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.
Payment methods and details
Accepted payment methods
| Where | Accepted payment |
|---|---|
| Online through the eCLIPSE application
(There is a $500,000 limit for online payments.) |
|
| In person at the Permit and License Center in the Municipal Services Building |
|
| 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.) |
|
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:
- You will be charged a $20 fee for collection.
- 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.
- The City of Philadelphia or its agent may re-present your check electronically to your depository institution for payment.
- If the City is unable to obtain payment, the license, permit, or appeal application will be void.
- You cannot take any additional action under a permit until you have paid all fees.
- The permit or license will be revoked if the outstanding fees are not paid within 30 days.
- 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
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.