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

Yes, you can offer contests that involve charity donations in Virginia. However, the specific requirements for such contests depend on the type of contest being offered.

Charitable Gaming Permit Application Process

To conduct charitable gaming in Virginia, an organization must obtain a permit from the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) [1.1]. The permit application process includes a background investigation of the organization and interested persons to ensure public safety and welfare [1.1]. The investigation considers the nature, age, and severity of any criminal offenses, among other factors [1.1]. The permit application must include a nonrefundable fee of $200 payable to the Treasurer of Virginia, unless the organization is exempt from such fee [1.1].

Types of Charitable Gaming

Charitable gaming includes raffles, bingo, paper pull-tabs, network bingo, paper instant bingo, and paper seal cards [1.1]. Electronic gaming is also permitted [1.2].

Fantasy Contests

Fantasy contests conducted in accordance with Virginia law are not considered illegal gambling [2.1].

Charitable Gaming Authorization for Electronic Gaming

A social organization desiring to operate and conduct electronic gaming shall obtain a permit to conduct charitable gaming and an authorization to operate and conduct electronic gaming from the department prior to the commencement of any electronic gaming [1.3]. To be eligible for a permit or an authorization, a social organization must meet all of the requirements of the Charitable Gaming Law and regulations adopted pursuant thereto [1.3].

Based on the above information, it appears that offering contests that involve charity donations in Virginia would require obtaining a charitable gaming permit from VDACS and complying with the specific requirements for the type of contest being offered. For electronic gaming, a social organization must also obtain an authorization to operate and conduct electronic gaming from VDACS. However, the specific requirements for such contests are not provided in the context documents.

Source(s):
Jurisdiction

Virginia