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Can I offer contests that involve charity donations in Mississippi? What are the requirements?

Here is the response to your query:

Charitable Contests in Mississippi

Mississippi law allows for games or lotteries authorized by Chapter 115, Title 27 [1.1]. Charitable organizations can hold bingo games as a form of fundraising, but the use of proceeds is strictly regulated [3.1].

Requirements for Charitable Bingo Games

Charitable organizations must obtain a license to hold bingo games [3.1]. The total amount of prizes that may be awarded in any one session by a bingo location shall not exceed $7,500 in cash or other items of value offered as a prize or $8,000 if only one session is held in any one week [3.1].

All net proceeds derived from a bingo game authorized by the Charitable Bingo Law shall be expended only for the purposes for which the charitable organization is created [3.1]. The use of bingo proceeds for any other purpose, including start-up costs, attorney fees, appellate costs, or any other cost not routinely incurred by the charitable organization, must be preapproved by the Commission in writing [3.1].

Requirements for Charitable Contests

Mississippi law does not specifically address charitable contests that involve donations. However, Mississippi law allows for daily fantasy sports contests, which are regulated by the Mississippi Gaming Commission [2.1]. The values of all prizes and awards offered to winning players must be established and made known to the players in advance of the contest [2.1]. Operators must also disclose the number of entries that a player may submit to each fantasy contest and provide reasonable steps to prevent players from submitting more than the allowable number [2.1].

Based on the available information, it is unclear whether charitable contests that involve donations other than daily fantasy sports contests are allowed in Mississippi. It is recommended that you consult with a legal professional for further guidance.

Conclusion

Charitable organizations can hold bingo games as a form of fundraising in Mississippi, but the use of proceeds is strictly regulated. Mississippi law allows for daily fantasy sports contests, which are regulated by the Mississippi Gaming Commission. Mississippi law does not specifically address charitable contests that involve donations other than daily fantasy sports contests. It is recommended that you consult with a legal professional for further guidance.

[1.1]: MSCO 97-33-49 [2.1]: 13 MSAC Part 15 Chapter 2 Rule 3.1 [3.1]: 13 MSAC Part 10 Chapter 5 Rule 5.4, Rule 5.4

Source(s):
Jurisdiction

Mississippi