Bingo laws in all 50 states and Washington, DC
There is no single US permission for every product called bingo. A charity event license, a state casino authorization, a scoring contest and a promotional prize game answer different legal questions. The table below gives a specific official source and a limited finding for each of the 50 states and Washington, DC.
What the evidence covers
Section titled “What the evidence covers”Most rows establish rules for charitable bingo. Those sources do not settle the legality of a particular online skill app, sweepstakes casino or tribal operation. Those cells say that the question remains unresolved instead of turning a missing source into a legal conclusion. Read the source scope and date with the finding.
The online casino column identifies licensed markets where the cited authority publishes a current framework or operator information. It does not confirm that every casino has a dedicated bingo game. Maine is separate: the Gambling Control Unit application page, checked on October 21, 2026, says forms may be prepared but applications are not yet being accepted. Nevada’s interactive gaming operator page lists poker operators; it does not establish a broad online casino market.
A row marked as a partial review identifies an unresolved source check. Each completed row is complete for its stated scope, not a review of every form of gambling in that state.
51 jurisdictions shown
| Jurisdiction | Regulated online casino | Cash skill contests | Sweepstakes | Tribal gaming | Charity bingo | What to verify |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AlabamaReviewed: | Not established by this source | Specific app legality unresolved | Online promotion legality not resolved by this source | Tribe and land review required | See finding and source | The AG distinguishes traditional bingo under local amendments from prohibited electronic bingo. Confirm the county amendment and game.
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| AlaskaReviewed: | Not established by this source | Specific app legality unresolved | Online promotion legality not resolved by this source | Tribe and land review required | See finding and source | Qualified organizations need a Revenue permit and trained members in charge; gaming proceeds have restricted uses.
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| ArizonaReviewed: | Not established by this source | Specific app legality unresolved | Online promotion legality not resolved by this source | Tribe and land review required | See finding and source | Charitable bingo licensing is handled by the Department of Revenue, separately from tribal casino regulation.
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| ArkansasReviewed: | Not established by this source | Specific app legality unresolved | Online promotion legality not resolved by this source | Tribe and land review required | See finding and source | DFA lists annual and temporary bingo permits for qualifying tax-exempt organizations with five years of existence.
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| CaliforniaReviewed: | Not established by this source | Specific app legality unresolved | Defined dual-currency online games restricted by §337o; see guide | Tribe and land review required | See finding and source | Ask the city or county about charitable bingo. The separate §337o online sweepstakes restriction needs its own review.
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| ColoradoReviewed: | Not established by this source | Specific app legality unresolved | Online promotion legality not resolved by this source | Tribe and land review required | See finding and source | The bingo-raffle license identifies the organization and game location; location changes require notice.
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| ConnecticutReviewed: | Licensed market | Specific app legality unresolved | Casino-style sweepstakes require chapter 229b authority under §42-301 | Tribe and land review required | See finding and source | Municipalities permit and enforce bingo. Use DCP’s licensed-platform list for the separate online casino market.
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| DelawareReviewed: | Licensed market | Specific app legality unresolved | Online promotion legality not resolved by this source | Tribe and land review required | See finding and source | Eligible organizations need a bingo-event permit before advertising or holding the event; event limits apply.
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| FloridaReviewed: | Not established by this source | Specific app legality unresolved | Online promotion legality not resolved by this source | Tribe and land review required | See finding and source | Statutory organization, premises and paper-card conditions apply; players and workers must be at least 18.
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| GeorgiaReviewed: | Not established by this source | Specific app legality unresolved | Online promotion legality not resolved by this source | Tribe and land review required | See finding and source | The 2026 amendment addresses licensed locations and daily bingo sessions. Check the current nonprofit license and approved location.
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| HawaiiReviewed: | Not established by this source | Specific app legality unresolved | Online promotion legality not resolved by this source | Tribe and land review required | See finding and source | The social-gambling defense requires equal terms, no third-party profit, no minors and a nonpublic setting; it is not a charity permit.
