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Permits, violations & licenses

Get a Small Games of Chance License

Service overview

Nonprofits need this license to hold small games of chance on a continuing basis.

Small games of chance include:

  • Punch boards.
  • Pull-tabs.
  • Raffles.
  • Drawings.

If you only hold these games three or fewer times, you should apply for the Limited Engagement Small Games of Chance License.

For games with prizes larger than $1,000, you also need a Special Permit License.

The Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) issues these licenses.

Who

Only nonprofit charitable organizations can apply for this license.

Requirements

Application

Notarized Small Games of Chance license application

Other licenses and registrations

  • Activity License Number
  • Must be registered with the Department of Revenue as a:
    • Nonprofit organization.
    • Charitable organization.
    • Religious association.
    • Civic association.

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

License fee
$100

A non-refundable application fee of $20 is applied to the license fee. The balance of the license fee is due upon application approval.

Renewal fee
$100

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.

Payment methods and details

Accepted payment methods

Where Accepted payment
Online through the eCLIPSE application

(There is a $500,000 limit for online payments.)

  • Electronic check
  • Credit card (+2.10% surcharge. The minimum fee is $1.50.)
  • Debit card (+$3.45 fee)
In person at the Permit and License Center in the Municipal Services Building
  • Electronic check
  • Credit card (+2.10% surcharge. The minimum fee is $1.50.)
  • Debit card (+$3.45 fee)
In person at the Cashier’s Station in the Municipal Services Building

(Items paid at the Cashier’s Station will be mailed within five business days.)

  • Check
  • Money order
  • Credit card (+2.10% surcharge)
  • Cash

Credit and debit card payments

Surcharges and fees are applied automatically to all credit and debit card transactions.

Checks and money orders

Check requirements
  • Make all checks and money orders payable to the “City of Philadelphia.”
  • The individual or company listed on the check must be listed on the application.
  • Personal checks are accepted.
  • Checks and money orders must have issue dates within 12 months of the transaction.
Reasons your check may be rejected

L&I will not accept checks that are missing depository information or are:

  • Unsigned.
  • Expired.
  • Post-dated.
  • Starter checks without account info.

Returned payment policy

If your check is returned unpaid for insufficient or uncollected funds:

  1. You will be charged a $20 fee for collection.
  2. You authorize the City of Philadelphia or its agent to make a one-time electronic fund transfer from your account to collect this fee directly.
  3. The City of Philadelphia or its agent may re-present your check electronically to your depository institution for payment.
  4. If the City is unable to obtain payment, the license, permit, or appeal application will be void.
  5. You cannot take any additional action under a permit until you have paid all fees.
  6. The permit or license will be revoked if the outstanding fees are not paid within 30 days.
  7. You cannot file or obtain additional permits until you resolve the outstanding debt.

Late license payment

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

1
Upload all required documents.

Applications are processed in about a month.

2
The application is sent to the District Attorney's Office
3
If the application is approved, you will receive a notice to pay the balance.

If the application isn’t approved, you will receive an email stating what is missing or required.

In person

1
Visit the Permit and License Center.

Applications are processed in about a month.

2
The application is sent to the District Attorney's Office
3
L&I will either issue your license or request more information.

Renewal requirements

Annual renewal

  • Renew this license online through eCLIPSE or in person at the Permit and License Center.

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