manner as prescribed in subsections B and C and shall be used for the same purposes.
1995, c. 837; 1997, cc. 777, 838; 2003, c. 884; 2006, c. 644; 2020, c. 982.§ 18.2-340.32. Repealed.
Repealed by Acts 2004, c. 462.§ 18.2-340.33. Prohibited practices.
In addition to those other practices prohibited by this article, the following acts or practices are prohibited:
1. No part of the gross receipts derived by a qualified organization may be used for any purpose other than (i) reasonable and proper gaming expenses, (ii) reasonable and proper business expenses, (iii) those lawful religious, charitable, community or educational purposes for which the organization is specifically chartered or organized, and (iv) expenses relating to the acquisition, construction, maintenance, or repair of any interest in the real property involved in the operation of the organization and used for lawful religious, charitable, community or educational purposes. For the purposes of clause (iv), such expenses may include the expenses of a corporation formed for the purpose of serving as the real estate holding entity of a qualified organization, provided (a) such holding entity is qualified as a tax exempt organization under § 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code and (b) the membership of the qualified organization is identical to such holding entity.
2. Except as provided in § 18.2-340.34:1, no qualified organization shall enter into a contract with or otherwise employ for compensation any person for the purpose of organizing, managing, or conducting any charitable games. However, organizations composed of or for deaf or blind persons may use a part of their gross receipts for costs associated with providing clerical assistance in the management and operation but not the conduct of charitable gaming.
The provisions of this subdivision shall not prohibit the joint operation of bingo games held in accordance with § 18.2-340.29.
3. No person shall pay or receive for use of any premises devoted, in whole or in part, to the conduct of any charitable games, any consideration in excess of the current fair market rental value of such property. Fair market rental value consideration shall not be based upon or determined by reference to a percentage of the proceeds derived from the operation of any charitable games or to the number of people in attendance at such charitable games.
4. No person shall participate in the management or operation of any charitable game unless such person is and, for a period of at least 30 days immediately preceding such participation, has been a bona fide member of the organization. For any organization that is not composed of members, a person who is not a bona fide member may volunteer in the conduct of a charitable game as long as that person is directly supervised by a bona fide official member of the organization.
The provisions of this subdivision shall not apply to (i) persons employed as clerical assistants by qualified organizations composed of or for deaf or blind persons; (ii) employees of a corporate sponsor of a qualified organization, provided such employees’ participation is limited to the management, operation or conduct of no more than one raffle per year; (iii) the spouse or family member of any such bona fide member of a qualified organization provided at least one bona fide member is present; or (iv) persons employed by a qualified organization authorized to sell pull tabs or seal cards in accordance with § 18.2-340.16, provided (a) such sales are conducted by no more than two on-duty employees, (b) such employees receive no compensation for or based on the sale of the pull tabs or seal cards, and (c) such sales are conducted in the private social quarters of the organization.
5. No person shall receive any remuneration for participating in the management, operation or conduct of any charitable game, except that:
a. Persons employed by organizations composed of or for deaf or blind persons may receive remuneration not to exceed $30 per event for providing clerical assistance in the management and operation but not the conduct of charitable games only for such organizations;
b. Persons under the age of 19 who sell raffle tickets for a qualified organization to raise funds for youth activities in which they participate may receive nonmonetary incentive awards or prizes from the organization;
c. Remuneration may be paid to off-duty law-enforcement officers from the jurisdiction in which such bingo games are played for providing uniformed security for such bingo games even if such officer is a member of the sponsoring organization, provided the remuneration paid to such member is in accordance with off-duty law-enforcement personnel work policies approved by the local law-enforcement official and further provided that such member is not otherwise engaged in the management, operation or conduct of the bingo games of that organization, or to private security services businesses licensed pursuant to § 9.1-139 providing uniformed security for such bingo games, provided that employees of such businesses shall not otherwise be involved in the management, operation, or conduct of the bingo games of that organization;
d. A member of a qualified organization lawfully participating in the management, operation or conduct of a bingo game may be provided food and nonalcoholic beverages by such organization for on-premises consumption during the bingo game provided the food and beverages are provided in accordance with Board regulations;
e. Remuneration may be paid to bingo managers or callers who have a current registration certificate issued by the Department in accordance with § 18.2-340.34:1, or who are exempt from such registration requirement. Such remuneration shall not exceed $100 per session; and
f. Volunteers of a qualified organization may be reimbursed for their reasonable and necessary travel expenses, not to exceed $50 per session.
