Bingo Enforcement

In addition to licensing manufacturers, distributors, and those organizations that conduct bingo, the Ohio Attorney General also regulates licensees and takes enforcement actions against those who violate Ohio’s bingo laws. Enforcement actions against a licensee are primarily governed by Ohio Revised Code Chapter 119. Recent notices of intent, notices of hearing, adjudication orders, and settlement agreements can be found below. Unless otherwise noted, all hearings will take place at the office of the Ohio Attorney General, 30 E. Broad St., 25th Floor, Columbus, Ohio 43215.

Enforcement Actions

Notices of Intent

The following organizations have been sent a Notice of Intent to Issue License with Limitation and Restrictions and Opportunity for Hearing

American Legion No. 164, notice mailed 10/26/2022, view notice of intent
The Stages Family, Inc., notice mailed 10/26/2022, view notice of intent
Walter S. Auer Post No. 3747, Vetarans of Foreign Wars of the United States, notice mailed 8/15/2022, view notice of intent
AMVETS, Doyle R. Miller Post, Inc., notice mailed 6/17/2022, view notice of intent
The Wickliffe Eagles, F.O.E. Aerie 4086, notice mailed 6/17/2022, view notice of intent
Columbus Grove Eagles, Inc., notice mailed 4/15/2022, view notice of intent

The following organizations have been sent a Notice of Intent to Reject and Opportunity for Hearing

Connected Progress, notice mailed 5/23/2023, view notice of intent
American Croatian Club, notice mailed 4/13/2022, view notice of intent

The following bingo distributor was sent a Notice of Intent to Revoke, Restrict and/or Limit Distributor License and to Impose Civil Fines and Opportunity for Hearing; the Notice of Intent was later dismissed

EPT, LLC dba NexLevel Gaming, notice mailed 12/22/2021, view notice of intent; notice dismissed 2/24/2022, view notice of dismissal

Upcoming Hearings

The following organizations have upcoming scheduled hearings

All hearings will be held at 30 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43215, unless otherwise noted.

The Stages Family, Inc. The hearing scheduled for 3/10/2023 at 10 a.m has been canceled after the organization withdrew its application for a bingo license. View order canceling hearing.
AMVETS, Charles H. Miller Post 31. The hearing scheduled for 2/2/2023 at 10 a.m. has been canceled after the organization withdrew its applications for 2021 and 2022 bingo licenses. View order canceling hearing.

Adjudication Orders

The following organizations have been issued an adjudication order

Fraternal Order of Eagles #2187, issued 2/24/2023, view adjudication order
Veterans of Foreign Wars #7079, issued 8/8/2022, view cease and desist letter and adjudication order
Loyal Order of Moose #1383, issued 5/13/2022, view adjudication order
American Legion #31, issued 2/24/2022, view adjudication order
Sons of Italy #2798, issued 2/24/2022, view adjudication order
AMVETS #88, issued 2/23/2022, view adjudication order

Settlement Agreements

The following organizations have entered into a settlement agreement

Van Wert Lodge #1320, Loyal Order of Moose, Inc., entered into 11/16/2022, view notice of intent and settlement agreement
Ralph Huff Post No. 1062, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, entered into 9/6/2022, view notice of intent and settlement agreement
Bryan Lodge No. 1064, Loyal Order of Moose, Inc., entered into 8/24/2022, view notice of intent and settlement agreement
AMVETS Post No. 69, entered into 6/28/2022, view notice of intent and settlement agreement
Fraternal Order of Eagles, Mothers Day Aerie 2118, entered into 5/9/2022, view notice of intent and settlement agreement
Clifford Thompson Post Number 43, American Legion, entered into 5/9/2022, view notice of intent and settlement agreement
VFW Post 9904, Greentown, entered into 5/9/2022, view notice of intent and settlement agreement
Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie No. 2223, entered into 5/9/2022, view notice of intent and settlement agreement
Canton Post Number Forty-Four American Legion, entered into 5/9/2022, view notice of intent and settlement agreement
40 Et 8 Inc., Voiture 498, entered into 5/9/2022, view notice of intent and settlement agreement
Hilliard Memorial Post No. 4931 VFW, entered into 4/18/2022, view settlement agreement

Cease and Desist Letters

The following organizations have been sent a Cease and Desist Letter

Fraternal Order of Eagles #2187, sent 4/25/2023, view cease and desist letter
Veterans of Foreign Wars #7079, sent 9/21/2022, view cease and desist letter

FAQs

Bingo Enforcement

My organization received a Notice of Intent to Reject/Revoke/Place Limitations and Restrictions on its bingo license. What should I do next?
Read the notice carefully with your board of directors. Your organization will have 30 calendar days from the date the notice was mailed in which to request a hearing.

Does my organization need an attorney?
It is up to the board of directors whether to hire an attorney. Without an attorney, your organization may not be permitted to examine witnesses or present evidence at a hearing.

My organization received a Final Adjudication Order. Can my organization appeal the decision?
Read the Order carefully. Yes, your organization has a right to appeal. The Order provides instructions on your organization’s rights and how to initiate an appeal.

APPLICABLE LAWS

Ohio Revised Code Chapter 2915
Ohio Administrative Code 109:1

PUBLICATIONS

Administrative Law Handbook

CONTACT

Charitable Law Section
30 E. Broad St., 25th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: 800-282-0515
Fax: 877-690-1814
Email: CharitableBingo@OhioAGO.gov