I live in Jersey as well and know that for them to contact you someone would have had to report your activities. It looks like you have an non-admirer in your midst!
When my group received its gaming license I asked the Gaming commission what types of games
wouldn't require us filing an application. I was told that something like a grab bag wouldn't require filing an application. Since every bag would be worth a minimum of say, $5, and if that's what you were charging to take the "chance" the player is guaranteed to at least get thier money's worth back. The way it was explained to me if someone "pays to play," and there's a chance they win nothing, it's considered a "game of chance" and
must be regulated.
I know other schools in Jersey that have Bingo for kids. They charge a cover charge for say, a hotdog/drink combo that
comes with two Bingo cards but they don't charge for the actual cards themselves. They also make sure every child walks out with at least one prize. They've never had any problems, and like I said since no money is actually being spent for the game itself I should think this sort of activity is OK. The groups I know that have "children's" Bingo don't use it as a fundraiser.
A Tricky Tray is different since you're paying for tickets, usually in different price brackets and it's highly possible you walk away with nothing. I suppose you could charge a cover fee that's for the food and tickets are "free," but to me that's not worth all the work you put into something like a Tricky Tray. I'd leave a Tricky Tray as an adult event to make sure you maximize they amount of money you make.
[ 10-21-2005, 10:16 PM: Message edited by: kmamom ]