6. No landlord shall, at bingo games conducted on the landlord’s premises, (i) participate in the conduct, management, or operation of any bingo games; (ii) sell, lease or otherwise provide for consideration any bingo supplies, including, but not limited to, bingo cards, instant bingo cards, or other game pieces; or (iii) require as a condition of the lease or by contract that a particular manufacturer, distributor or supplier of bingo supplies or equipment be used by the organization.
The provisions of this subdivision shall not apply to any qualified organization conducting bingo games on its own behalf at premises owned by it.
7. No qualified organization shall enter into any contract with or otherwise employ or compensate any member of the organization on account of the sale of bingo supplies or equipment.
8. No organization shall award any bingo prize money or any merchandise valued in excess of the following amounts:
a. No bingo door prize shall exceed $250 for a single door prize or $500 in cumulative door prizes in any one session;
b. No regular bingo or special bingo game prize shall exceed $100. However, up to 10 games per bingo session may feature a regular bingo or special bingo game prize of up to $200;
c. No instant bingo, pull tab, or seal card prize for a single card shall exceed $2,000;
d. Except as provided in this subdivision 8, no bingo jackpot of any nature whatsoever shall exceed $1,000, nor shall the total amount of bingo jackpot prizes awarded in any one session exceed $1,000. Proceeds from the sale of bingo cards and the sheets used for bingo jackpot games shall be accounted for separately from the bingo cards or sheets used for any other bingo games; and
e. No single network bingo prize shall exceed $25,000. Proceeds from the sale of network bingo cards shall be accounted for separately from bingo cards and sheets used for any other bingo game.
9. The provisions of subdivision 8 shall not apply to:
Any progressive bingo game, in which (i) a regular or special prize, not to exceed $100, is awarded on the basis of predetermined numbers or patterns selected at random and (ii) a progressive prize, not to exceed $500 for the initial progressive prize and $5,000 for the maximum progressive prize, is awarded if the predetermined numbers or patterns are covered when a certain number of numbers is called, provided that (a) there are no more than six such games per session per organization, (b) the amount of increase of the progressive prize per session is no more than $200, (c) the bingo cards or sheets used in such games are sold separately from the bingo cards or sheets used for any other bingo games, (d) the organization separately accounts for the proceeds from such sale, and (e) such games are otherwise operated in accordance with the Department’s rules of play.
10. No organization shall award any raffle prize valued at more than $100,000.
The provisions of this subdivision shall not apply to a raffle conducted no more than three times per calendar year by a qualified organization qualified as a tax-exempt organization pursuant to § 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code for a prize consisting of a lot improved by a residential dwelling where 100 percent of the moneys received from such a raffle, less deductions for the fair market value for the cost of acquisition of the land and materials, are donated to lawful religious, charitable, community, or educational organizations specifically chartered or organized under the laws of the Commonwealth and qualified as a § 501(c) tax-exempt organization. No more than one such raffle shall be conducted in any one geographical region of the Commonwealth.
11. No qualified organization composed of or for deaf or blind persons which employs a person not a member to provide clerical assistance in the management and operation but not the conduct of any charitable games shall conduct such games unless it has in force fidelity insurance, as defined in § 38.2-120, written by an insurer licensed to do business in the Commonwealth.
12. No person shall participate in the management or operation of any charitable game if he has ever been convicted of any felony or if he has been convicted of any misdemeanor involving fraud, theft, or financial crimes within the preceding five years. No person shall participate in the conduct of any charitable game if, within the preceding 10 years, he has been convicted of any felony or if, within the preceding five years he has been convicted of any misdemeanor involving fraud, theft, or financial crimes. In addition, no person shall participate in the management, operation or conduct of any charitable game if that person, within the preceding five years, has participated in the management, operation, or conduct of any charitable game which was found by the Department or a court of competent jurisdiction to have been operated in violation of state law, local ordinance or Board regulation.
13. Qualified organizations jointly conducting bingo games pursuant to § 18.2-340.29 shall not circumvent any restrictions and prohibitions which would otherwise apply if a single organization were conducting such games. These restrictions and prohibitions shall include, but not be limited to, the frequency with which bingo games may be held, the value of merchandise or money awarded as prizes, or any other practice prohibited under this section.
14. A qualified organization shall not purchase any charitable gaming supplies for use in the Commonwealth from any person who is not currently registered with the Department as a supplier pursuant to § 18.2-340.34.
15. Unless otherwise permitted in this article, no part of an organization’s charitable gaming gross receipts shall be used for an organization’s social or recreational activities.
