Procedures for Obtaining Licenses for Raffles, Bingos, and Games of Chance | General Counsel

The Legalized Games of Chance Control Commission (LGCCC) oversees the operation of games conducted pursuant to the Bingo & Raffles Licensing Law by educational organizations registered to conduct legalized games of chance. Monmouth University is a registered organization and may apply for licenses to conduct games of chance (raffles, drawings, bingo, etc.). Pursuant to state rules and regulations, the University must adhere to the procedures enforced by the LGCCC, which are set forth below.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Where do I obtain copies of the Application for Bingo License and Application for Raffles License?
A: You can obtain the forms on the Legalized Games of Chance Control Commission Web site located at www.state.nj.us/lps/ca/lgccc.htm. The Web site also has sample raffle tickets, the Report of Raffles Operations, the Report of Bingo Operations, and the relevant statutes and regulations.

Q: How many copies of the license application must I submit to the municipality?
A: Each application must be filed in quadruplicate and notarized with original signatures on each application. If you are having an off-premises draw raffle, two sample tickets must also be attached to the application submitted to the municipality. Each applicant must also bring Monmouth University’s original Legalized Games of Chance Control Commission Registration Certificate. An application will not be accepted without showing the municipality the original LGCCC Registration Certificate. Each applicant must keep a copy of the entire application filed for Monmouth University’s records.

Q: Where do I obtain Monmouth University’s Legalized Games of Chance Control Commission Registration Certificate?
A: The Registration Certificate can be signed out of the Office of the General Counsel located in the Great Hall, Room 304. It is important that all individuals who sign out the Registration Certificate return the original as soon as possible. Please keep in mind that there is a lengthy process and that the University will incur a fee if the original Certificate is lost or misplaced.

Q: How is an application approved?
A: The application must be filed with the West Long Branch Borough Clerk located at 965 Broadway. After an application is filed, it must be approved by Borough Council at an open public meeting prior to the license being issued. The application must be filed at least seven (7) days prior to the Borough Council Meeting. The West Long Branch council usually meets the first and third Wednesdays of each month.

After the Borough Council approves the license, the Municipal Clerk files the application with the Legalized Games of Chance Control Commission (LGCCC) within three (3) days of its approval. The Municipal Clerk may not issue the license for fourteen (14) days after its approval.

Q: How long does it take to receive a license?
A: It normally takes about five weeks to obtain a license. However, it may take longer than five weeks, depending on when the Borough Council Meeting is held. It is advisable to file all raffle and bingo applications at least eight (8) weeks prior to the date of the raffle.

Q: I want to have an off-premise raffle (where tickets are sold in advance). When can I get my raffle tickets printed?
A: Raffle tickets can be printed after the license application is approved by Borough Council, and you receive a license number.

Q: I want to have a tricky tray. Do I need to apply for a license?
A: Yes, a tricky tray is a game of chance and is considered an on-premises draw raffle.

Q: Can I give lottery tickets as prizes?
A: No, lottery tickets are prohibited prizes under the regulations.

Q: The application process seems time-consuming. I want to raise money quickly for an event that we are having. Are there any other games that do not require a license?
A: No, if it is not a game specifically authorized by the Legalized Games of Chance Control Commission, it would probably be considered gambling, which is illegal. There are, however, other ways to raise money such as bake sales, car washes, lollipop sales, etc.

Q: I had my raffle (or bingo). Am I done with the whole process?
A: No, you must file the applicable Report of Operations with the LGCCC. If you had a raffle, you must fill out the Report of Raffles Operations. For a bingo, you must fill out the Report of Bingo Operations. The LGCCC should mail you the form directly. However, if they do not, you can obtain the form on the LGCCC Web site or from the Municipal Clerk of West Long Branch.

Q: Do I need to get a certificate from the printer of tickets stating where I had the tickets printed?
A: Yes, every licensee must get a certificate from the printer of tickets. The Printers Certificate form can be obtained from the Municipality or the General Counsel’s Office located in the Great Hall, room 304. The certificate must state: (1) the number of tickets printed, (2) the first and last numbers used, (3) that the tickets were consecutively numbered, and (4) a sample of the ticket. The Printers Certificate must be attached to each copy of the Report of Operations.

