Washington State law now permits charitable bingo under the 2026 amendments, provided the game is run by a qualified nonprofit, all proceeds benefit a charitable purpose, and the organizer complies with the revised licensing and reporting rules. Non‑charitable or commercial bingo that does not meet these criteria remains prohibited and can trigger civil penalties or criminal charges.¹
Legislative Background
Prior to 2026, RCW 9.41.040 allowed bingo only when conducted by a recognized charitable organization and when the game’s gross receipts did not exceed $5,000 per event. The Washington State Gambling Commission (WSGC) enforced these limits through annual permits.²
2026 Rule Changes
Effective January 1 2026, the Washington Legislature enacted SB 7433, which:
- Raises the annual gross‑receipt threshold to $15,000 for charitable bingo.
- Introduces a streamlined electronic‑permit system managed by the WSGC.
- Expands the definition of “charitable organization” to include 501(c)(3) entities, tribal nonprofits, and certain school‑district foundations.³
These modifications aim to modernize oversight while preserving the state’s anti‑gambling stance for profit‑driven bingo.
Impact on Different Bingo Formats
- Traditional hall bingo: Must file an electronic permit, retain attendance logs, and submit quarterly financial statements to the WSGC.
- Online bingo hosted by a nonprofit: Allowed if the platform is certified by the WSGC and all winnings are paid directly to participants; the host must still meet the $15,000 threshold.
- Fund‑raising bingo at schools or churches: Now permitted without a separate municipal permit, provided the organization holds a state‑wide charitable bingo license.
Failure to adhere to the new reporting schedule can result in a $1,000 fine per violation and possible suspension of the bingo license.⁴
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a for‑profit casino offer bingo under the 2026 rules?
No. The 2026 amendments expressly limit bingo to qualified charitable entities. A commercial casino must seek a separate gaming license under RCW 9.91, which does not cover bingo.
Do volunteers need to be licensed to run bingo games?
Volunteers are not individually licensed, but the hosting nonprofit must ensure that any employee or contractor who handles money holds a background check approved by the WSGC.
How often must financial reports be filed?
Quarterly reports are mandatory for all bingo events exceeding $5,000 per quarter; annual reconciliations are due within 60 days of the fiscal year’s end.
Are there restrictions on prize values?
Yes. Prizes may not exceed the total amount of money collected from players, and cash prizes must be capped at $500 per individual per event unless the nonprofit obtains a special exemption.
What are the penalties for operating illegal bingo?
Penalties range from civil fines of $500–$5,000 per infraction to criminal misdemeanor charges that can carry up to a year in jail and a $10,000 fine for repeat offenders.
¹ RCW 9.41.040 (2023); Washington State Gambling Commission, “Charitable Bingo Overview,” 2025.
² WSGC Enforcement Bulletin, “Bingo Permit Requirements,” 2024.
³ SB 7433, 2025 Legislative Session.
⁴ WSGC Compliance Manual, Chapter 7, 2026