Is it illegal to play bingo in tennessee?
I tried finding some bingo halls for my mom to visit up there on vacation, and i cannot find one. The only thing I found was some website that said it was illegal but no proof to back it.
Question asked by: dfpb
Answer
In Tennessee, bingo is considered a form of gambling, and as such, it is subject to certain restrictions and regulations. The Tennessee Charitable Gaming Implementation Law, passed in 2003, outlines the requirements for organizations to hold bingo games, including obtaining a license and complying with certain rules and regulations.
Bingo games in Tennessee must be held by a charitable organization that has been granted a license by the Tennessee Secretary of State’s office. The proceeds from the game must go to a charitable or non-profit organization, and the maximum prize for each game cannot exceed $3,000.
While bingo is legal in Tennessee, it is tightly regulated, and not all organizations may have the resources or willingness to comply with the regulations. Therefore, it is possible that there may be a limited number of bingo halls or events in the state.
It is important to note that while bingo is legal in Tennessee, other forms of gambling, including casinos and sports betting, are not legal in the state. Additionally, anyone under the age of 18 is not allowed to participate in bingo games in Tennessee.
If you are looking for bingo halls in Tennessee, you may want to contact the Tennessee Secretary of State’s office for a list of licensed organizations. You can also search online for local bingo events or check with community centers or non-profit organizations in your area to see if they hold bingo games.
It is important to be cautious when participating in any form of gambling, including bingo. Set a budget for yourself and stick to it, and remember that gambling should always be for entertainment purposes only.
Bingo was legal in Tennessee until the 1980’s, when it was abolished due to widespread corruption. It is currently still illegal.