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Gambling & Amusement Devices

To conduct charitable gambling activities, a nonprofit organization will first need a charitable gambling license. The only gambling activities authorized under these licenses are bingo, raffles, games of skill and chance (generally, carnival-style games), and game nights (generally, casino-style games).

Summary

Code Citations:

Requirements:

  • Charitable organizations must be able to provide proof of tax-exempt status. A letter of tax-exempt determination from the IRS is required.
  • Proof of having an Iowa sales tax permit is also required.

Cost:

  • Qualified Organization License (14-Day): $15
  • Qualified Organization License (90-Day): $40
  • Qualified Organization License (180-Day): $75
  • Qualified Organization License (One-Year): $150
  • Qualified Organization License (Two-Year): $150
  • Bingo at a Fair or Festival License: $50
  • Very Large Raffle License: $100
    • The licensee must have a valid One- or Two-Year Qualified Organization License. 

Processing Time: 

  • 30 days

Additional Information:

  • Application fees are nonrefundable. Please make sure to complete all required fields and attach any required documentation.
  • DIAL must issue a license before any distribution begins. Please be aware that DIAL has a 30-day processing time for gambling applications. DIAL cannot guarantee on time processing for missed deadlines or incomplete applications.
  • An organization requesting a Two-Year Qualified Organization License must have been in existence for at least five years.
  • An organization seeking to conduct an electronic raffle must get the equipment from an electronic raffle manufacturer or distributor licensed by DIAL. More  about about Bingo/Electronic Raffle Manufacturer or Distributor Licenses

List items for Charitable Gambling