Minnesota
Gambling Control Board
Main office:
Suite 300 South
1711 West County Road B
Roseville, MN 55113
651-539-1900
651-639-4032 (fax)
Welcome to the Minnesota Gambling Control Board
The Minnesota Gambling Control Board regulates the lawful (charitable) gambling industry to ensure the
integrity of operations and provide for the lawful use of net profits. Charitable gambling is conducted only by registered nonprofit organizations. The five forms of lawful gambling are bingo, paddlewheels, pull-tabs, raffles, and tipboards.
Quick Links
Nonprofit Requirements
Bingo, paddlewheels, pull-tabs, raffles, and tipboards may be conducted only by registered nonprofit organizations.
There are four types of nonprofit organizations that are eligible to conduct lawful gambling: fraternal, religious, veteran, and other nonprofit.
You must provide proof of nonprofit status by ONE of the following:
- Certificate of Good Standing for current calendar year. Don't have a copy? Contact the Secretary of State at 651-296-2803.
- IRS income tax exemption 501(c) letter in your organization's name. Don't have a copy? Contact the IRS at 877-829-5500.
- IRS - Affiliate of national, statewide, or international parent nonprofit organization (charter). If your organization falls under a parent organization provide BOTH:
- an IRS letter showing parent organization is a nonprofit 501(c) with group ruling; and
- a charter or letter from parent organization recognizing your organization as a subordinate.
Applying for a license or permit?
To conduct lawful gambling in Minnesota, your organization must apply for and receive either an organization license, exempt permit, or excluded permit.
Organization license:
An organization license is obtained for the conduct of ongoing gambling activities. Application and information for an organization license ›
Exempt or Excluded permit:
An exempt or excluded permit is obtained for the conduct of a limited number of gambling activities within a calendar year. Permit applications and information for exempt or excluded permits ›
Manufacturer license:
A manufacturers license must be obtained by any person or entity who sells lawful gambling equipment to a licensed distributor in Minnesota. Manufacturer information and forms ›
Distributor license:
A distributor license must be obtained by any person or entity distributing lawful gambling equipment in Minnesota. Distributor information and forms ›
Linked Bingo Game Provider license:
A linked bingo game provider license must be obtained by any person or entity who provides linked bingo services to organizations licensed to conduct lawful gambling in Minnesota. Linked Bingo Game Provider information and forms ›
What's New Specific What's New information, by month
June 7, 2018
Sports-themed tipboards have been allowed by law in Minnesota since 2012 (Minnesota Statutes, Section 349.12, subdivision 34). However, because federal law prohibited the wagering on the outcome of sporting events, the Minnesota Gambling Control Board has held off on approving any sports-themed tipboard games. The U.S. Supreme Court recently decided in favor of legalized sports betting. For lawful gambling in Minnesota, that means that sports-themed tipboards can move forward.
The Board has put together an information sheet on sports-themed tipboards. To view, see Sports-Themed Tipboards and Charitable Gambling.
May 18, 2018
The April/May/June 2018 issue of Gaming News is now available.
May 14, 2018
In a 7-2 decision, the US Supreme Court has decided in favor of legalized sports betting. Language on how sports-themed tipboards would work in Minnesota is being added to the upcoming rules process. Stay tuned for details!
March 12, 2018
An updated version of the proposed rules (dated 3/12/18) can be viewed here.
March 6, 2018
The Board's Executive Director presented the Minnesota Gambling Control Board agency overview before the Senate. Materials presented to the committee:
- Where Does Lawful Gambling Money Go? FY2017
- Lawful Gambling Gross Receipts FY1985 - FY2017
- Distribution of Net Receipts, FY1985 - FY2017
- Lawful Gambling Funds Available after Prizes and Expenses
- Electronic Pull-Tab Gross Receipts 9/12 - 2/18
- Paper Pull-Tab Gross Receipts at Sites with Electronic Pull-Tabs 7/14 - 12/18
- Distribution of FY17 State Taxes on Lawful Gambling Receipts Paid by Organizations
- State Tax Payable on Lawful Gambling NET Receipts FY2017
(number of organizations by effective tax rate range) - State Tax Payable on Lawful Gambling GROSS Receipts FY2017
(number of organizations by effective tax rate range - Minnesota Gambling Control Board FY2017 Annual Report
- Gaming News, January/February/March 2018
Crime Alerts See complete Crime Alert list
- August 2, 2017 - Missing Pull-Tab Game, Glenwood - GAME FOUND
- June 22, 2017 - Counterfeit Currency, Metro Area
- April 7, 2017 - Burglaries in Alexandria Area
- March 30, 2017 - Board Employee Impersonation, White Bear Lake area
- March 27, 2017 - Pull-Tab Games/Dispensing Device Stolen, Bruno
- January 25, 2017 - Counterfeit $20, Richardson Township/Hillman
- January 23, 2017 - Counterfeit Bills, Duluth, Grand Forks
- December 14, 2016 - Counterfeit $50 Bills, Apple Valley
- November 28, 2016 - Counterfeit $100 Bills, Duluth
- September 14, 2016 - Counterfeit Bills, Fisher
- August 17, 2016 - Stolen Pull-Tab Games, Spring Lake Park
- July 1, 2016 - Missing Pull-Tab Games, Lake Crystal
Nonprofit Requirements
Applying for a license or permit?
What's New
Crime Alerts
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