SF229 & HF374 2015 Session Legislation under Chapter 349
Section 1: Allow for a “continuation raffle” where the winning entries in a single raffle are determined
over a period of time as opposed to all winning entries drawn on the same day. (For example, allows
weekly drawings during the year).
Section 2: Makes “raffle boards” and disposable (paper) placards for bingo number selection gambling
equipment.
Section 3: Establish a new bingo prize element for regular bingo games – “Hot Ball”… A predetermined
bingo number that if selected results in an added prize amount to the player. Paid for by the charity, at no
additional cost to the player.
Section 4: Defines a “raffle board” and limits it to not more than 200 entries for participants to “sign up”.
Section 5: Allows charities to merge to form a new organization and waives the three year waiting period
if at least one of the organizations has an active gambling license. Provides needed assistance to small
organizations.
Section 6: Permits a licensed manufacturer to assist in the promotion of lawful gambling by providing not
more than $250 annually to a charity for marketing the games. Increased from a limit of $25 per year.
Section 7: Establishes the minimum manufacturing standards for the (paper) sealed placard for bingo
number selection.
Section 8: Establishes the minimum manufacturing standards for raffle boards. Matches the requirements
for other games being played.
Section 9: Permits a linked bingo provider to assist in the promotion of linked bingo by providing not
more than $250 annually to a charity for the marketing the games. Increased from a limit of $25 per
year.
Section 10: Allow for bingo card (face) to have up to two numbers in each space. (Gives players an
added chance of achieving bingo)
Section 11: Clarifies that a normal bingo pattern for a win requires a minimum of 3 balls/numbers called.
Section 12: Removes the requirement that a person must first “register” in order to play an electronic
Bingo device. Players must still present valid picture identification before being allowed to play.
Section 13: Eliminates the “sign-up” requirement for tipboard games containing 100 tickets or less
(changed from 32 tickets).
Section 14: Allows an eligible player to pick from an array of seals on the placard that which is to be
opened by the seller.
Section 15: Remove the requirement that a person must first “register” in order to play an electronic PullTab device. Players must still present valid picture identification before being allowed to play.
Section 16: Allows raffle prizes to be “visibly displayed” at the event (rather than “posted”). This allows
last minute “donations” of prizes to be added to the raffle prize distribution.
Section 17: Allow a volunteer conducting small (meat) raffles to participate/play in charitable gambling
the next business day. Allows a volunteer (non-paid and does not work for the site) to play games the
following day versus waiting six weeks as is currently in statute.
Section 18: Clarifies the frequency of bank deposits for electronic gaming. (Net receipts greater than
$2,000 must be deposited in the bank by the following day.)
Section 19: Requires a written prize receipt for any player cashing out an electronic pull-tab device with
$600 or more in credits.
Section 20: Clarifies that an audit or compliance report must be included in the minutes of the meeting of
the charity.
Section 21: Allows for a “cover-none” bingo game and adjusts the total bingo prize limits per each
occasion. A charity would be able to have a cover none game as well as a cover all game.
Section 22: Simplifies the linked bingo prize contribution. (Linked bingo prize contributions are capped
at 85% of gross receipts – similar to prize limits for pull-tab games.) Protects charities from being asked
to pay more than 85%.
Section 23: Clarifies that a “hot-ball” bingo prize cannot exceed $500.
Section 24: Clarifies that a progressive bingo game jackpot may start at “up to” $500 – previously it was
thought that progressive bingo jackpot was required to “start at” $500. Clears up a misconception
regarding progressive game funding.
Section 25: Limits MN Lottery in what it can offer for sale on a web site, electronic terminal or other
device.
Section 26: Prohibits MN Lottery from selling instant lottery tickets through a web site and through selfservice devices such as gas pumps and cash machines.
Section 27: Repealer of the two items listed below.
Repealer 349.169: Eliminate the requirement that licensed manufacturers and distributors file a
“pricing report” with the Board. Reports no longer used by charities. Asked for by manufacturers and
distributors.
Repealer 349.19 Remove the requirement for an annual audit under chapter 349. Charities that
bank $750,000 in a fiscal year would still be required to have an audit, but would now match the
threshold established by the AG. Still needs to be removed from 297E before it would take effect for
charities.