Do You Need a Gambling License for Bingo?
Yes, you require a gambling license to provide real-money bingo, in which people pay money to participate and may win cash. Still, you do not need a special permit to run this activity on a charity basis, including bingo for fundraising.
What Is Bingo?
Bingo is an online casino game where players mark off numbers on specially designed cards as a live caller announces them. The main goal of this game is to complete a specific pattern or combination of numbers to win.
We’ve prepared a detailed overview of the main types of bingo games to help you better understand their licensing specifics:
- Land-based bingo. This is the classic format played in bingo halls or land-based venues. If you’re running it as a commercial activity, you’ll most likely need a license from the local gambling authority.
- Online bingo. This version is held online and relies on a Random Number Generator (RNG) to determine the numbers. A gambling license is required if you plan to accept real-money bets. This category also includes live dealer bingo, where a croupier runs the game via live stream.
- Charity or non-commercial bingo. If you’re organizing a bingo event to raise charitable funds, you’ll often be exempt from standard licensing. Nonetheless, most jurisdictions require a special permit to hold such activities legally.
Legalizing Bingo in the UK vs. Canada
Do you need a gambling license for bingo in the United Kingdom? Yes, in most cases, you’ll need a permit to run bingo games for commercial purposes. If you plan to offer online bingo services, you can apply through the UK Gambling Commission. However, if you plan to run bingo in a land-based casino, you’ll need to get licensed by the UK Gambling Commission.
Speaking about hosting bingo for charitable purposes, getting a license in the UK is usually not mandatory – though registration or specific permissions may still be required depending on the type of event.
Now, let’s move on to Canada. In this country, you can’t run either online or land-based bingo games without a valid license. The only exception is free-to-play bingo, which doesn’t require regulation. However, only religious or charitable organizations are allowed to host such events. Based on our knowledge, we have created a comparison table with information about bingo regulations in Canada and the UK.
| The type of activity | Great Britain | Canada |
|---|---|---|
| Online bingo | You must obtain a license from the UK Gambling Commission. | You need a permit from a suitable regulator. |
| Land-based bingo | You require a license. | You should receive a special permit in the local jurisdiction (for instance, AGCO in Ontario). |
| Charity-based bingo | It can be held without a license if the event is not commercial. | Allowed without a license, but only for religious/non-profit organizations. |
| Non-commercial bingo | Allowed without a special license. | Allowed without a special license. |
Legalizing Bingo in the USA
While gambling is prohibited in most US states, there are still several where bingo is allowed for both for-profit and charitable purposes. Let’s look at how it works across different states.
Ohio
Bingo is a highly regulated activity in this state, so you must get an Ohio bingo license. Additionally, only licensed charitable organizations can run bingo games and must obtain permits from the Ohio Attorney General’s Charitable Law Section.
Texas
All companies planning to run bingo games for commercial purposes must obtain a Texas bingo license from the local regulator – the Texas Lottery Commission. If you want to organize a bingo event where the proceeds go to charity, you can do so without a license. However, be aware that local elections in your area must have approved bingo operations for charitable purposes.
Florida
Do you need a license for bingo in Florida? No, as all types of gambling activity are prohibited in this state. Nonetheless, you can organize non-profit bingos, raffles, and other games of chance without a special permit.
Illinois
You must receive a bingo license in Illinois to provide gambling services. Keep in mind that you can obtain this permit if you are a solid religious, youth athletic, charitable, labor, fraternal, senior citizens’, educational, or veterans’ organization. This license allows an operator to host one bingo session per week, up to 25 games per session. A prize or merchandise limit is $2,250 each time.
How to Apply for a Bingo Gambling License
How to get a bingo license? The procedure for receiving a bingo license mainly differs depending on the game type. We know all the details about this process in Canada, the USA, and the UK, as we have assisted numerous clients in receiving bingo running permits. Below, we share information on the main aspects.
