Chapter 17 - § 17.4 • STATE BINGO AND RAFFLE REGULATION

• Jurisdiction: Colorado

§ 17.4 • STATE BINGO AND RAFFLE REGULATION

§ 17.4.1—In General

A nonprofit organization interested in raising funds through a bingo game or raffle must get a license in addition to the licenses issued for charitable solicitation. C.R.S. § 24-21-604. The Secretary of State is responsible for issuing bingo and raffle licenses. C.R.S. § 24-21-605. Bingo or raffle licenses are generally issued only to a bona fide chartered branch, lodge, or chapter of a national or state organization or a bona fide religious, charitable, labor, fraternal, educational, voluntary firefighters', or veterans' organization that operates without profit, and has been in existence with dues-paying members for five years. C.R.S. § 24-21-602(37). Postal regulations generally prohibit use of the mail to advertise such events as bingo games or raffles, though some exceptions apply. See § 17.5.1.

A nonprofit organization wishing to explore the possibility of a bingo game or raffle should contact the Colorado Secretary of State for application forms. Go to www.sos.state.co.us/pubs/bingo_raffles/bingoHome.html for electronic versions of the bingo forms.

§ 17.4.2—Bingo and Raffles

As noted in § 17.4.1, bingo and raffle licenses may be issued to a bona fide religious, charitable, service, fraternal, or veterans' organization, or to any of the other organizations listed above. C.R.S. § 24-21-602(37).

All profits must be used for lawful uses consistent with the purposes of the...