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Can I offer contests that involve skill-based games in California? What are the requirements?

Requirements for Offering Skill-Based Contests in California

Yes, it is possible to offer skill-based contests in California. However, there are certain requirements that must be met.

Eligibility of Participants

According to Bpc Code CACL 18702, individuals under 18 years of age are not allowed to participate as contestants in any professional contest or match or exhibition. However, any person, irrespective of age, may participate as a contestant in an amateur contest, match, or exhibition with the approval of the commission subject to Section 18642.

Therefore, if the skill-based contest is considered an amateur contest, individuals of any age may participate with the approval of the commission subject to Section 18642.

Registration and Compliance

To offer skill-based contests in California, the eligibility organization must register with the Bureau in the Major League Sports Raffle Program before conducting any raffle in California, as stated in 11 CACR Section 2086. The organization must submit a completed application Major League Sports Raffle Eligible Organization Annual Registration Form (BGC 200; Rev. 10/2018) and remit a non-refundable registration fee of $14,400.

Additionally, if the skill-based contest involves the sale of raffle tickets, the electronic raffle system used for the sale of raffle tickets by an eligible organization at a registered event must be certified by an independent gaming test laboratory and must meet standards no less stringent than GLI-31, as stated in 11 CACR Section 2101.

Authorization of Gaming Activities

As per 11 CACR Section 2071, every applicant shall submit to the Bureau a report identifying all gaming activities proposed to be offered at the gambling establishment. Unless a reported gaming activity is specifically disapproved by the Bureau, all gaming activities identified in the required report shall be deemed authorized upon issuance of the initial license. It shall be an unsuitable method of operation to offer for play any gaming activity that was not specifically identified in the required report, without first obtaining authorization from the Bureau to do so.

Minimum Age of Raffle Players

Raffle tickets shall be sold only to persons 18 years of age or older, as stated in 11 CACR Section 2098. It is the responsibility of the eligible organization to ensure that raffle ticket sellers at registered events ask for and are provided a valid government-issued identification by ticket purchasers to ensure that raffle tickets are sold only to persons 18 years of age or older.

In summary, to offer skill-based contests in California, the eligibility organization must register with the Bureau in the Major League Sports Raffle Program, comply with the requirements for the sale of raffle tickets if applicable, comply with the authorization of gaming activities, and ensure that raffle tickets are sold only to persons 18 years of age or older.

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Source(s):
Jurisdiction

California