Massachusetts State Lottery

MASSACHUSETTS BINGO

In 1971 playing Bingo was legalized and placed under the regulation of the Department of Public Safety. In 1973, oversight was transferred to the Massachusetts State Lottery Commission. The Charitable Gaming Division of the Lottery supported the explosive growth of Bingo as the game grew from 1973 through 1984.

OVERVIEW

Massachusetts State Lottery Commission Charitable Gaming Division BINGO (BEANO): BINGO: Bingo was legal in Massachusetts until it was banned in the 1940's. In 1971 playing Bingo was re-legalized in Massachusetts and placed under the regulation of the Department of Public Safety. In 1973, that oversight was transferred to the Massachusetts State Lottery Commission. On January 1, 1978, Chapter 219 of the Acts of 1977 transferred the collection of the 5% Bingo tax to the Massachusetts State Lottery Commission. The distribution of these funds is as follows:; The Charitable Gaming Division of the Lottery supported the explosive growth of Bingo as the game grew from 1973 through 1984. In 2002 there were approximately 64,000 weekly players who spent over $37.1 million (Bingo 97.2M, Charity Game Tickets $39.9M) during the conduct of Bingo.; In 2002 there were 432 organizations licensed to conduct Bingo in the Commonwealth.; Charity Game Tickets: Charity Game Tickets or break-open tickets are available only to Bingo Licensees for sale at and during Bingo games and at other events held on their premises. All tickets provide a minimum gross profit to Bingo organizations of 30% of the resale value. Tickets are sold to organizations for 10% of their resale value, the amount of which is prepaid upon purchase from the Commission. Bingo organizations reported $39.9 million from the sale of Charity Game tickets during 2002.

WHERE TO PLAY

MASSACHUSETTS BINGO LOCATIONS: OFFICIAL CITIES AND TOWNS
Select a Letter:; DAYS OF THE WEEK
Select a Day:; SPRING SUMMER 2004 DIRECTORIES ARE NOW AVAILABLE!!
If you wish to receive a directory write to Massachusetts State Lottery Commission, Charitable Gaming Division, 60 Columbian Street, Braintree, MA 02184

RULES AND REGULATIONS AND LEGISLATION

BINGO (BEANO)

The Rules and Regulations governing the conduct of Bingo were updated in January, 2001 to reflect changes in the beano law. Copies of these regulations may be obtained by contacting the Charitable Gaming Division at the address below. Copies may also be obtained by contacting the Charitable Gaming Division by telephone at (781) 849-5555.

CHANGES IN LEGISLATION

On October 5, 2000 the amendments to Chapter 10, Sections 37 and 38 of the Massachusetts General Laws took effect to allow greater flexibility for charitable fundraising organizations. It is anticipated that there will be a reverse in the steady decline of attendance at local Bingo games as organizations will be given the necessary tools to continue raising money to support worthy causes. This change enables Bingo organizations to enter the new millennium with an eye toward maximizing revenues for charities, while providing more exciting games for players. This amendment provides for:

Regular game prizes increased from $50 to $100 Bonus cards to allow greater interest in playing Special games with prizes not to exceed $500
Organizations may retain up to 5% of revenue from the Winner-Take-All game to cover cost of supplies
Four 50/50 games with prizes not to exceed $1,200
Two progressive jackpot games to attract players - prizes up to $3,000
Good Neighbor game with prizes not to exceed 10 percent of the announced prize for a given game
Expands the pool of volunteers to assist in the conduct of bingo

Charity Game Ticket Changes:

allow the sale of Charity Game tickets on the premises of Charitable Games licensees beyond the approved Bingo hours.

Senior Citizen Bingo Changes:

allow handicapped persons to participate in the conduct of Senior Citizen Recreational Bingo. Charitable Gaming personnel are working with Beano Licensees in order to implement these changes as quickly and efficiently as possible. Our field staff is conducting meetings with licensees to discuss game formats and explain how the changes work. The financial staff is working with licensees to explain the necessary reporting requirements. Both field and financial personnel are available to assist licensees and players and answer any questions that arise.

SENIOR CITIZENS' RECREATIONAL BINGO

Effective March 16, 1984, Chapter 619, Acts of 1983 allowed for the conduct of Recreational Bingo at Senior Citizens' or Golden Age Clubs for the recreation of members. This law requires said organizations apply for an identification number from the Massachusetts State Lottery Commission.

During 2002, the Massachusetts State Lottery Commission had on file 824 identification numbers issued for Senior Citizens' Recreational Bingo. Qualified organizations are provided certificates at no cost.

