Chapter 5.08 — BINGO

As used in this chapter, "bingo" means a game of chance 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.

(Ord. 106, 1976; Ord. 269-99)

Any organization wishing to conduct a bingo game within the Town must submit an application for a permit to the Town Clerk. The application shall be on a form provided by the Town and shall establish compliance with the conditions of this chapter. (Ord. 106, 1976; Ord. 269-99)

The Town Clerk shall examine the application required and if the conditions of this chapter are complied with, a permit shall be issued by the Town. Any licenses issued pursuant to this section shall expire on June 30th of each year and shall be renewable annually. (Ord. 106, 1976; Ord. 269-99)

Bingo games conducted within the Town shall be conducted only in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.

(Ord. 106, 1976; Ord. 269-99)

Bingo games may be conducted in the Town only by organizations exempted from the payment of the bank and corporation tax by Revenue and Tax Code Sections 23701(a), 23701(b), 23701(d), 23701(e), 23701(f), 23701(g), and 23701(L) and by mobile home park associations and senior citizens organizations; and only if the receipts from such games are used only for charitable purposes.

(Ord. 106, 1976; Ord. 269-99)

No person shall receive a profit, wage or salary from any bingo game conducted in the Town. (Ord. 106, 1976; Ord. 269-99)

No minor shall be allowed to participate in any bingo game conducted in the Town. (Ord. 106, 1976; Ord. 269-99)

Any bingo game operated within the Town shall be operated and staffed only by members of the nonprofit, charitable organization which organized it. Such members shall not receive a profit, wage or salary from any bingo game. Only the organization authorized to conduct a bingo game shall operate the game or participate in the promotion, supervision or any other phase of the game.

(Ord. 106, 1976; Ord. 269-99)

A nonprofit, charitable organization shall conduct a bingo game only on property owned or leased by it and which property is used by such organization for an office or for performance of the purposes for which the organization is organized.

(Ord. 106, 1976; Ord. 269-99)

All bingo games shall be open to the public and not just to the members of the nonprofit, charitable organization.

(Ord. 106, 1976; Ord. 269-99)

No individual, corporation, partnership or other legal entity except the organization authorized to conduct a bingo game shall hold a financial interest in the conduct of such bingo game. (Ord. 106, 1976; Ord. 269-99)

All profits derived from a bingo game shall be kept in a special fund or account and shall not be commingled with any other fund or account. (Ord. 106, 1976; Ord. 269-99)

No person shall be allowed to participate in a bingo game unless the person is physically present at the time and place in which the bingo game is being conducted. (Ord. 106, 1976; Ord. 269-99)

The total value of prizes awarded during the conduct of any bingo game shall not exceed $1,000.00 in cash or kind or both for each separate game which is held. (Ord. 106, 1976; Ord. 269-99)

The Finance Director is authorized to audit the records of any organization to verify compliance with this chapter. (Ord. 296-99)