Bingo Promotions

PURPOSE: This rule establishes the general guidelines and restrictions licensed charitable organizations must follow to conduct “free no charge” promotional events in conjunction with their bingo game, pursuant to section 313.040, RSMo. (1) Bingo promotions are defined as free drawings, free games, or promotional giveaways in which cash, merchandise, or other item of value is awarded or given away in conjunction with a bingo occasion where participants do not provide any consideration for participation in the promotion. (2) Bingo promotions are not an authorized cost of conducting a bingo game under section 313.040, RSMo. Any bingo promotion a licensee may choose to conduct in conjunction with a licensed bingo occasion shall be entirely funded from non-bingo funds or donations. (3) Prizes awarded from bingo promotions will not count against the maximum that a licensed organization may award during any single bingo occasion. (4) Individuals participating in the management or conduct of a bingo promotion and bingo workers for a bingo occasion involving a bingo promotion may not receive anything of value through that promotion. All other persons sixteen (16) years of age or older will be eligible to enter the bingo hall and participate in the drawing or game without any charge whatsoever, including admission fees, and with no solicitation of any kind for donations to participate. (5) Bingo promotions will be conducted within compliance of all applicable laws and regulations and in such a manner that the chance of winning any promotional drawing or game shall be equal for all participants. Bingo selection equipment may be used to determine the winner of a bingo promotion. (6) Licensees will grant Gaming Commission personnel access to all records related to promotions offered in conjunction with licensed bingo upon request. (7) Licensed bingo organizations may give away pull-tabs, bingo paper, birthday packs, daubers, or other bingo paraphernalia free of charge to the players provided they accurately maintain documentation in their records as to the quantity of product given away during each occasion. The organization must also stipulate in the house rules, which must be posted in a prominent place in the bingo premises, which situations warrant the giveaways. AUTHORITY: section 313.065, RSMo 2000.* Original rule filed March 1, 2002, effective Sept. 30, 2002. Amended: Filed Dec. 1, 2004, effective June 30, 2005. Amended: Filed July 28, 2010, effective Jan. 30, 2011. Amended: Filed June 25, 2015, effective Feb. 29, 2016. *Original authority: 313.065, RSMo 1981, amended 1993, 1995.