1995, c. 837; 1996, c. 919; 1997, cc. 777, 838; 1998, cc. 57, 398; 1999, c. 534; 2000, c. 1000; 2001, c. 754; 2002, c. 282; 2003, c. 884; 2004, c. 275; 2005, cc. 776, 826; 2006, c. 644; 2007, cc. 226, 790; 2008, c. 352; 2010, c. 429; 2013, cc. 36, 350; 2017, cc. 566, 739; 2020, c. 568; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 491.§ 18.2-340.34. Suppliers of charitable gaming supplies; manufacturers of electronic games of chance systems; permit; qualification; suspension, revocation or refusal to renew certificate; maintenance, production, and release of records.
A. No person shall offer to sell, sell, or otherwise provide charitable gaming supplies to any qualified organization and no manufacturer shall distribute electronic games of chance systems for charitable gaming in the Commonwealth unless and until such person has made application for and has been issued a permit by the Department. An application for permit shall be made on forms prescribed by the Department and shall be accompanied by a fee in the amount of $1,000. Each permit shall remain valid for a period of one year from the date of issuance. Application for renewal of a permit shall be accompanied by a fee in the amount of $1,000 and shall be made on forms prescribed by the Department.
B. The Board shall have authority to prescribe by regulation reasonable criteria consistent with the provisions of this article for the registration of suppliers and manufacturers of electronic games of chance systems for charitable gaming. The Department shall refuse to issue a permit to any supplier or manufacturer who has, or which has any officer, director, partner, or owner who has, (i) been convicted of or pleaded nolo contendere to a felony in any state or federal court or has been convicted of any offense that, if committed in the Commonwealth, would be a felony; (ii) been convicted of or pleaded nolo contendere to a crime involving gambling; (iii) violated the gaming laws of any jurisdiction within the last five years, including violations for failure to register; or (iv) had any license, permit, certificate, or other authority related to charitable gaming suspended or revoked in the Commonwealth or in any other jurisdiction within the last five years. The Department may refuse to issue a permit to any supplier or manufacturer who has, or which has any officer, director, partner, or owner who has, (a) failed to file or has been delinquent in excess of one year in the filing of any tax returns or the payment of any taxes due the Commonwealth or (b) failed to establish a registered office or registered agent in the Commonwealth if so required by § 13.1-634 or 13.1-763.
C. The Department shall suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew the permit of any supplier or manufacturer for any conduct described in clause (i), (ii), (iii), or (iv) of subsection B. The Department may suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew the permit of any supplier or manufacturer for any conduct described in clause (a) or (b) of subsection B or for any violation of this article or regulation of the Board. Before taking any such action, the Department shall give the supplier or manufacturer a written statement of the grounds upon which it proposes to take such action and an opportunity to be heard. Every hearing in a contested case shall be conducted in accordance with the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq.).
D. Each supplier shall document each sale of charitable gaming supplies, including electronic games of chance systems, and other items incidental to the conduct of charitable gaming, such as markers, wands or tape, to a qualified organization on an invoice which clearly shows (i) the name and address of the qualified organization to which such supplies or items were sold; (ii) the date of the sale; (iii) the name or form and serial number of each deal of instant bingo cards and pull-tab raffle cards, the quantity of deals sold and the price per deal paid by the qualified organization; (iv) the serial number of the top sheet in each packet of bingo paper, the serial number for each series of uncollated bingo paper, and the cut, color and quantity of bingo paper sold; and (v) any other information with respect to charitable gaming supplies, including electronic games of chance systems, or other items incidental to the conduct of charitable gaming as the Board may prescribe by regulation. A legible copy of the invoice shall accompany the charitable gaming supplies when delivered to the qualified organization.
Each manufacturer of electronic games of chance systems shall document each distribution of such systems to a qualified organization or supplier on an invoice which clearly shows (a) the name and address of the qualified organization or supplier to which such systems were distributed; (b) the date of distribution; (c) the serial number of each such system; and (d) any other information with respect to electronic games of chance systems as the Board may prescribe by regulation. A legible copy of the invoice shall accompany the electronic games of chance systems when delivered to the qualified organization or supplier.
E. Each supplier and manufacturer shall maintain a legible copy of each invoice required by subsection D for a period of three years from the date of sale. Each supplier and manufacturer shall make such documents immediately available for inspection and copying to any agent or employee of the Department upon request made during normal business hours. This subsection shall not limit the right of the Department to require the production of any other documents in the possession of the supplier or manufacturer which relate to its transactions with qualified organizations. All documents and other information of a proprietary nature furnished to the Department in accordance with this subsection shall not be a matter of public record and shall be exempt from disclosure under the provisions of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (§ 2.2-3700 et seq.).
