Sports Tipboard Questions and Answers

Sports tipboards look similar to other tipboard games; the only difference is the winning numbers (tickets or chances on a sign-up grid) will be determined by actual score of a professional sporting event.

The maximum price per chance is $10.

No. But no tickets or chances may be sold after the seals have been opened or after the professional sporting event has ended, whichever comes first. There can be unsold spaces on a sports tipboard with seals. Sellers must void any unsold spaces immediately prior to revealing the seals. If the winner is not sold, the licensed organization keeps the proceeds. However, if the winner is sold, a game with unsold squares could end up with negative net receipts.

Yes. Prize receipts are required to be filled out for prizes of $100 or more. Each prize is considered a “win” for prize receipt purposes. Some examples:

• If an individual wins a $100 prize at halftime of a professional football game, and the same individual wins another $100 based on the final outcome of the game, the winner must fill out two prize receipts forms—one for each win.
• If an individual wins a $50 prize at halftime, and the same individual wins another $50 at the end of the 3rd quarter, even though the individual won $100 in total, the winner need not fill out a prize receipt form.

No, players need not be present to win.

Sports tipboards may only be conducted through licensed charities at lawful gambling premises. Any other method of conducting sports tipboards is illegal.

The maximum ideal payout is 85%. However, if there are unsold squares or tickets, the actual payout may be higher than 85%.

Sports tipboard prizes must be claimed within seven days after the end of the professional sporting event. After that period, the prize value will be retained by the charity.

With sports tipboard games, there are two important events: When a sports tipboard game is “closed” and when a sports tipboard game is “complete”.

• A sports tipboard game is considered “closed” when all chances are sold or when seals are revealed.
• A game is considered “complete” when all prizes have been paid or within seven days after the professional sporting event, whichever occurs first.

A licensed organization is required to deposit proceeds within four business days from the date the game is complete.

Yes.

No. Sports tipboards are tax exempt. Reporting forms from the Gambling Control Board and Department of Revenue include a special line for reporting these games.

Gambling managers should contact their Compliance Specialist at the Gambling Control Board with questions regarding the actual conduct of these games.

The Board has prepared an online course on sports tipboards. This course contains a wealth of information on how to conduct sports tipboards. To take the course, visit our Education section.