8 Colo. Code Regs. § 1505-2-3

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 1, January 10, 2025

Rule 8 CCR 1505-2-3 - Bingo Games

3.1 General conduct of bingo games

3.1.1 Bingo game. A bingo game starts when the first numbered object, ball or number is selected at random or randomly generated by machine, and called. The game continues until all the objects or balls have been returned to the receptacle or the machine has been cleared. A game may have two or more parts with different winning patterns for each part, if the total amount of prizes offered or given for all parts of one game does not exceed, in amount or value, the maximum prize that may be offered or given in a single game of bingo.

3.1.2 Authorized equipment and cards. A licensee must keep authorized equipment and cards, including all bingo-related items, in good repair and sound working condition. The Secretary of State may order, in writing, the immediate repair or replacement of any equipment, cards, or related items if they are found to be defective.

(a) A licensee may not use balls with creases, holes or other damage during a bingo game.

(b) Balls used during bingo games must be in the master board before each occasion, and at least one player must verify that all balls are present immediately before the first game of the occasion. Licensees that use electronic random number generators must ensure that all numbers on the lighted board can be illuminated.

(c) Once a ball is removed from the receptacle, it may not be returned until the conclusion of that game.

(d) A licensee must select balls one at a time.

3.1.3 Call and display of balls. A caller must draw a ball from the receptacle and immediately display the letter and number on the ball to the players. The caller must loudly and clearly announce the letter and number on the ball so that all players can hear. The caller must make the announcement twice before drawing the next ball. The ball is not official until it has been properly called.

(a) If more than one room is used, the receptacle and the caller must be in the room with the greatest number of players.

(b) The caller may use a camera and monitor to display the letter and number. If the caller uses a monitor, the licensee must post a sign by each monitor that reads: "Ball on TV is not official until called."

3.1.4 Master board. The master board is the only official scorer unless the licensee is using a random number generator, in which case a lighted display board may serve as the official scorer.

(a) If a lighted display is used, the letter and number of the called ball must be lit immediately after the ball is called.

(b) If the caller discovers that the wrong letter or number was called, the caller must announce: "I am reading the correct number, please correct your card or sheet." The caller must then correct the master board and the lighted display, if applicable, before continuing with the game.

3.1.5 Closing a bingo game. Each bingo game must close in accordance with the following procedure:

(a) The licensee must stop the game after "Bingo" is signaled by a player or a worker. A player is responsible for ensuring that a signaled "Bingo" is acknowledged by a floor worker, the bingo caller, or both.

(b) The caller may not call the next ball removed from the machine or otherwise selected until the signaled bingo is verified or invalidated. If a bingo has been signaled and a worker acknowledges the player but the caller was unaware and continues to call the next ball, the effect of the preceding ball is suspended pending the verification or invalidation of the last bingo. If the signaled bingo is verified, the caller must return the ball to the machine unless the verified bingo is part of a multi-part or continuing game.

(c) The last number called does not need to be part of the signaled bingo, unless the licensee has conspicuously posted a bingo occasion rule with this requirement.

(d) When a player or worker signals "Bingo", a worker on the floor must place the card, sheet, or electronic bingo aid device in front of at least one other player at a different table to confirm the bingo.

(e) The worker must call the numbers of the winning combination to the caller or, in the case of a coverall or blackout bingo, the caller may announce the numbers that have not been called, unless an electronic bingo number verification device is used to verify the bingo.

(f) If an electronic verification device is used to invalidate a signaled bingo, the worker on the floor must announce the numbers of the winning combination so the caller can check the numbers against those actually called.

(g) The caller must then ask the players two times: "Are there any other bingos?" If no player answers, the caller must announce "This game is completed."

3.1.6 Multiple bingo winners

(a) If multiple bingos are announced and verified and the prize is a cash prize, the licensee must divide the prize for that game or game part so that each verified bingo receives the appropriate amount, regardless of the number or identity of players involved. If a prize is divided, the licensee may round up the prize amount given to any player holding a verified bingo only to the nearest dollar.

(b) If the licensee is offering a merchandise prize, the licensee may designate an alternative cash prize in the case that more than one person achieves a valid bingo. The alternative cash prize must be equal to the current retail value of the merchandise prize, and information on the alternative prize must be posted in accordance with Rule 2.4.4.

3.1.7 Workers

(a) No individual who works or assists at a bingo occasion may play bingo or purchase or play any pull tabs at the occasion which that individual works.

(b) A licensee must file with the Secretary of State a revised list of members who will work any bingo-raffle activities if the list submitted with the licensee's application has changed due to new members.

(c) An individual may not work or assist in the operation of licensed activities unless that individual is a member of the licensee or of an auxiliary as defined in Rule 3.1.8 and the licensee has provided a list of members containing that individual's name to the Secretary of State.

(d) An individual working or assisting at any bingo-raffle activity must present photo identification upon request of the Secretary of State.

