Chapter 6.40 — BINGO

As used in this chapter:

Bingo means a game of chance operated for a fee in which prizes are awarded on the basis of designated numbers or symbols on a card which conform to numbers or symbols selected at random.

Director means the director of finance.

Eligible organization means an organization referred to in Penal Code section 326.5. (1991 code § 6-26.1; Ord. 362 § 1, 1976; Ord. 385 § 1, 1977)

An eligible organization may conduct bingo games in compliance with this chapter. (1991 code § 6-26.2; Ord. 362 § 1, 1976)

• A. Permit required. Before conducting a bingo game, an eligible organization shall obtain a permit from the director of finance. Application shall be made on a form prescribed by the director and shall include:

  1. Proof that the organization is an eligible organization as defined by Penal Code section 326.5(a);

  2. Date or periodic description of days when games will be held;

  3. Time when games will be held;

  4. Place where games will be held;

  5. Number and value of prizes to be offered;

  6. Other information prescribed on the form by the director.

• B. Annual renewal. The eligible organization shall renew the bingo permit annually, providing the same information required for a new permit.

• C. Notice of change in status. The eligible organization shall notify the city director of finance within 30 days, and cease operations, if the organization's tax exempt status is revoked or rescinded before the time of renewal.

(1991 code § 6-26.3; Ord. 362 § 1, 1976; Ord. 385 § 2, 1977; Ord. 832 § 1, 2008)

The city council may, by resolution, prescribe a permit fee and a renewal fee in amounts not to exceed the actual cost of issuing the permit or renewal. (1991 code § 6-26.4; Ord. 362 § 1, 1976; Ord. 832 § 2, 2008)

The bingo games must be held on property owned or leased by the eligible organization and used by it as an office or for performance of the purposes for which the organization exists. (1991 code § 6-26.5; Ord. 362 § 1, 1976)

• A. Public. A bingo game must be open to the public and not limited to members of the exempt organization.

• B. Minors. It is unlawful for a minor to participate in a bingo game.

• C. Physical presence. It is unlawful for a person to participate in a bingo game unless he or she is physically present at the game.

• (1991 code § 6-26.6; Ord. 362 § 1, 1976)

• A. Only a member of the eligible organization may operate the bingo game. No member may receive a profit, wage or salary from the bingo game. Only the eligible organization shall operate the bingo game or participate in the promotion, supervision or other phase of the game.

• B. No individual, corporation, partnership, or legal entity other than the eligible organization may have a financial interest in the conduct of the bingo game.

• (1991 code § 6-26.7; Ord. 362 § 1, 1976)

The total value of the prizes awarded at each bingo session shall not exceed $250.00 in cash or kind or both.

(1991 code § 6-26.8; Ord. 362 § 1, 1976)

The money derived from bingo shall be kept in a special fund or account and shall not be commingled with another fund or account. (1991 code § 6-26.9; Ord. 362 § 1, 1976)

• A. Misdemeanor. It is a misdemeanor for a person to receive a profit, wage or salary from the operation of bingo game.

• B. Infraction. Violation of this chapter, except subsection A of this section, is an infraction. (1991 code § 6-26.10; Ord. 362 § 1, 1976)