As a result of recent changes in Senior Citizen Bingo regulations, disabled persons are allowed to participate in the conduct of Senior Citizen Recreational Bingo.

HISTORY OF LEGISLATIVE AUTHORITY

Bingo (Beano) was legalized in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts on September 29, 1971. Effective September 4, 1973, Chapter 729 of the Acts of 1973 transferred responsibility for control of the operation of Bingo from the Massachusetts Department of Public Safety to the Massachusetts State Lottery Commission. By authority conferred in Section 38 of Chapter 10 of the General Laws, Rules and Regulations controlling Bingo were adopted on March 1, 1974 and amended in October 1974, July 1980, November 1991, March 1994 and October 2000. Effective January 1, 1978, Chapter 219 of the Acts of 1977 transferred responsibility for collection of the five percent Bingo and Raffle/Bazaar (Casino Functions) Tax from the Department of Revenue to the Massachusetts State Lottery Commission. By authority conferred in Section 39A of Chapter 10 of the General Laws, Rules and Regulations Controlling Certain Raffle and Bazaar Permits were adopted earlier and amended in December 1980.

RAFFLE AND CASINO NIGHTS

Charitable Gaming Division, Raffles/Bazaars (Casino Functions): Organizations that have obtained a raffle and bazaar permit from the local city or town clerk are entitled to conduct an unlimited amount of raffles during the period the permit is valid (one year from the date of issuance). The permit also allows a maximum of three (3) Casino Nights to be sponsored.; The definition of a Bazaar is NOT your local Church bazaar. The law defines a Bazaar as a Casino or Las Vegas Night.; The Lottery Commission acts strictly as a tax collector in the area of raffles and casino nights. We do not have the authority to either deny a permit or require one to be issued. The local licensing officials (City/Town Clerk and Chief of Police) determine whether or not your organization is eligible for the permit under the law. If a permit is issued, the Lottery Commission is notified and will forward the appropriate tax forms.; There are two (2) sets of regulations governing Casino Nights. If your organization does not hold a Beano license and will not be sponsoring your Casino night in a hall that holds a Beano license, the Office of the Attorney General promulgates the regulations that must be followed. The regulation is 940 CMR 13.00. The Lottery Commission can provide these regulations.; If your organization holds a Beano license or will be conducting your Casino Night in a hall that holds a Beano license, you are required to conform to the Lottery regulations regarding Las Vegas nights. The regulation is 940 CMR 4.00. The Lottery Commission DOES NOT allow Poker or Night at the Races. Copies of these Regulations may be obtained from the Lottery Commission. Please note: Beano licensees that allow outside groups to hold Casino nights in their hall must be sure that the Lottery regulations are followed.

Failure of a group to follow these regulations puts its License to Conduct Beano at risk.

LICENSING REQUIREMENTS

Bingo (Beano): Organizations wishing to conduct Bingo are licensed by the Charitable Gaming Division of the Massachusetts State Lottery Commission. The annual fee for the Bingo license is $50.00. Organizations conducting Bingo are required to pay a 5% tax on the Gross Proceeds of each Bingo occasion. Organizations wishing to obtain a license to conduct Beano must meet the requirements set forth in Chapter 10, Section 38 of the Massachusetts General Laws.; Raffles and Casino Nights (Bazaars)
Organizations wishing to conduct a Raffle or Casino Night in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts must first obtain a raffle and bazaar permit from the local city/town clerk in the city/town where the drawing or casino night will be held. The law governing Raffles and Bazaars is Chapter 271, 7A of the Massachusetts General Laws. Any organization conducting a raffle or bazaar in the Commonwealth must pay a 5% tax on the gross proceeds. This is an excise tax on wagering and must be paid by all organizations.; ONE DAY Bingo (Beano); ONE DAY BINGO LICENSE GUIDELINES

CONTACT US

THE LOTTERY CHARITABLE GAMING DIVISION: If you have any questions pertaining to the new Bingo laws or other Charitable Gaming policies, please call the Massachusetts State Lottery at 781-849-5555 and use the following extensions:; Bingo/Charity Games Audits, Financial Reports and Financial Inquiries Raffles Casino Functions:; Bingo Game Operations, Charity Game Tickets:; Massachusetts State Lottery Commission
Charitable Gaming Division
60 Columbian Street
Braintree, MA 02184
(781) 849-5555

BINGO ANNUAL REPORT

The Lottery Commission is required by law to file a Departmental Annual Report with the Legislature by April 1st of each year. This report contains information regarding the number of licenses by categories of organization, the revenue received from these licenses, and other relevant information. Copies of this report may be acquired by calling the Charitable Gaming Department of the Massachusetts State Lottery at (781) 849-5555