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:

1. an IRS letter showing parent organization is a nonprofit 501(c) with group ruling; and
2. 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 ›

Crime Alerts                                                              See complete Crime Alert list

• January 20, 2022 - Statewide Crime Alert
• January 4, 2022 - Burglary, Olmsted County
• December 20, 2021 - Multiple burglaries - Ottertail County, Scott County, and North Mankato Area
• November 15, 2021 - Booth Op Break-In, Bloomington Area
• October 27, 2021 - Counterfeit Currency, Dakota County Area