Service overview
Associations need a Bingo License to hold bingo games for a charitable or civic purpose and award prizes or collect money. You can’t give out more than $8,000 in prizes (cash or value) in a single day.
A Bingo License is available for the following eligible Association types:
- Standard Associations are for holding bingo games no more than twice a week throughout the license year.
- Temporary Associations are for holding bingo games for a single period of up to three days.
- Agricultural Association or County Fair are for holding bingo games at an exposition, carnival or fair for a period not exceeding 10 days.
- Senior Citizens Group is for conducting bingo for senior citizen groups and their members only.
The Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) issues these licenses.
Who
Only associations that have been operating for at least two years can apply for this license.
Requirements
Right to location
Associations must own the property where bingo is played or have a lease for the location. Rent can’t be determined by the money earned from bingo games.
Documents
You must submit the following documents with your completed PA bingo license application:
- A current copy of the hosting organization’s written constitution, charter, and articles of incorporation or by-laws
- A listing of members of the association who will manage, setup, supervise, and participate in the operation of the bingo game. For each member, provide:
- Name.
- Address.
- Social security number.
- Length of membership.
Where and when
Online
You can apply online using eCLIPSE.
If you need help filing your application online, you can schedule a virtual appointment.
In person
You need an appointment to visit the Permit and License Center in person.
Permit and License Center
1401 John F. Kennedy Blvd.
MSB, Public Service Concourse
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Office hours: 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
Offices close at noon on the last Wednesday of each month.
Cost
There is an annual fee based on organization type.
- Associations (non-profit): $100
- 3 consecutive day or temporary bingo: $15
- Agricultural association or county fair: $100
- Senior citizen’s group (members-only): $50
If you renew your license more than 60 days after the due date, you will be charged 1.5% of the license fee for each month since the license expired.
How
You can apply for this license online using eCLIPSE or in person at the Permit and License Center.
Online
Applications are reviewed within five business days.
This takes about one month.
If the application isn’t approved, you will receive an email stating what is missing or required.
In person
This takes about one month.
If the application isn’t approved, you will receive an email stating what is missing or required.
Renewal requirements
Annual renewal
- Submit online or in person at the Permit and License Center
Required for renewal
- A reply to the questions in the Bingo License renewal instructions.