Qualifications to Apply

If an organization answers "yes" to all nine questions, the organization qualifies to apply for a license.

1. Has the organization been in existence for the most recent three years preceding the license application as:

a Minnesota nonprofit organization (corporation) registered with the Minnesota Secretary of State; and/or
an organization designated as exempt from the payment of income tax by the Internal Revenue Code.

Merged organizations: If two organizations merge and at least one organization has an active license, the newly created organization will be considered to have been in existence for the most recent three years for license qualification purposes.

2. Is the organization one of the types listed below?

Fraternal—A nonprofit organization that is a branch, lodge, or chapter of a national or state organization registered by the IRS as a 501(c)(8) or 501(c)(10) nonprofit organization and exists for the common business, fraternal, or other interests of its members. The term “fraternal” does not include college or high school fraternities or sororities.
Religious—A nonprofit organization, church, body of communicants, or group gathered in common membership for mutual support and edification in piety, worship, and religious observances.
Veterans—Any congressionally chartered organization in Minnesota, or branch, lodge, or chapter of a nonprofit national or state organization in Minnesota, with a membership consisting of individuals who were members of the armed services or forces of the United States.
Other nonprofit—A nonprofit organization (other than a fraternal, religious, or veterans organization) whose proof of nonprofit status is documented by:
- an IRS income tax exemption 501(c) letter, or
- a current Certificate of Good Standing from the Minnesota Secretary of State.

A governmental entity does not qualify: A governmental entity such as a city, public school, or city parks and recreation department does not qualify as an organization.

3. Does the organization have at least 15 active members who:

are at least 18 years of age;
have equal voting rights with all other members, an equal opportunity to be elected an officer, and the right to attend regular meetings;
have his or her name and membership origination date appear on the organization’s membership list with the member’s knowledge and consent;
have been a member for the most recent 90 days; and
have paid all dues?

4. Has the organization applied for at least one premises permit?

5. Has the organization established, or will the organization establish, in Minnesota a gambling bank account, separate from all other accounts and revenues of the organization, and a permanent location where its gambling records and equipment will be stored?

6. Do the organization’s officers meet the following qualifications?

The organization’s officers or members of the organization’s governing body:

have not been convicted of a felony or gross misdemeanor involving theft or fraud;
have not been convicted of a crime involving gambling; and
have not had a license issued by the Gambling Control Board revoked for a violation of law or Gambling Control Board rule.

7. Has the organization’s chief executive officer (CEO) attended the gambling manager seminar within the last six months?

8. Does the organization have a gambling manager who is qualified, bonded, and has attended the gambling manager seminar and passed the gambling manager exam within the last six months?

The organization must have a gambling manager who will be licensed by the Gambling Control Board at the time the organization obtains its license. Refer to the Gambling Manager License chapter for qualifications.

9. If the organization was previously licensed, has the organization filed a termination plan and completed all requirements of the license termination plan or any consent orders?