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| IdahoReviewed: | Not established by this source | Specific app legality unresolved | Online promotion legality not resolved by this source | Tribe and land review required | See finding and source | The Lottery licenses qualifying charitable or nonprofit bingo; eligibility and charitable use of proceeds must be established.
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| IllinoisReviewed: | Not established by this source | Specific app legality unresolved | Online promotion legality not resolved by this source | Tribe and land review required | See finding and source | Eligible nonprofit operators need an IDOR license; the agency sets session, prize, worker and 18+ participation rules.
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| IndianaReviewed: | Not established by this source | Specific app legality unresolved | Online promotion legality not resolved by this source | Tribe and land review required | See finding and source | IGC provides annual and single-activity licenses plus limited exempt-activity notification. Confirm the qualification and event type.
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| IowaReviewed: | Not established by this source | Specific app legality unresolved | Online promotion legality not resolved by this source | Tribe and land review required | See finding and source | Only specified license types permit bingo. A one-year qualified-organization license does not itself allow bingo.
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| KansasReviewed: | Not established by this source | Specific app legality unresolved | Online promotion legality not resolved by this source | Tribe and land review required | See finding and source | Call and instant bingo require a qualified nonprofit’s bingo license; organization and premises requirements differ.
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| KentuckyReviewed: | Not established by this source | Specific app legality unresolved | Online promotion legality not resolved by this source | Tribe and land review required | See finding and source | Charitable gaming is overseen by Kentucky Horse Racing & Gaming’s Office of Charitable Gaming. Check its license and exemption process.
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| LouisianaReviewed: | Not established by this source | Specific app legality unresolved | Online promotion legality not resolved by this source | Tribe and land review required | See finding and source | OCG requires organization eligibility, a secured location, application, training and licensed supplies.
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| MaineReviewed: | Authorized; applications not yet open | Specific app legality unresolved | Online promotion legality not resolved by this source | Tribe and land review required | See finding and source | Ordinary beano uses GCU registration; high-stakes tribal beano has a separate license. Municipal consent appears in registration requirements.
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| MarylandReviewed: | Not established by this source | Specific app legality unresolved | Online promotion legality not resolved by this source | Tribe and land review required | See finding and source | This county-specific provision requires an eligible organization and county permit. It does not establish a uniform statewide bingo permit.
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| MassachusettsReviewed: | Not established by this source | Specific app legality unresolved | Online promotion legality not resolved by this source | Tribe and land review required | See finding and source | Beano applications require local licensing-authority approval and submission to the State Lottery Commission.
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| MichiganReviewed: | Licensed market | Specific app legality unresolved | MGCB has acted against named virtual-coin operators | Tribe and land review required | See finding and source | Charitable bingo is 18+ and can require a license even with no entry charge. Nonprofit qualification precedes licensing.
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| MinnesotaReviewed: | Not established by this source | Specific app legality unresolved | Online promotion legality not resolved by this source | Tribe and land review required | See finding and source | Registered nonprofits use a license, exempt permit or excluded-bingo route depending on activity. Limited events still have conditions.
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| MississippiReviewed: | Not established by this source | Specific app legality unresolved | Online promotion legality not resolved by this source | Tribe and land review required | See finding and source | The Commission publishes separate charitable-bingo organization, operator, supplier and manufacturer applications.
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| MissouriReviewed: | Not established by this source | Specific app legality unresolved | Online promotion legality not resolved by this source | Tribe and land review required | See finding and source | Bingo is restricted to qualified licensed organizations; proceeds beyond actual costs must serve the permitted charitable purposes.
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| MontanaReviewed: | Not established by this source | Specific app legality unresolved | Online promotion legality not resolved by this source | Tribe and land review required | See finding and source | An operator license can cover bingo; only activities specifically authorized by statute or rule may be offered.
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| NebraskaReviewed: | Not established by this source | Specific app legality unresolved | Online promotion legality not resolved by this source | Tribe and land review required | See finding and source | July 2026 changes distinguish music bingo from Class I/II bingo and expand special-event permits. Confirm the correct activity.