Online Bingo
First, you must register a legal business entity based on your jurisdiction. Once that’s done, you can apply for an official gaming license. To move forward, you’ll need to prepare and submit several documents, including the following:
- Proof of identity and residence for directors/shareholders;
- Criminal background checks;
- A detailed business plan;
- Description of your platform and gaming software;
- Financial statements proving stability;
- Responsible gaming policy and AML/KYC procedures.
Once all necessary documentation has been compiled, the application must be formally submitted via the official platform of the relevant licensing authority.
Then, it’s just a matter of waiting while your application is reviewed. In the UK, the process usually takes 8 to 16 weeks. Alternatively, in Canada, it may take up to 12 weeks. How much is a bingo license? It depends on different factors. You can contact us to get estimates, depending on the selected jurisdiction and type of gambling activities.
Bingo with a Club Gaming Authorization
If you want to organize a bingo club in the UK, you should know that it must not operate for commercial profit. Plus, you need to obtain a license by Club Gaming Authorization (CGA) (CGA) in the UK.
Club Gaming Authorization (CGA) issues a special permit that enables qualifying members’ clubs to offer limited gambling activities without needing a full license from the UK Gambling Commission. Plus, your club must have existed for at least three months and have a minimum of 25 members. In Canada, there are no restrictions on club members.
In the United Kingdom, you must submit a completed application to your local licensing authority to get the authorization. The application should be filed at least two months before you plan to start offering bingo games.
Bingo in Social Clubs and Welfare Institutes
If you plan to host a bingo game in a dormitory or other shared living space where people reside either temporarily or permanently, you don’t need a license. Here are the key requirements for both Canada and the UK:
- You (the organizer) must be present during the game and ensure that at least half of the participants live at the location.
- You cannot charge entry fees or profit from the game.
For example, six friends want to play bingo in their dorm. They invite three more people to join. They use a standard bingo board game for fun. In this case, no license is required.
Bingo in Public Houses
In Great Britain, to provide bingo services in a pub, you need to obtain a Club Gaming Permit or a Bingo Operating License, depending on the type of event. The application is submitted through the UK Gambling Commission, and the process includes providing detailed information about the venue, the owners, and the responsible gaming policies.
In Canada, the process has some differences. Local provincial regulators (such as the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation) issue licenses for bingo in public places. Applications are submitted directly to the relevant provincial regulator, who oversees compliance with local laws and regulations.
The procedure frequently requires submitting documents proving ownership or lease of the premises, a plan for running the games, financial reports, and information on responsible gaming and regulatory compliance. The review time depends on the province, but it mostly takes a few weeks.
So, the main difference is that in the UK, licensing and regulation are centralized through the Gambling Commission, while in Canada, it is managed at the provincial level with varying local requirements. How much is a bingo license in the UK? The price starts from £500 annually. In Canada, the price starts from $3,000.
Prize-based Bingo at Licensed Venues
Are you planning to run prize-based bingo at a licensed venue (such as a club or adult gaming center)? You can do so without a separate license. However, you must follow specific rules. Operators in the UK need to obtain special permission under the Gambling Act 2005. Canadian operators must get approval from their local provincial regulator.
Additionally, in the UK, there are limits on the number of games held, with a maximum prize of £2,250 per session.
Bingo for Charitable Causes
In the UK, running charity bingo usually doesn’t require a license as long as it complies with the Gambling Act 2005. Organizers must follow certain restrictions, but the oversight is handled centrally.
In Canada, charity bingo is also often exempt from licensing, but the rules vary by province. Applications are submitted to local provincial regulators, and in some cases, their approval or permission is required.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Do you need a gambling license for bingo? Of course, if you do not want to provoke fines, license revocation, or criminal charges. For instance, providing bingo without a license in Canada may cause up to 2 years imprisonment (according to the Criminal Code penalties). In the UK, operators may face criminal charges, leading to fines or even imprisonment for serious violations.
Contact our expert team if you want to provide bingo legally, and we will help you obtain the necessary permit. Legal Pilot has over 3 years of professional background and has assisted 100+ clients in license obtaining.