F. Each supplier and manufacturer shall provide to the Department the results of background checks and any other records or documents necessary for the Department to enforce the provisions of subsections B and C.
1995, c. 837; 1996, c. 919; 1997, cc. 777, 838; 1999, c. 534; 2003, c. 884; 2006, c. 644; 2007, c. 264; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 520.§ 18.2-340.34:1. Bingo managers and callers; remuneration; registration; qualification; suspension, revocation or refusal to renew certificate; exceptions.
A. No person shall receive remuneration as a bingo manager or caller from any qualified organization unless and until such person has made application for and has been issued a registration certificate by the Department. Application for registration shall be made on forms prescribed by the Department and shall be accompanied by a fee in the amount of $75. Each registration certificate shall remain valid for a period of one year from the date of issuance. Application for renewal of a registration certificate shall be accompanied by a fee in the amount of $75 and shall be made on forms prescribed by the Department.
B. As a condition of registration as a bingo manager, the applicant shall (i) have been a bona fide member of the qualified organization for at least 12 consecutive months prior to making application for registration and (ii) be required to complete a reasonable training course developed and conducted by the Department.
As a condition of registration as a bingo caller, the applicant shall be required to complete a reasonable training course developed and conducted by the Department.
The Department may refuse to register any bingo manager or caller who has (a) been convicted of or pleaded nolo contendere to a felony in any state or federal court or has been convicted of any offense which, if committed in the Commonwealth, would be a felony; (b) been convicted of or pleaded nolo contendere to a crime involving gambling; (c) had any license, permit, certificate, or other authority related to activities defined as charitable gaming in the Commonwealth suspended or revoked in the Commonwealth or in any other jurisdiction; or (d) failed to file or has been delinquent in excess of one year in the filing of any tax returns or the payment of any taxes due the Commonwealth.
C. The Department may suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew the registration certificate of any bingo manager or caller for any conduct described in subsection B or for any violation of this article or regulations of the Board. Before taking any such action, the Department shall give the bingo manager or caller a written statement of the grounds upon which it proposes to take such action and an opportunity to be heard. Every hearing in a contested case shall be conducted in accordance with the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq.).
D. The provisions of subsection A requiring registration for bingo callers with the Department shall not apply to a bingo caller for a volunteer fire department or volunteer emergency medical services agency or auxiliary unit thereof that has been recognized in accordance with § 15.2-955 by an ordinance or resolution of the political subdivision where the volunteer fire department or volunteer emergency medical services agency is located as being a part of the safety program of such political subdivision.
2005, cc. 776, 826; 2007, cc. 226, 347; 2015, cc. 502, 503.§ 18.2-340.34:2. Licensing of network bingo providers; qualification; suspension, revocation, or refusal to renew license; maintenance, production, and release of records.
A. No person shall sell or offer to sell or otherwise provide access to a network bingo network to any qualified organization unless and until such person has made application for and has been issued a license by the Department. An application for license shall be made on forms prescribed by the Department and shall be accompanied by a fee in the amount of $500. Each license shall remain valid for a period of two years from the date of issuance. Application for renewal of a license shall be accompanied by a fee in the amount of $500 and shall be made on forms prescribed by the Department.
B. The Board shall have authority to prescribe by regulation reasonable criteria consistent with the provisions of this article for the licensure of network bingo providers. The Department may refuse to issue a license to any network bingo provider that has any officer, director, partner, or owner who has (i) been convicted of or pleaded nolo contendere to a felony in any state or federal court or has been convicted of any offense that, if committed in the Commonwealth, would be a felony; (ii) been convicted of or pleaded nolo contendere to a crime involving gambling; (iii) had any license, permit, certificate, or other authority related to activities defined as charitable gaming in the Commonwealth suspended or revoked in the Commonwealth or in any other jurisdiction; (iv) failed to file or been delinquent in excess of one year in the filing of any tax returns or the payment of any taxes due the Commonwealth; or (v) failed to establish a registered office or registered agent in the Commonwealth if so required by § 13.1-634 or 13.1-763.
C. The Department may suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew the license of any network bingo provider for any conduct described in subsection B or for any violation of this article or regulation of the Board. Before taking any such action, the Department shall give the network bingo provider a written statement of the grounds upon which it proposes to take such action and an opportunity to be heard. Every hearing in a contested case shall be conducted in accordance with the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq.).
D. The Department by regulation shall require network bingo providers to have onsite independent supervision of network bingo games as the numbers are called.