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| NevadaReviewed: | Poker operators listed | Specific app legality unresolved | Online promotion legality not resolved by this source | Tribe and land review required | See finding and source | Charitable gaming events are limited to listed games, including bingo, and must support a Nevada nonprofit mission.
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| New HampshireReviewed: | Not established by this source | Specific app legality unresolved | Online promotion legality not resolved by this source | Tribe and land review required | See finding and source | Bingo licenses specify times, dates and locations in a municipality that authorized bingo; they are not transferable.
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| New JerseyReviewed: | Licensed market | Specific app legality unresolved | Paid-value model restricted; §3 merchandise exception has cumulative conditions | Tribe and land review required | See finding and source | The organization first registers with LGCCC, then applies to the municipality for each game type. A registration is not the event license.
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| New MexicoReviewed: | Not established by this source | Specific app legality unresolved | Online promotion legality not resolved by this source | Tribe and land review required | See finding and source | Qualified organizations can obtain bingo licenses under the Bingo and Raffle Act; proceeds must serve lawful purposes.
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| New YorkReviewed: | Not established by this source | Specific app legality unresolved | §912 prohibits defined dual-currency online casino simulations | Tribe and land review required | See finding and source | Authorized organizations register with the Gaming Commission and obtain an identification number before applying for a bingo license.
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| North CarolinaReviewed: | Not established by this source | Specific app legality unresolved | Online promotion legality not resolved by this source | Tribe and land review required | See finding and source | ALE licenses nonprofit bingo and beach bingo separately. A charitable license has session and schedule conditions.
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| North DakotaReviewed: | Not established by this source | Specific app legality unresolved | Online promotion legality not resolved by this source | Tribe and land review required | See finding and source | Bingo can operate under charitable gaming licenses or specified local permits; age exceptions depend on the event and supervision.
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| OhioReviewed: | Not established by this source | Specific app legality unresolved | Online promotion legality not resolved by this source | Tribe and land review required | See finding and source | The AG handles nonprofit bingo registration and training. Confirm the organization’s current bingo authorization before paying.
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| OklahomaReviewed: | Not established by this source | Specific app legality unresolved | Online promotion legality not resolved by this source | Tribe and land review required | See finding and source | ABLE lists organization, worker and supplier licenses, with separate limited-event and residential-facility exemptions.
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| OregonReviewed: | Not established by this source | Specific app legality unresolved | Online promotion legality not resolved by this source | Tribe and land review required | See finding and source | Eligible tax-exempt organizations generally need a DOJ bingo license; a limited annual-handle exception and local rules apply.
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| PennsylvaniaReviewed: | Licensed market | Specific app legality unresolved | Online promotion legality not resolved by this source | Tribe and land review required | See finding and source | The county treasurer or designated authority licenses eligible associations. Under-18 players require an accompanying adult.
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| Rhode IslandReviewed: | Licensed market | Specific app legality unresolved | Online promotion legality not resolved by this source | Tribe and land review required | See finding and source | State Police approve bingo applications; the applicant must also ask the local authority about a separate event license.
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| South CarolinaReviewed: | Not established by this source | Specific app legality unresolved | Online promotion legality not resolved by this source | Tribe and land review required | See finding and source | Bingo license classes set different prize and schedule limits. Some require a licensed promoter; the fair class is separate.
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| South DakotaReviewed: | Not established by this source | Specific app legality unresolved | Online promotion legality not resolved by this source | Tribe and land review required | See finding and source | Section 22-25-25 allows specified organizations’ bingo subject to proceeds, staffing and compensation conditions.
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| TennesseeReviewed: | Not established by this source | Specific app legality unresolved | Online promotion legality not resolved by this source | Tribe and land review required | See finding and source | Published rule .17 permits registered annual bingo sessions in person and expressly prohibits online or virtual bingo. Confirm approval for the actual event.
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| TexasReviewed: | Not established by this source | Specific app legality unresolved | Online promotion legality not resolved by this source | Tribe and land review required | See finding and source | Qualifying organizations need licensing and local authorization. Narrow home-game exceptions do not authorize a public cash app.