Q: When is the Report of Operations due?
A: The Report of Operations must be filed with the LGCCC no later than the 15th day of the calendar month immediately following the calendar month in which the licensed activity was held, operated, or conducted.

Q: Can I throw out unsold tickets?
A: No, a licensee must retain unsold tickets for two years after the date of the drawing as part of its records.

Q: I received a license number for a date for a game of chance to be held and I did not hold the game. Do I have to do anything?
A: Yes, anytime a game is not held on a date when a license authorizes it to be held, a report to that effect must still be filed with the LGCCC.

Q: If I have additional questions, whom do I contact?
A: Contact the General Counsel’s Office at 732-571-3598 if you have any questions regarding games of chance.

Fees

Please note that two separate checks must be submitted to the municipality at the time of filing. One check should be made payable to the municipality (Borough of West Long Branch), and the other check should be made payable to the Legalized Games of Chance Control Commission.

Type of Raffle/Game of Chance	Fees to Municipality	Fees to Legalized Games of Chance Control Commission (LGCCC)
Bingo	$20 for each occasion on which any game or games of bingo are to be conducted under the license	$20 for each occasion on which any game or games of bingo are to be conducted under the license
On-premises draw raffle for cash prizes (50/50) in excess of $400	$20 for each day on which a drawing(s) is to be conducted under the license	$20 for each day on which a drawing(s) is to be conducted under the license
On-premises draw raffle for merchandise where the total combined retail value of prizes awarded is in excess of $400	$20 for each day on which a drawing(s) is to be conducted under the license	$20 for each day on which a drawing(s) is to be conducted under the license
On-premises draw raffle for cash prizes (50/50) that do not exceed $400	No licensing fee. However, call municipality if exceeds $400 before submitting Report of Operations to check required fee.	No licensing fee. However, in the event the retail value of the prize(s) offered or awarded exceeds $400 in a raffle in which it was anticipated that the retail value would not exceed $400, the licensee shall submit a check or money order made payable to the Legalized Games of Chance Control Commission in the amount of $20 at the time of filing the Report of Operations.
On-premises draw raffle for merchandise prizes where the total combined retail value of prizes awarded does not exceed $400	Same as on-premises draw raffle for cash prizes (50/50) that do not exceed $400	Same as on-premises draw raffle for cash prizes (50/50) that do not exceed $400
Off-premises draw raffle awarding merchandise as a prize	$20 for each $1,000 or part thereof of the retail value of the prize(s) to be awarded	$20 for each $1,000 or part thereof of the retail value of the prize(s) to be awarded
Off-premises cash (50/50) raffle	$20 fee paid at the time the application is filed. Call municipality if award exceeds $1,000 to check required fee before submitting Report of Operations.	$20 fee paid at the time the application is filed. In the event the awarded prize exceeds $1,000, then an additional fee of $20 for each $1,000 or part thereof in value of the award prize in excess of $1,000 shall be forwarded to the Legalized Games of Chance Control Commission together with the Report of Operations.

Bingo Rules and Regulations

The following rules and regulations apply to bingo:

must be at least 18 years old to play;
license must be displayed at all times;
1-800-GAMBLER notice must be displayed;
each player has the right to select his/her own cards;
no prize can be offered and given in excess of $250 in any single game;
total prizes under a license cannot exceed $1,000;
fee for admission cannot exceed $5;
admission fee entitles person to one free card;
cannot charge more than $1 for additional cards;
each card shall have an equal opportunity to be a winner;
numbers drawn from the receptacle shall be announced to and be visible and audible to all players;
if declare BINGO in error, caller shall continue game and calls the next number;
illustration of the arrangement of numbers required to win game must be clearly visible to all players;
$20 fee to the LGCCC for each occasion on which any game or games of bingo are conducted under the license;
$20 fee to the municipality for each occasion on which any game or games of bingo are conducted under the license;
when a winner is determined, the caller shall announce, “Are there any other winners?” If no other winners, the caller shall state, “I declare this game closed.” and award prize;
no bingo game shall be advertised by newspaper, radio, television, sound truck, or other means addressed to the general public;
may display a sign not exceeding 60 square feet on or adjacent to the premises where the game is to be held;
when more than one player is found to be winner on the call of the same number of same game, prize shall be divided as equally as possible;
notice must be posted listing amounts of charges for admission;
notice must describe nature and amount of prizes to be awarded;
notice shall state name of licensee, the name of member in charge, and identification and license numbers;
license shall state, “No tipping of bingo workers.”‘;
notice shall include statement, “Is gambling a problem for you or someone in your family? Dial 1-800-GAMBLER.”

