Charitable Bingo

Charitable Bingo Overview

In Ohio, charitable organizations may be eligible to conduct bingo as a fundraising tool. Bingo is a highly regulated activity in this state. In order to conduct bingo, a group must be considered a "charitable organization" and be issued a license from the Ohio Attorney General's Charitable Law Section. 

In Ohio, there are three types of bingo:

• Traditional bingo

• Instant bingo

• Electronic instant bingo

Bingo license applications, amendments and renewals must be submitted online via the Charitable Account Management Portal. A license fee will be assessed at the time of submission. Members of the Charitable Law Section are available to assist with any questions about conducting bingo and the online application process. Call 800-282-0515 or email CharitableBingo@OhioAGO.gov for assistance.

The Charitable Law Section offers a variety of bingo trainings. Registration is available online. Please call the Charitable Law Section at the number listed above if you have questions regarding which training would best benefit your organization. 

Since only qualified organizations are eligible for a bingo license, monies collected or raised by conducting bingo are charitable assets. Charity board members, bingo operators, and bingo volunteers owe fiduciary duties to their organization. A breach of these duties could result in loss of a bingo license and other liabilities. To help familiarize charities with their duties and responsibilities, board governance and interal controls presentations are part of each bingo training. For more information, please visit our Resources for Charities page.