We just had a bingo night. We may have goofed, didn't even think about a license. You can buy bingo cards at places/companies like Oriental Trading or party supply shops. The bingo calling equipment came from our bingo caller/dj. But you can purchase that,too. If you think that this might be an event you host year after year, you might consider investing in the hard cards with slide over windows.

Our school was thinking of doing this also, we are in Florida, do we have to apply for license also??? I am new to the PTA and didnt know anything about that. SOme of the other people helping me never mentioned this before and they have done this before.. Please tell me who I should conatct we are hoping to do this in May. Also, where do you purchase the BINGO stuff? Thanks so much..

About profits... we had Bingo for the first time last year as one of our activities for Spring Fling. We used the disposable paper bingo cards and sold them 2/$1. Bingo was held in our cafeteria. (Sock hop in the gymn, silent auction in the foyer.) We had 8 about games, all with donated prizes. Our proceeds were just over $500 from bingo sales. Our expenses were negligible - the $25 licensing fee and the cost of the cards. Plus, we had concessions (cokes, pizza) also going on that made additional money.

[ 01-20-2002: Message edited by: JHB ]</p>

You need to work through the Michigan's Charitable Gaming Division to get a license. This state agency governs the licensing of all gaming in your state - including charitable bingo and raffles. The web site is:

www.michigan.gov/cg

I only glanced at the requirements, but it looks pretty similar to our rules in Texas. The first time around, you fill out a fair amout of paperwork - including providing quite a bit of history and information on the organization. The paperwork needs to be submitted at least 30 days (Michigan - 4 weeks) ahead of time. You pay a small fee (Texas=$25, Michigan =$15). Then, if all goes well, you get your license.

The good news is that subsequent applications are much more streamlined. We're applying for our second year's license right now, and it's really very little paperwork compared to last year.

Bingo IS gaming and is big business, so it's pretty heavily regulated. I know this seems like some extra hoops to jump through, but I firmly believe the PTO needs to set a good example by following state law on these things.

Good luck!

Our ptso at the middle school (6-8 grades) wants to get info on doing a bingo night. We hear alot about licensing issues. We are in Michigan and would like any info on how to begin this process and also how profitable it is. Our school is about 800 kids. Any advise is appreciated.