NOTE: It is each player’s responsibility to declare Bingo loud enough for a caller to hear so that the calling of numbers is stopped. If a player fails to do so and another number is called, the player who had bingo and failed to make his/her bingo known to the caller shall share the prize with any player who achieved bingo on the call of the additional number. If the last number called is required to win the game, the player who did not make his or her bingo known prior to the call of an additional number shall not be entitled to any portion of the prize.

Raffle Rules and Regulations

	On-Premises Draw Raffle for Cash Prizes (50/50)	On-Premises Draw Raffle for Merchandise	Off-Premises Draw Raffle for Cash Prizes (50/50)	Off-Premises Draw Raffle for Merchandise
License Required?	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Need Ticket Approval	No	No	Yes	Yes

Sample Ticket Off-Premises Raffle Awarding Cash

Sample Ticket Off-Premises Merchandise Raffle

Advertising

All advertising of a raffle, whether written or oral, shall contain at least the following information:

ALL advertising of a raffle, whether written or oral, shall contain at least the following information:
the name of the licensed organization;
the registration identification number issued by the LGCCC;
the raffle license number issued by the municipality in which the allotment of prizes will take place;
the date, time, and place of the allotment of prize(s);
an accurate description of the prize(s) to be awarded;
the current retail value of the prize(s) to be awarded;
the purpose to which the entire net proceeds of the raffle are to be devoted;
the price of the ticket share or right to participate in the raffle;
if the raffle is offering cash or money as a prize, the advertising shall contain the statement: “No one under the age of 18 years is permitted to participate.”;
each raffle advertisement shall contain the statement or announcement, “If gambling is a problem for you or someone in your family, dial 1-800-GAMBLER.”

Display of License

The license that is issued must be displayed at the place where the game of chance is being conducted or at the location where the raffle tickets are being sold.
A sign as follows: “Is gambling a problem for you or someone in your family? Dial 1-800-GAMBLER.” The Office of General Counsel shall provide the sign upon request.

Prohibited Prizes

PROHIBITED PRIZES: Prizes of real estate, bonds, stocks, securities, weapons, live animals, personal or professional services, alcoholic beverages, foreign or domestic coins, motor vehicle leases, or any merchandise refundable in any of the foregoing categories or as money or cash are strictly prohibited! Prizes consisting of cash or money shall not be offered or awarded except in the case of: a raffle conducted by drawing with the prize(s) equaling 50 percent of the amount received for all tickets or rights to participate.

Report of Raffle/Bingo Operations

You must file the Report of Operations no later than the 15th calendar day immediately following the month in which the licensed activity was held, operated, or conducted. The form may be obtained from the West Long Branch Municipal Clerk. Even if you apply for a license and the game/raffle is not held, a report to that effect must still be filed with the LGCCC. Each report filed must include the following:

gross receipts derived from the game;
expenses incurred or paid, to whom paid, and a description of the merchandise purchased or the services rendered therefore;
net profits from each game and the uses to which the net profit has been or will be applied;
a list of prizes offered and given and their respective values.

Printer of Tickets

For each license obtained, a certificate must be secured from the printer of tickets showing:

number of tickets printed,
the first and last numbers used,
that the tickets were consecutively numbered,
a sample of the ticket.

A certificate needs to be attached to each copy of the Report of Raffles that must be filed with the LGCCC. In addition, for each license obtained, the University must retain records of all unsold tickets for two years after the date of the drawing.

Suspension, Revocation, Penalties, Other Sanctions

If you are unsure whether or not you need to obtain a license or if you have any questions regarding the Bingo and Raffle Procedures, you should contact the General Counsel’s Office at 732-571-3598. If the University is found in violation of the relevant statutes, rules, and regulations, it can be fined up to $7,500 for the first offense and up to $15,000 for the second and subsequent offenses. The University could also have its LGCCC Registration suspended or revoked.

