Charitable Gaming in North Carolina

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Fundraising Compliance Guide
IntroductionCharity Registration NumberOnline FundraisingUnified Registration Statement (URS)Charitable DisclosuresCharitable Registration Audit Requirements
Charitable Registration Exemptions
Fundraising With ProfessionalsProfessional Fundraiser DisclosuresCommercial Co-Ventures and Cause Marketing Charitable Registered Agent Closing Licenses vs. Letting Them Lapse
A hand spinning a bunch of raffle balls

Charitable gaming refers to bingos, raffles, and a variety of other games of chance being conducted for charitable purposes. This guide contains information about charitable gaming in North Carolina.

North Carolina Bingo and Raffle Licenses

Game Type:

Bingo and raffles

Agency:North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation - Alcohol Law Enforcement Branch
Organization Age Requirement:

1 year of continuous existence in the county they intend to operate games in.

Prize Limits:

The maximum prize for a single game of bingo is $500. The prize limit for a single bingo session is $1,500 unless only one bingo session is held that week, in which case the limit becomes $2,500.

Law:

NC Stat. § 14-309.5 et seq.

Initial Registration

Agency:North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation - Alcohol Law Enforcement Branch
Form:

Form BL-1: Application for Exempt Organization to Operate Bingo Games

Agency Fee:

$200

Notes:

Exempt organizations may also hold as many as 2 raffle events per year, but no license is required for these.

Registration Renewal

Agency:North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation - Alcohol Law Enforcement Branch
Form:

Form BL-1: Application for Exempt Organization to Operate Bingo Games (Renewal)

Agency Fee:

$200

Due:

Annually

Revised August 16, 2021. Complete data last reviewed January 10, 2018.