Is Bingo Legal in Alabama? A Simple Guide

Yes, traditional charitable bingo is legal in Alabama, but only when run by qualified nonprofit groups with proper permits. Electronic bingo, on the other hand, is completely illegal across the entire state due to multiple Alabama Supreme Court rulings made in 2012, 2016, and 2020 that confirmed electronic bingo machines are illegal gambling devices.

Traditional Bingo Is Legal When Done Right

Traditional paper bingo is legal in Alabama as long as it is run by a qualified nonprofit organization like a church, veteran’s group, or 501(c)(3) charity that holds a valid permit. The Alabama Code Section 45-51-150.06 clearly states that bingo games must follow specific rules, including that no one under 19 years old can play or conduct the game, and no alcohol can be served during bingo sessions. For example, a church in Birmingham can hold weekly bingo nights if they have a permit from Jefferson County, but they cannot charge more than $3,500 in cash prizes per session and must use at least 10% of their adjusted gross proceeds for actual charitable purposes.

Electronic Bingo Is Completely Banned

Electronic bingo machines are illegal in all forms throughout Alabama because the Alabama Supreme Court has ruled them to be the same as slot machines. In December 2020, the court made two important rulings that officially clarified electronic bingo is illegal, and the state now has the power to seize and destroy these machines. For example, in 2024, a town in Alabama had to shut down its services after a “bingo battle” left them with no money because they were running illegal electronic bingo games that local officers had been allowing to continue. The Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange has warned multiple times since 2012 that electronic bingo machines remain illegal under state law, even if business owners claim they are just “video bingo” or “digital bingo”.

What Qualifies as Legal Bingo in Alabama

For bingo to be legal in Alabama, it must meet seven key requirements that are written into state law. First, only properly permitted nonprofit or charitable 501(c)(3) organizations can operate the game, such as churches, schools, or veteran organizations. Second, all net proceeds from the bingo game must go to charitable or educational purposes, with at least 10% of adjusted gross proceeds going to charity. Third, organizations must obtain proper permits or licenses from local county authorities before running any bingo sessions. Fourth, cash prizes typically cannot exceed $3,500 per session, though this amount varies by county. Fifth, no one can be paid consulting fees for operating bingo games, meaning the organization must run it themselves. Sixth, no person younger than 19 years old can play or conduct bingo games. Seventh, alcoholic beverages cannot be served during bingo sessions in any Alabama county. An example of this is Morgan County, which has specific equipment, prize, and conduct limitations written into their local law Section 45-52-150.05 that all bingo operators must follow.

Bingo Rules Vary by County in Alabama

Bingo laws in Alabama can be different depending on which county you are in because some counties have special constitutional amendments that allow paper bingo. Jefferson County and Shelby County, which includes cities like Birmingham and Pelham, have amendments making paper bingo legal for qualified nonprofits. Montgomery County and Calhoun County both have their own local Bingo regulatory commissions that oversee all bingo operations in those areas. For example, in Pelham (which is in Shelby County), some businesses were confused about paper bingo laws in central Alabama, and lawyers had to explain the legality of bingo to local business owners in October 2024 because the rules were not clear to everyone. However, other counties may have stricter rules or may not allow bingo at all, which is why you must always check with your local county bingo regulatory commission before planning any bingo event.

Quick Checklist Before You Run Bingo in Alabama

Before you organize any bingo event in Alabama, make sure you check these five important points to stay legal. First, confirm your organization is a qualified nonprofit with 501(c)(3) status or another recognized charitable designation that Alabama accepts for bingo permits. Second, contact your local county office to get the proper permit or license, which usually costs between $50 and $500 depending on your county. Third, make sure you are using paper bingo cards and manual ball callers, not electronic machines, because electronic bingo is 100% illegal and machines can be seized by the state. Fourth, set your cash prizes at $3,500 or less per session and keep written records showing how you used at least 10% of proceeds for charity. Fifth, check your specific county’s rules because places like Montgomery County have a Bingo Regulatory Commission that you must register with before running any games. For example, if you are a church in Montgomery County planning a charity bingo night, you must register with the Montgomery County Bingo Regulatory Commission first, use only paper cards, and submit paperwork showing your charitable organization status.

Bingo Near Me: Find Bingo Halls and Music Bingo Nearby

This site only collects related articles. Viewing the original, please copy and open the following link:Is Bingo Legal in Alabama? The Truth About Paper vs Electronic Bingo