3.1.8 Auxiliaries

(a) Auxiliaries of licensee. An association or organization is an auxiliary of a licensee if:

(1) It is subsidiary to the licensee;

(2) It is subordinate to the licensee;

(3) Its primary purpose is to support and assist, particularly by donations and volunteer services, the licensee; and

(4) It is constituted, chartered, governed, or otherwise formally recognized as an adjunct by the licensee.

(b) Licensee auxiliary of another organization. A licensee is an auxiliary of an association or organization if:

(1) The licensee is subsidiary to the association or organization;

(2) The licensee is subordinate to the association or organization;

(3) The primary purpose of the licensee is to support and assist, particularly by donations and volunteer services, the association or organization to which it is subsidiary; and

(4) The licensee is constituted, chartered, governed, or otherwise formally recognized as an adjunct by the association or organization to which it is subsidiary.

(c) Auxiliary affiliated with licensee. An association or organization is affiliated with a licensee and the association or organization and the licensee are auxiliaries of another organization or association if:

(1) The licensee and the affiliated organization are both subsidiary to an association or organization;

(2) The licensee and the affiliated organization are both subordinate to the association or organization;

(3) The primary purpose of the licensee and the affiliated organization is to support and assist, particularly by donations and volunteer services, the association or organization to which they both are subsidiary; and

(4) Both the licensee and the affiliate are constituted, chartered, governed, or otherwise formally recognized as adjuncts by the association or organization to which they are subsidiary.

3.1.9 Security personnel

(a) Security personnel must wear a badge or uniform.

(b) Security personnel, whether volunteer or paid, may not play or participate in the operation of any bingo-raffle activities.

3.1.10 Number of games allowed. No licensee may hold, operate, or conduct more than 220 bingo occasions in any calendar year.

(a) A licensee may play one type or both types of bingo authorized by section 24-21-602(1), C.R.S., during a single occasion.

(b) A licensee must not play both types of bingo at the same time during an occasion. A licensee must complete playing one type of bingo before starting to play another type of bingo during an occasion.

(c) Each individual occasion counts towards the total 220 limit, regardless of whether the licensee plays a single type of bingo or both types during an occasion.

3.1.11 Prohibition on saving seats. A specific seat may only be reserved to provide a reasonable accommodation for a player with a disability.

3.2 Progressive jackpot bingo games. The following requirements apply specifically to progressive bingo games.

3.2.1 Required postings. In addition to any postings otherwise required by these rules, a licensee that conducts a progressive bingo game must also post, a sign in at least 12-point font stating:

(a) The amount of the progressive jackpot at the beginning of the bingo occasion;

(b) The percentage of gross sales of progressive cards that is contributed to the jackpot and whether the contribution amount is added to the jackpot during the present occasion or during the next occasion;

(c) The price and description, including color and design, of the cards for the progressive bingo game;

(d) The bingo pattern or number arrangement a player must complete to win the progressive jackpot prize, together with a clear diagram of the number arrangement, if any pattern other than a full card ("blackout" or "coverall") is required to win;

(e) The maximum number of calls in which a player must complete the required pattern in order to win the progressive jackpot prize;

(f) The date, time, and location of the occasion at which the next game in the progression will be conducted if the jackpot is not awarded;

(g) The amount of the regular game prize if the licensee elects to continue a progressive bingo game as a regular game when the progressive jackpot is not won; and

(h) If the licensee is operating a progressive bingo game and is withholding 10% of the gross sales of progressive cards as a secondary jackpot, a statement to that effect.

3.2.2 Number of progressive bingo games allowed. A licensee may not conduct more than three progressive bingo games simultaneously, except that a licensee that conducts a members-only bingo occasion may conduct successive games of a progression during a single bingo occasion.

3.2.3 Method of play

(a) A licensee may start a single game of progressive bingo, in an amount not to exceed $500 or the amount of the secondary jackpot from a prior progression, whichever is greater. A progressive bingo game is won when a previously designated arrangement of numbers or spaces on a card or sheet is covered within a previously designated number of objects or balls drawn.

(b) If the game is not won within the drawing of the previously designated number of objects or balls, the licensee must replay the game at the same location using the previously designated arrangement of numbers or spaces, until the game is won.

(c) On the second and subsequent occasions, the jackpot amount increases by a percentage of the gross proceeds, not greater than 70%, collected from the sale of progressive bingo cards or sheets during that occasion or on the prior occasion. If a licensee is conducting a progressive bingo game with a secondary jackpot, 10% of the gross proceeds collected from the sale of progressive bingo cards or sheets at that occasion or the prior occasion must be set aside and segregated from the jackpot amount in the bingo-raffle account.

(d) A progressive jackpot may not exceed $15,000. Upon reaching $15,000, the licensee must award the jackpot to the player completing the designated pattern regardless of the number of objects or balls called. If the jackpot reaches $15,000, the licensee must award the jackpot on that or the following occasion.

(e) A licensee may impose by house rule a progressive jackpot maximum below the $15,000 maximum ceiling. Upon reaching the self-imposed maximum, the licensee must award the jackpot to the player completing the designated pattern regardless of the number of objects or balls called. When the maximum is reached, the licensee may choose to stop contributing the set percentage of the proceeds to the jackpot (hard cap) or continue to contribute the same percentage until the jackpot prize is won (soft cap). The licensee must award the jackpot at the occasion during which the maximum was reached or at the following occasion. The licensee must post notice of self-imposed caps in accordance with Rule 3.2.1.

