BP 11122023 129pm - Flipbook - Page 55
Bingo Guidelines - Charity
Until 1980, bingo was an illegal form of gambling in the State of Georgia and because of this,
the Archdiocese of Atlanta prohibited parishes, schools, agencies and institutions from
participating in bingo. After its legalization, the Archdiocese discouraged the use of bingo as a
fundraising opportunity, and instead, encouraged the promotion of stewardship as a way of life
for all in the Archdiocese. Today, we are seeing the fruits of active stewardship in parishes
throughout north and central Georgia. Stewardship is a way of life.
Please be assured, that as an Archdiocese we are not moving away from stewardship. However,
as a fundraiser, bingo may be appropriate in some situations. The decision that a Pastor makes to
pursue bingo should not be taken lightly, given the severe consequences that can be derived from
unlawful bingo management.
Under Georgia law, any person who operates, conducts, advertises, sets-up, or promotes a bingo
game without a valid license commits the offense of commercial gambling. A person who
commits the offense of commercial gambling shall be guilty of a felony and shall be punished by
imprisonment for not less than one nor more than five years or by a fine not to exceed
$20,000.00, or both. (O.C.G.A. § 16-12-62 and O.C.G.A. § 16-12-22)
On May 2021, the Georgia General Assembly passed legislation stating that the Secretary of
State’s Office would now have the authority to enforce and regulate bingo; thus, removing the
responsibility from the Director of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI). Georgia General
Assembly - HB 410 (ga.gov) Each parish that chooses to operate a bingo game must now abide
by the applicable Georgia Code and the rules of the Division of Charity Bingo under the
Licensing Division of the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office. It is the responsibility of the
Pastor to ensure that the parish is in compliance with ALL the regulations and
requirements detailed by the Georgia Secretary of State.
Parishes wishing to explore bingo as a fundraising activity must carefully review the following
information and requirements as explained by the Georgia Secretary of State’s website:
1) Read the Rules and Regulations of Charity Bingo. It is important to be attentive to the
minutiae, which can include for example that the Bingo sessions cannot exceed 5 hours in
length, and that no person under the age of 18 is permitted to play unless accompanied by
an adult.
2) Complete the Georgia Pre-license Bingo Checklist.
3) Understand the reporting and record retention requirements mandated by the Georgia
Secretary of State, which include an annual compliance form and annual bingo financials
that must be prepared by a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
4) Be cognizant that every officer, director, board member and person associated with
operations, advertising or promotion of a bingo operation is required to pass a
background check and fingerprinting conducted by the State, as well as obtain a bingo
license. Charity Bingo 3 Georgia Secretary of State This is applicable to all prospective
Bingo workers (no exceptions noted).
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