Definitions:
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Code Section 12-21-3990(A)(2) reads: The game of bingo must be played in the following manner: Before each game begins, the caller shall announce to the players the configuration or configurations that will win the game. A configuration consists of a number of grids covered in the manner announced by the caller. Any method of playing the games is allowed if the method is announced before each game's beginning including, but not limited to, wild card games. In addition, any time before the conclusion of the game, the prize, specifically stating the dollar amount or value of merchandise awarded to the winner or winners for the game, must be announced.
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Code Section 12-21-3990(A)(3) reads: The game of bingo must be played in the following manner: The prize must be awarded to the winner of that game without delay. For multiple winners, the prize must be divided equally among the winners. In the case of a merchandise prize, the cash value of the merchandise may be divided among the winners. Purchase receipts of merchandise awarded as prizes must be made available to players and the department for confirmation of value.
Summary:
In summary, prior to the conclusion of each game the caller must announce the cash prize or merchandise value awarded to the winner(s). In the event of multiple winners,
the prize must be divided equally among all winners. If the original announced payout cannot be divided equally among multiple winners, the prize payout must be rounded up or down to meet the requirement of an equal payout.
The caller must announce the prize and/or how the prize is split evenly among the winners. This summary applies to all classes of Bingo License holders.
Examples:Caller announces a $20 prize for a game.
- Example 1 – Two Players are verified as winners. Caller announces, “Two Winners splitting $20” or “Two Winners winning $10 each”. Both of these announcements are in compliance with Title 12.
- Example 2 – Three Players are verified as winners. Caller announces, “Three Winners splitting $20”. This is a violation of Section 12-21-3990(A)(3) due to the fact that $20 cannot be divided evenly among three winners. It may be a violation of 12-21-3990(A)(2) if the bingo actually paid out a prize of $21 or $19.50 (the bingo did not announce the actual payout prior to the conclusion of the game).
- Example 3 – Three Players are verified as winners. To remain in compliance with Title 12, the caller may announce the payout 1 of 4 ways, depending upon the bingo’s decision on the total amount to payout:
- “Three Winners splitting $21.00”
- “Three Winners splitting $19.50”
- “Three winners each receiving $6.50 for a total payout of $19.50”
- “Three winners each receiving $6.66 for a total payout of $19.98”
- “Three winners each receiving $7.00 for a total payout of $21.00”
*For Class “C” bingos, remember that if a cash prize or merchandise prize exceeds $20 for a given game, that is considered a jackpot according to 12-21-4020(3).
These are guidelines only; this document does not establish a binding norm. These guidelines do not restrict the Department’s authority to impose any sanctions within the statutory parameters set by the General Assembly. Nor do these guidelines alter the joint and several liability of the licensed promoter and nonprofit organization for the relevant taxes, penalties, interest and fines.