Bingo, Raffles, and Casino Nights are all popular ways to raise money for nonprofits. But before you start fundraising, be sure your organization is compliant with these rules set by the Indiana Gaming Commission.

#1: Games of chance are illegal in Indiana. The three exceptions are 1) State of Indiana gaming, including the lottery. 2) Licensed Gambling, like riverboat gambling and pari-mutuel horse betting, and 3) Licenced Charity Gaming.

#2: “Charity Gaming” includes anything that involves pay-to-play games of chance. Your nonprofit might consider raising funds through raffles, bingo, drawings, door prizes, game nights, or festivals. These are all considered Charity Gaming, as well as any other activity where you raise funds by selling chances to win.

#3: Charity Gaming in Indiana does not include games of skill. If there isn’t an element of chance, it doesn’t fall under the charity gaming rules. This could include activities like “Buy a ticket, shoot a basket, and win a prize!” or buying a guess of M&Ms or the value of a gift basket. Your organization could even give a random prize for attendance under these guidelines, as long as all attendees are awarded one opportunity and cannot buy extra chances at the prize. Activities like the ones listed above do not require a license and are not regulated.

#5: You must file for a gaming permit with the State of Indiana before you can conduct charity gaming. Depending on the size of your organization and the size of the event, you may need to file other notices and licenses with the state. Visit the Indiana Gaming Commission website to see exactly which notices, waivers, or determinations your organization must file.

#6: Your charity gaming permit has limitations. Prizes must be under $1,000 per event, and under $7,500 annually. If your organization exceeds that limit, it must file a license per event.

#7. Only members of the sponsoring organization can participate in organizing and conducting the event. Strict rules apply to who can and can’t be involved in charity gaming. Only adults can play and participate, including organizing, handling money, filing reports, and selling tickets. Minors can only be involved by selling raffle tickets; they can’t otherwise buy raffle tickets, handle money, or be involved in planning the event.

#8: Violations can incur penalties up to $5,000 per violation. Violations include unlicensed gaming, of course, but also inaccurate reporting. Your

For more information on Charity Gaming, visit the Indiana Gaming Commission website at www.in.gov/igc