As for Zeekaboo's question, I am sure everything that we did with Bingo and "Deal or No Deal" is illegal, not to mention using the phrase "Deal or No Deal" is probably a copyright violation.
Let me state right from the start that I did not check into the legality of either game, so if you want to be compliant with your state's gaming laws to please check into your state's laws. Both games might be illegal or may need a permit to be played.
I first must state that I am as law abiding citizen as they come. I also must state that I am a dad with a full time job who was willing to spend an extra 20 hours of my free time doing flyers, setting up the games, coordinating people, buying prizes and refreshments etc. I acknowledge there is a need for the gaming laws to be on the books, but in my case I felt I did not have to abide by them. If we were doing a huge Bingo fundraiser I would be more diligent, this was an informal night of Bingo for 1 1/2 hours.
In this case I have 4 criteria on whether I feel the need to comply with state gaming laws.
1.) Was the principal OK with the idea? She has never had a problem with any of the bingo nights we have held, or with Deal or No Deal. For the Bingo night we are giving out $5 Dairy Queen gift certificates.
2.) Was the event hurting anybody? Unless I was taking business away from Bingo halls that charge a $2 entry fee, I do not think I was harming any business. And I certainly hope that a night of bingo is not introducing 2nd graders into a life of gambling. ("My life of crime all started when I was in first grade and I went to a PTO sponsored Bingo Night. Once I got that first taste of gambling I was hooked for life.")
3.) Did I feel guilty or feel like I did something morally wrong? No, this was a simple night of Bingo and a knock off of a popular game on TV. There was some hesitation having the top prize be $50, but we knew the odds were against students winning that much.
I include this question because this question would prevent me from doing a Poker Night, even with fake money. A Poker Night or Casino Night I would not feel right with, Bingo and "Deal or No Deal" I was OK with. Just my opinion, you may have a different opinion.
4.) If I was caught, would I be embarrased if my crime was printed in the paper? No, I feel most people would see the event as a Family Fun Night, not as a horrible crime. Most people would say how ridiculous to crack down on a PTo Bingo Night, don't the police have better things to do.
Anyway, this is just my opinion, and I totally respect groups that have followed the letter of the law and got all the correct permits. Every school, city and state have different tolerance levels, and what works for one might not work somewhere else.
Thank you for letting me explain my opinion. I know this question of gaming laws comes up a lot, so I am just adding my take on the subject.
Thanks