Exempt/Excluded Permit for Fundraising Events

The following information pertains to registered nonprofit organizations seeking to conduct bingo, raffles, and other forms of lawful gambling by excluded or exempt permit as allowed by Minnesota law.

You will need to determine for the calendar year:

  • what type of gambling you will be conducting,
  • how many events will be conducted (for raffles, the event date is the drawing date), and
  • the estimated total market value of all donated and purchased prizes to be awarded.

An organization may not conduct both exempt and excluded activity in the same calendar year.

Forms and information for the conduct of  raffles, bingo, pull-tabs, tipboards,  and paddlewheels.

How exempt and excluded organizations may and may not spend gambling funds

Frequently Asked Questions

Exempt Permit

A nonprofit organization must submit one application for each gambling activity conducted in a calendar year (consecutive dates at one location go on one application).

LG220 Application for Exempt Permit

An Exempt permit is required when for the calendar year:

  • the total value of ALL prizes donated and purchased is less than $50,000, and is
  • limited to five days of gambling activity.

LG220A Exempt Permit Financial Report

  • Within 30 days of the authorized gambling activity, complete and submit the financial report to the Gambling Control Board.

Excluded Permit

A nonprofit organization must submit one application for each gambling activity conducted in a calendar year.

LG240B Application to Conduct Excluded Bingo

An Excluded Bingo permit is required when for the calendar year:

  • bingo will be conducted at four or fewer events, OR
  • bingo will be conducted up to 12 consecutive days in conjunction with a county fair, civic celebration, or the Minnesota State Fair.

A nonprofit organization may conduct a raffle without a permit when for the calendar year:

  • the total value of ALL prizes donated and purchased is less than $1,500, OR
  • if the organization is a 501(c)(3) organization, the total value of ALL prizes donated and purchased for one event does not exceed $5,000 (see Minnesota Statutes, section 349.166, Subd. 1(c) ).

Additional requirements:

  • The raffle is conducted by the nonprofit organization, not an individual.
  • Check with your local city or county for local ordinance or requirements.