Ohiobingohalls.com provides a free service to all charities operating in the State of Ohio.

You may submit a questions to our “resident bingo expert”, he will do the research by reading the Ohio Revised Code section 2915 and contacting the State of Ohio’s Attorney General’s office, if necessary, to get an answer for you. Since this website is in the public domain, the answer submitted to one charity may be reviewed by all. The answers to the questions posed herein are believed to be accurate but are not to be relied upon in lieu of appropriate legal counsel. It is the responsibility of the reader to consult with legal counsel and governmental regulators and agencies to verify the accuracy of the opinions stated herein.

Matt from Northern Ohio wants to know if children under 18 can work in a bingo hall.

Bingo Bob says:
No one under 18 can be in a bingo hall. That would also include helping out in the kitchen, or any other function.

Lisa from St. Joseph’s had this question:
How should a charity treat proceeds from the “Pig” game? Is it recorded as Type 1 or Type 2 revenue and expense?

Bingo Bob says:
Lisa, let’s make sure we understand what the “PIG” game is all about. Many charities play this “add on” game, but call it another name. Basically, $1.00 is collected from those players that want to play. A percentage of the money collected goes into a jar and if a player achieves a bingo on a certain number the $ in the jar is given to the player. If no one bingos on the chosen number then the balance in the jar is carried to the following session.

Since this is a game played in conjunction with a traditional bingo game and the winner is decided by the numbers called from the ball machine, then the revenue and expenses must be reported under the TYPE 1 license. It’s got to be part of the $3,500.00 maximum payout.

Mary from the East Side asked:
Hey Bob, we play the pre-called Bonanza Bingo. Is it Type 1 or Type 2 revenue and expense?

Bingo Bob says:
Mary, this is an easy one, the Bonanza game that has a quantity of numbers pre-daubed and the game is won when the first player gets a coverall is definitely a Type 1 game. The ticket does not meet the definition of an instant ticket, and the winner is determined by the bingo balls called from the ball machine. It must be counted as part of the $3,500.00 maximum payout.

Henry asks:
We have a Type 3 license to sell pull tabs. Does the operator have to be physically on site during all hours of selling the pull tabs?

Bingo Bob says:
No, you do not have to be physically on site during the entire time the pull tabs are being sold. However, you are responsible for training the volunteers and ensuring that the records are accurately maintained.

More from Henry:
Can I operate my Type 3 license on the same day as my Type 1 license?

Bingo Bob says:
The Ohio Revised Code section 2915 is vague on whether a Type 3 can operate on the same day as a Type 1. However, if the Type 3 either ends 2 hours before or starts 2 after the Type 1 game is played then it MAY be acceptable to the State.

It would be much cleaner and more readily acceptable to the State if the Type 3 is played on different days from the Type 1 traditional bingo session.

Remember, the Type 3 licensee may play 5 days per week and 10 hours a day.

John from out West asks:
I want to operate a traditional bingo game for less than 4 weeks a year. What type of license should I get?

Bingo Bob says:
Hi John, you should apply for a Type 1 license, and the cost should be only $50.00.

Zoe from the middle of the State asks:
Can a charity provide free pull tabs to players as part of their buy in package?

Bingo Bob says:
Sorry Zoe, but that is a big NO! By giving the player pull tabs as part of the buy in package, the charity is not charging the full price for the pull tabs and that is in violation of the Ohio gaming laws.

Nick from up North asks:
Can a charity give pull tabs to a player in lieu of cash prizes?

Bingo Bob says:
Yes, it is permissible to give a payout in the form of pull-tabs since they are charging full price for the pull tabs. (The exchanging of money is assumed)

Question from a Distributor:
May a distributor give samples of pull tabs to a charity?

Bingo Bob says:
We welcome questions from anyone interested in improving Ohio’s bingo. Yes, a distributor may provide sample pull tabs, but the charity may not sell the samples to the players. The State does not regulate what a deal may be sold for, but the distributor must only sell to a licensed charity. (But you already know that one!)

Nancy has an interesting question:
Why can’t we play “U Pick’em” Games?

Bingo Bob says:
Good question Nancy, but the answer is that the State in an August 16, 2007 ruling determined that this game, or any similar variation, does not meet the definition of traditional bingo as defined in ORC 2915.01 (S)(1) or “instant bingo” as found in ORC 2915.01 (FF). Sorry about that Nancy, I know that “U Pick’em Games” are very popular with the players. Please remember that you also would be competing with the Ohio lottery commission and they do not want competition. (oops, I will get off my soapbox!)