Objective and Function

The objective of the Board of Charitable Gaming is to protect the public by regulating and policing activities which involve charitable gaming.  To meet this objective, the Board

• develops standards for professional competency
• promulgates rules and regulations
• adjudicates complaints against persons and groups it regulates and, when necessary, imposes disciplinary sanctions.

The Board’s statutory authority is in 28 Del. C., Chapter 15.

Organizations must receive a gaming permit before advertising or holding any charitable gaming event and before selling raffle tickets.

The Board issues permits to conduct charitable games to groups including volunteer fire companies, veterans’ organizations, charitable or religious organizations and fraternal societies that have been in existence two or more years. Charitable gaming is defined as any game or scheme in which chance is the dominant factor and in which participants pay a consideration to play and may win a prize. The games that the Board regulates include bingo, instant or sealed games, raffles, Texas Hold’em poker tournaments and other charitable games. The Board does not regulate slot machines, roulette, craps and baccarat. The Board also issues permits to charitable gaming vendors.

Meetings

Unless notified otherwise, the Board meets the fourth Wednesday of each month at 10:00 a.m. All meetings are open to the general public and are held in the Cannon Building, 861 Silver Lake Boulevard, in Dover. The meeting schedule is available at the State of Delaware public meeting calendar.

The Board may need to review and approve your application for licensure and will only review a complete application. A complete application includes your application and any documentation submitted through DELPROS and/or any documents submitted through the mail or email from third-parties. The Board will review your documentation at its next scheduled meeting.

Gambling Problems?

The Delaware Council on Gambling Problems, Inc. (DCGP) offers confidential assistance to gamblers, their families and to those who are concerned about a friend or colleague. DCGP provides literature, support meeting information, treatment information and 24-hour help. If you believe that you or someone you know may be experiencing a gambling problem, find out about the help and services offered by the DCGP by calling the Gambling Helpline at 1-888-850-8888.