E. Each network bingo provider shall document each sale of network bingo supplies and other items incidental to the conduct of network bingo to a qualified organization on an invoice that clearly shows (i) the name and address of the qualified organization to which such supplies or items were sold; (ii) the date of the sale; (iii) the name or form and serial number of each network bingo card, the quantity of cards sold, and the price per card paid by the qualified organization; and (iv) any other information required by the Department. A legible copy of the invoice shall accompany the network bingo supplies when delivered to the qualified organization.
F. Each network bingo provider shall maintain a legible copy of each invoice required by subsection E for a period of three years from the date of sale. Each network bingo provider shall make such documents immediately available for inspection and copying to any agent or employee of the Department upon request made during normal business hours. This subsection shall not limit the right of the Department to require the production of any other documents in the possession of the network bingo provider that relate to its transactions with qualified organizations. All documents and other information of a proprietary nature furnished to the Department in accordance with this subsection shall be exempt from disclosure under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act (§ 2.2-3700 et seq.).
2013, cc. 36, 350.§ 18.2-340.35. Assistance from Department of State Police.
The Department of the State Police, upon request of the Department, shall assist in the conduct of investigations by the Department.
1995, c. 837; 2003, c. 884.§ 18.2-340.36. Suspension of permit.
A. When any officer charged with the enforcement of the charitable gaming laws of the Commonwealth has reasonable cause to believe that the conduct of charitable gaming is being conducted by an organization in violation of this article or the regulations of the Board, he may apply to any judge, magistrate, or other person having authority to issue criminal warrants for the immediate suspension of the permit of the organization conducting the bingo game or raffle. If the judge, magistrate, or person to whom such application is presented is satisfied that probable cause exists to suspend the permit, he shall suspend the permit. Immediately upon such suspension, the officer shall notify the organization in writing of such suspension.
B. Written notice specifying the particular basis for the immediate suspension shall be provided by the officer to the organization within one business day of the suspension and a hearing held thereon by the Department or its designated hearing officer within 10 days of the suspension unless the organization consents to a later date. No charitable gaming shall be conducted by the organization until the suspension has been lifted by the Department or a court of competent jurisdiction.
1995, c. 837; 2003, c. 884.§ 18.2-340.37. Criminal penalties.
A. Any person who violates the provisions of this article or who willfully and knowingly files, or causes to be filed, a false application, report or other document or who willfully and knowingly makes a false statement, or causes a false statement to be made, on any application, report or other document required to be filed with or made to the Department shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.
B. Each day in violation shall constitute a separate offense.
C. Any person who converts funds derived from any charitable gaming to his own or another’s use, when the amount of funds is less than $1,000, shall be guilty of petit larceny and, when the amount of funds is $1,000 or more, shall be guilty of grand larceny. The provisions of this section shall not preclude the applicability of any other provision of the criminal law of the Commonwealth that may apply to any course of conduct that violates this section.
1995, c. 837; 1996, c. 919; 2003, c. 884; 2006, c. 644; 2018, cc. 764, 765; 2020, cc. 89, 401.§ 18.2-340.38. Repealed.
Repealed by Acts 2001, c. 754, cl. 2.
The Virginia Charitable Gaming Board may consider requests for game variance to a raffle, bingo, network bingo, or instant bingo game not explicitly authorized by Virginia’s charitable gaming statutes and regulations.
Proposals for a game variance must meet the legal definition of a raffle, bingo, network bingo, or instant bingo as defined by §18.2-340.16 of the Code of Virginia.
- Game Variance Submission Deadline Schedule (pdf)
- Game Variance Approval Process (pdf)
- Game Variance Approval Application (pdf)
Policy Changes Made by SB 1127
Presentation to the Charitable Gaming Subcommittee
NEW ORGANIZATIONS
APPLICATION CHECKLIST
$200 Check payable to the Treasurer of Virginia has been attached. Volunteer Fire Departments and Rescue Squads who have been recognized by their locality in accordance with Section 15.2-995 of the Code of Virginia, and who provide a valid and current copy to the Office of the ordinance or resolution of the locatlity, are
exempt from the application fee.
Personnel Information Section has been completed in its entirety for the President, Treasurer/Financial Officer,or their equivalent position, and Game Manager(s).
VDACS Office of Charitable and Regulatory Programs
PO Box 526
Richmond, Virginia 23218 (804) 371-0495
If applicable, provide confirmation of registration with the Virginia State Corporation Commission. The web site is www.scc.virginia.gov and the toll free telephonenumber in Virginia is 1-800-552-7945.
If applicable, provide confirmation of registration with the Virginia Department ofAgriculture and Consumer Services to solicit contributions for charitable purposes.
The web site is www.vdacs.virginia.gov and the telephone number is 804-786-1343,
Option 1.