Non-Linked Bingo Devices

Note: This section refers to electronic bingo devices that are not used in conjunction with electronic linked bingo games. Electronic linked bingo device requirements are included in the Electronic Games chapter.

Electronic Bingo Device—What Is It?

An "electronic bingo device" is a device that may be used by a bingo player to monitor bingo faces purchased at the bingo occasion.

The device:

• allows bingo players to activate numbers announced by a bingo caller;
• compares the numbers entered by the player to the bingo faces previously stored in the device's memory; and
• identifies a winning bingo pattern or game requirement.

An electronic bingo device does not mean any device into which coins, currency, or tokens are inserted to activate play.

The device must be used as part of a bingo occasion and must have no added function as a gambling or entertainment device.

General Requirements and Restrictions

The devices must be leased from a distributor licensed by the Board.

The device is used with a facsimile of a bingo paper sheet (the faces on the screen must look like faces on bingo paper).

• date and time of the sale;
• total dollar amount of the transaction and quantity of facsimiles of bingo paper sheets or bingo paper purchased;
• sequential transaction number;
• range of the face numbers of the facsimiles sold to the player; and
• if facsimiles not containing predesignated numbers are sold (you pick ‘em), the bingo numbers selected by a player.

The device must not be transferred to another permitted premises unless approved in writing by the director of the Gambling Control Board. The distributor must obtain the approval.

Modifications and Maintenance

The organization must not modify the assembly or operational functions of a device or its components. However, an organization may activate the audio function, if any, for all players or limit the use of the audio function to players who are visually impaired. Only licensed manufacturers, distributors, or authorized organization employees may perform service or maintenance of the device.

Prices and “Sales” to Players

The price of a bingo face played on an electronic bingo device may not be less than the price of a face on a bingo paper sheet sold at the same occasion (for the same game) and must be posted.

A device may not be reserved for any player.

A bingo coupon may be used to reduce the rental price to players.

Number of Devices and Number of Faces

A player is limited to the use of one device.

For each device, the number of bingo faces that may be played per game is limited to 36.

Voids and Malfunctions

The organization must record all voids before the start of the second bingo game in a bingo occasion.

For a malfunction that occurs after the start of the second bingo game, an organization must:

• record and document the reason for the void; and
• report the void to the Board within three business days.

Required Records

For electronic bingo devices, records must be kept that include:

• quantity of devices in inventory;
• quantity rented for each occasion;
• amount charged;
• number of voids;
• total amount collected; and
• name of distributor or linked bingo game provider, invoice date, and invoice number.