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.
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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
November 30, 2018
October/November/December 2018 Gaming News
The October/November/December 2018 issue of the Gaming News is now available.
November 28, 2018
Be Aware!
The Board was recently informed that an individual entered a site wearing a uniform that appeared to be law enforcement. The uniformed individual stated he was there to do an inspection. He did not show credentials/ID, nor did the seller ask. This is how individuals may fraudulently gain access to games or game information, and/or other organization assets.
Be diligent! Gambling Control Board and law enforcement personnel will always show their ID/credentials when entering a premises on official business. Do not hesitate to ask for ID if credentials are not voluntarily produced, uniform or not. If credentials cannot be produced, do not allow access to your organization’s assets. Notify local law enforcement and the Minnesota Gambling Control Board (651-539-1900) if you suspect anyone is not who they say they are.
November 27, 2018
New Online Continuing Education Course Available!
A new online continuing education course, What Every Pull-Tab Seller Needs to Know, is now available! Designed for pull-tab sellers and supervisors of sellers, this course includes information on posting, prize receipts, buyouts, establishing and enforcing house rules, and much more! For additional information, or to take the course, go to the Continuing Education page.
As always, we look forward to your continued feedback on our online courses.
November 13, 2018
Annual Reports and Star Rating Reports Available
FY 2018 reports are located under our Reports & Legislation tab.
- To view the Minnesota Gambling Control Board's FY18 Annual Report go to GCB Annual Reports page.
- To view Organization FY18 Annual Reports, which are sorted by organization name, city, gross receipts, and star rating, go to the Organization Annual Reports page.
- To view the FY18 Star Rating Reports, go to Star Rating Report page.
October 19, 2018
Rules Update
The Notice of Intent to Adopt Rules without a Hearing will be published in the October 22, 2018, edition of the State Register. A copy can also be found on the Rules page. Thank you to the participants of the Public Advisory Committee (PAC).
October 4, 2018
Attention Organizations that Sell Bingo Gift Certificates - Internal Control Procedures
A possible theft of gambling funds was recently uncovered involving unreported sale of bingo gift certificates. These Bingo Gift Certificate Internal Control Procedures outline recommended procedures for preventing this type of theft from your organization. Access the Bingo Gift Certificate Tracking Worksheet (Excel).
Crime Alerts See complete Crime Alert list
- December 14, 2018 - Stolen Pull-Tab Games, Savage Area (attempts to redeem as far north as Wright County)
- August 7, 2018 - Stolen Pull-Tab Game, Montevideo Area - GAMES FOUND
- 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
An equal opportunity employer