Definitions

Bingo—a specific game of chance played for prizes with cards bearing numbers or other designations five or more in one line; the holder covering numbers, as objects, similarly numbered, are drawn from a receptacle; and the game being won by the first person who covers a previously designated arrangement of numbers on such card, by selling tickets or rights to participate in such games.

Bingo Board—a board containing more than one Bingo card.

Bingo Card—a card containing five lines of numbers or other designations, five or more in one line, with each line being identified by a letter printed at the top of the line in the following order: B, I, N, G, O.

Bingo Equipment—the receptacle and numbered objects to be drawn from it; the master board upon which such objects are placed as drawn; the cards or sheets bearing numbers or other designations to be covered and the objects used to cover them; the boards or signs, however operated, used to announce or display the numbers or destinations as they are drawn; public address systems; and all other articles essential to the operation, conduct, and playing of bingo.

Bingo Equipment Provider—any person licensed by the Control Commission to provide equipment for use in, or in connection with, the holding, operating, or conducting of bingo games.

Bingo Occasion—a single gathering or session at which a series of successive bingo games is played, not to exceed 35 in number.

50/50 Bingo Game—a bingo game played on non-reusable cards that are permanently marked wherein the prizes awarded are 50 percent of the gross receipts derived from the sale of cards for participation in the game.

50/50 Bingo Game Prize—50 percent of the gross receipts from the sale of all cards to participate in the game.

Goods, Wares, and Merchandise—Prizes, equipment, chairs and tables, and articles of a minor nature such as pencils, crayons, tickets, envelopes, paper clips, and coupons necessary to conduct the games of chance.

Net Proceeds (as it pertains to Bingo)—the gross income received from all activities engaged in on an occasion when bingo is played, less only such actual expenses incurred as are authorized in the Bingo Licensing Law and regulations.

Net Proceeds (as it pertains to Raffle)—the gross income from the sale of tickets or rights to participate in a raffle, whether sold in advance of the occasion or not, less only such actual expenses.

Off-Premises Draw Raffle—a raffle conducted by a drawing, for a merchandise prize(s), with respect to which tickets may be sold in advance of the occasion of the drawing and the winner(s) need not be present to win.

Off-Premises 50-50 Raffle—a raffle conducted by a drawing for a cash or money prize(s), with respect to which tickets may be sold in advance of the occasion of the drawing and the winner(s) need not be present to win, the prize(s) equaling 50 percent of the amount received for all tickets or rights to participate.

On-Premises Draw Raffle—a raffle conducted by a drawing for a merchandise prize(s), with respect to which all tickets are sold only to persons present at the place of the drawing, the winner(s) determined, and the prize(s) awarded to a person or persons present at the drawing.

On-Premises 50-50 Raffle—a raffle conducted by a drawing for cash or money prizes, with respect to which all tickets are sold only to persons present at the place of the drawing, the winner(s) determined, and the prize(s) awarded equaling 50 percent of the amount received for all tickets or rights to participate.

Raffle Equipment Provider—any person licensed by the Control Commission to provide equipment for use in, or in connection with, the holding, operating, or conducting of a raffle, except instant raffle equipment.

Raffle—a special kind of game of chance placed by drawing for prizes or the allotment of prizes by chance, by the selling of shares or tickets or rights to participate in such game.

Raffle Equipment—implements, devices, and machines designed, intended, or used for the conduct of raffles and the identification of the winning number or unit and the ticket or other evidence of rights to participate in raffles.

Raffle Occasion—the day upon which the drawing or allotment of prize(s) takes place.

Regular Bingo Game—a game in which a player is entitled to participate without additional charge, upon payment of the charge for admission to the room or place where the game is played.

Special Bingo Game—a game that is played in addition to a “regular” bingo game, for which a player must pay a charge in addition to the charge for admission to the room or place where the game is played. A “special” game must be played in a non-reusable card that is indelibly marked.

Special Door Prize Raffle—a raffle for a door prize(s) of donated merchandise, the total retail value of which shall not exceed $50, for which no extra charge is made, at an assemblage where no other game of chance is held, operated, or conducted, and the net proceeds of which are devoted to an authorized purpose.

Successive Occasion—the next occasion in the sequence of occasion for which the license is issued.