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| UtahReviewed: | Prohibited by cited law | Specific app legality unresolved | Gambling, fringe gambling and online gambling prohibited | Tribe and land review required | See finding and source | The current renumbered statute prohibits participating in gambling, fringe gambling and online gambling. A charity label is not an exemption.
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| VermontReviewed: | Not established by this source | Specific app legality unresolved | Online promotion legality not resolved by this source | Tribe and land review required | See finding and source | Nonprofit games have proceeds and compensation limits. Subsection (c) bars electronically communicating bingo calls to another location.
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| VirginiaReviewed: | Not established by this source | Specific app legality unresolved | Online promotion legality not resolved by this source | Tribe and land review required | See finding and source | VDACS distinguishes charitable gaming permits, registrations and application-fee exemptions; a fee exemption is not blanket authorization.
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| WashingtonReviewed: | Not established by this source | Specific app legality unresolved | Online promotion legality not resolved by this source | Tribe and land review required | See finding and source | The nonprofit licensing route has a narrow two-event, $5,000 combined-revenue exception with notification and records requirements.
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| West VirginiaReviewed: | Licensed market | Specific app legality unresolved | Online promotion legality not resolved by this source | Tribe and land review required | See finding and source | Eligible tax-exempt organizations apply to the Tax Commissioner; new bingo applications normally require 60 days.
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| WisconsinReviewed: | Not established by this source | Specific app legality unresolved | Online promotion legality not resolved by this source | Tribe and land review required | See finding and source | Paid bingo requires a Division of Gaming license. The agency explicitly says paid virtual bingo is illegal under its bingo rules.
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| WyomingReviewed: | Not established by this source | Specific app legality unresolved | Online promotion legality not resolved by this source | Tribe and land review required | See finding and source | Bingo and pull-tabs require an eligible charity or nonprofit with three years in Wyoming and a Commission license.
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| District of ColumbiaReviewed: | Not established by this source | Specific app legality unresolved | Online promotion legality not resolved by this source | Tribe and land review required | See finding and source | Nonprofit bingo requires Lottery licensing. DC also has a separate commercial-bingo licensing and ABCA endorsement route.
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Read the local guide for the next step
Section titled “Read the local guide for the next step”The detailed guides distinguish local bingo licensing from online products:
- New Jersey: DGE-approved sites, municipal bingo licenses and the 2025 sweepstakes law.
- Pennsylvania: county licensing, charitable prize limits and the accompanied-minor exception.
- Michigan: internet licensing, virtual-coin enforcement and charity qualification.
- Texas: authorized organizations, local elections, TDLR licensing and the narrow home-game exception.
- Florida: organization and paper-card rules, prizes and electronic-device enforcement.
- California: local ordinances, physical attendance and Penal Code §337o.
How to check an online app
Section titled “How to check an online app”Find the legal entity and actual website in the operator’s terms. For a licensed casino, compare them with the regulator’s current list. Then check the specific game, minimum age, physical-location requirement and withdrawal rules. The app comparison helps identify the business model; the age and geolocation guide explains account checks.
For sweepstakes, a free route does not resolve state restrictions. California and New Jersey have specific statutory tests, Connecticut restricts casino-style sweepstakes absent the required license, and Michigan has acted against named virtual-coin operators. Read the sweepstakes model guide and the state evidence before relying on a promotion’s terminology.
Tribal authority depends on the tribe, Indian lands and game class under federal Indian gaming law. A state row cannot establish nationwide internet authority for an app claiming a tribal relationship.
What to ask a bingo organizer
Section titled “What to ask a bingo organizer”Ask which organization holds the license, which authority issued it, what venue it covers and whether the activity is within the authorization. Check the applicable age, prize and proceeds rules. DC also has a separate commercial bingo endorsement route, so “bingo” there should not automatically be described as charitable.
The sources are a starting point for checking a particular game. An organizer planning a business or event should obtain advice on the actual operation and applicable local rules.