Charitable Gaming, Sweepstakes, Contests and Promotions
Many organizations turn to charitable gaming as a means of raising money, especially in light of the recent economic downturn.
Unfortunately, charitable gaming laws can change frequently. At times those changes may be based on the needs and resulting legislative efforts of particular charitable organizations. However, those changes may well impact all charitable organizations that conduct gaming. As a result, the myriad of charitable gaming regulations can be complex and confusing. Additionally, the Indiana Gaming Commission has an enforcement division designed to discover and eliminate unauthorized gaming in the State of Indiana.
We help keep charitable organizations updated about changes to the statutes and administrative rules that may impact how fundraising events are conducted. We assist charitable organizations with commenting on proposed rules that the Indiana Gaming Commission is promulgating so the organizations will have a voice in how the rules are developed and amended. We also assist charitable organizations with the application process, through the Indiana Gaming Commission, to become a qualified organization and to obtain a charitable gaming license. Finally, we provide ongoing assistance with compliance and any disciplinary actions that may arise following licensure.
Many for-profit companies offer sweepstakes, contests or other promotions in an effort to increase business or promote an event. However, if not structured properly, sweepstakes and promotions can violate Indiana's, and possibly other states’, gaming laws as well as federal laws. We can advise companies in structuring sweepstakes, contests and promotions in a manner that will comply with Indiana law and other applicable laws.
With our firm’s experience in administrative, gaming, and nonprofit law, we can provide assistance to both nonprofit and for profit entities. Specifically, we can provide assistance in the following areas:
- Structuring nonprofits to be eligible to conduct charitable gaming
- Qualification of nonprofits for charitable gaming
- Charitable gaming licensure
- Compliance review
- Assisting with regulatory disciplinary actions
- Structuring of sweepstakes, contests, and promotion by for-profit entities
Many nonprofit organizations benefit from charity gaming activities which are regulated by State and Federal law. For more information specific to charity gaming, please visit Indiana Charity Gaming Association at www.incga.com.