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Can I offer contests that involve chance-based games in Georgia? What are the requirements?

To offer contests that involve chance-based games in Georgia, you must ensure that they comply with the qualifications of a lawful promotion specified in paragraph (16) of subsection (b) of Code Section 10-1-393 to avoid being considered a lottery. Additionally, you must be a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization that is properly licensed pursuant to Georgia Code section 16-12-22.1 to operate raffles.

If you want to operate bingo games, you must submit a license application to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation on forms prescribed by the Bureau. The application must be accompanied by, but not limited to, the following: an annual fee of $100, a determination letter from the Internal Revenue Service certifying that the applicant is an exempt organization under Federal Income Tax Law, a determination letter from the Georgia Department of Revenue certifying that the applicant is exempt under income tax laws of the State of Georgia, the organization’s sales tax registration number from the Georgia Department of Revenue, a certified copy of the current incorporation papers, charter and other such documents indicating the date the organization originated, a copy of the applicant’s current constitution and/or bylaws, a statement as to the location where the applicant will conduct bingo games, a copy of the purchase or lease contract for the bingo equipment to be used by the applicant, or a statement of ownership of the equipment, a current financial statement of the applicant organization as of the date of application, a statement of the source of funds to be used in the initial development of the bingo operation and if any improvements are made on the premises where the bingo operation is to be conducted, the source of those funds, the names and addresses of any persons, organizations or other legal entities that will act as surety for the applicant or to whom the applicant is financially indebted, or to whom any financial obligation is owed by the applicant, a photograph, a fingerprint card and personal history and background statement on forms provided by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation of all persons who are establishing, or will be promoting, advertising, or operating the bingo games, and if the applicant is a corporation, association or other similar legal entity, the names and home addresses, a photograph, a fingerprint card, and a personal history and background statement on the aforementioned forms of all the directors/officers of the organization and any other person associated in any way with the applicant’s bingo operation, a statement showing the convictions, pleas of guilty, and nolo contendere, if any, for criminal offenses, other than minor traffic offenses, for all directors/officers of the organization and for all persons establishing, promoting, advertising or operating the bingo game, and a current certificate from the Fire Marshal showing the authorized number of occupants permitted on the premises where bingo is to be operated [2.1].

The Georgia Lottery Corporation may adopt regulations, policies, and procedures regulating the conduct of lottery games in general, including, but not limited to [3.2].

Therefore, to offer contests that involve chance-based games in Georgia, you must ensure that they comply with the qualifications of a lawful promotion specified in paragraph (16) of subsection (b) of Code Section 10-1-393 to avoid being considered a lottery. Additionally, you must be a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization that is properly licensed pursuant to Georgia Code section 16-12-22.1 to operate raffles. If you want to operate bingo games, you must submit a license application to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation on forms prescribed by the Bureau and meet the requirements listed above.

Source(s):
Jurisdiction

Georgia, Georgia