3.2.4 Members-only occasions. A licensee must restrict a members-only occasion to bona fide members of the licensee, accompanying spouses, and guests of bona fide members. The public may not access the premises where members-only bingo is conducted.

3.2.5 Successive bingo occasions. Once a progressive bingo game begins at a public bingo occasion, it must continue at each successive bingo occasion of the licensee at the same location until a player wins the jackpot. If a progressive is started at a members-only occasion, successive progressive bingo games for that jackpot must occur at successive members-only occasions.

3.2.6 Card type. The licensee must use the same type of progressive bingo game card throughout all games in a progression.

3.2.7 Bingo pattern. The licensee must require the same bingo pattern or number arrangement to win the progressive jackpot prize throughout all games in a progression.

3.2.8 Number of balls called during successive occasions. For each successive game in a progression, the number of balls called may remain the same or increase.

3.2.9 Percentage added to the jackpot. For each successive game in a progression, the licensee must not change the percentage of gross proceeds added to the jackpot or the timing of when the amount is added.

3.2.10 Pre-game announcements. Immediately before drawing the first ball for any progressive bingo game, the caller must clearly announce the maximum number of balls to be called in which a player must complete the pattern or number arrangement required to win the progressive jackpot prize, the jackpot prize amount, the card description, and the date and time of the next occasion if the jackpot prize is not awarded.

3.2.11 No winner of progressive. If no player wins a progressive jackpot in the designated number of balls called, the entire jackpot prize amount, without deduction for consolation prizes, will carry over to the next game in the progression. After the designated number of balls is called, the licensee may either proceed to its next regular bingo game or continue the current game as its next regular game. If the game is continued as a regular game, the licensee must publicly announce the start of the regular bingo game. The pattern or arrangement required to win may not change. The prize amount is subject to the limitations in these rules.

3.2.12 Winner of progressive. The caller, a floor worker, and a player other than the winning player must verify a winning card by the manufacturer's identification number, series number, and balls called.

3.2.13 Conditions affecting the award of the final progressive bingo jackpot prize

(a) If the licensee plans, expects, or otherwise foresees the occurrence of an event listed in (1), (2), or (3) below, the licensee must ensure that it can still determine a winner and award the jackpot prize and secondary jackpot prize, if any, before the occurrence of the event on the licensee's last authorized bingo occasion at the location where the progression was started, regardless of the number of balls called:

(1) Permanent termination of licensee's operations;

(2) Permanent termination of licensee's operations at a particular location; or

(3) Loss of license through expiration, nonrenewal, suspension, revocation, or surrendering.

(b) If an event in Rule 3.2.13 -(3) occurs without the licensee's foreknowledge before the date of the last authorized bingo occasion, the licensee must contact the Secretary of State for approval of a means of determining a winner and awarding any jackpot prize.

3.2.14 Inability to conduct occasion at regular licensed premises. If a licensee cannot conduct the next game in the progression at the location where the progression started, the licensee must post a notice on the premises where the last game in the progression was conducted announcing the date, time, and location of the next game in the progression. If known at the time, the caller must make this announcement at the conclusion of the progressive bingo game before the change in location.

3.2.15 Multiple locations. If a licensee regularly conducts bingo occasions at least weekly at each of two licensed commercial bingo facilities, the licensee may offer and continue one progressive bingo progression at each facility as long as all games in a single progression are conducted at the location where the progression began, except where the provisions of Rules 3.2.13 or 3.2.14 apply.

3.2.16 [Repealed eff. 08/14/2014]

3.3 Disputed games

3.3.1 If the licensee discovers verifiable problems with the bingo balls, equipment, or operation of the equipment, the games manager must settle the dispute in the following manner:

(a) Discovered before start of next game. If a problem is discovered before the start of the next game and if the error affected the outcome of the previous game, then the licensee must void and replay the previous game during the same occasion at no cost to players.

(b) Discovered after occasion. If a problem is discovered after a bingo occasion is completed, then no games will be replayed.

(c) Void game. If a game is voided and the number of bingo cards that each player was playing during the voided game can be determined, then each player must receive that same number of bingo cards for the replay. If the number of bingo cards played cannot be determined for all players, the licensee must give each player an equal number of bingo cards.

(d) Mechanical defect of electronic bingo aid device. If the licensee discovers or is advised by a player that the player's electronic bingo aid device malfunctioned during a game, the licensee is not required to suspend the calling of new balls or numbers until the player replaces the malfunctioning device.

(e) Mechanical failure of electronic bingo system. If the licensee discovers or is advised by a player that the computer system controlling radio frequency signal transmission to electronic bingo aid devices has failed, the games manager must either:

(1) Instruct players using electronic bingo aid devices to manually daub the numbers of the balls called;

(2) Provide packs or sheets to players using electronic bingo aid devices and continue the occasion if the failure of the bingo aid system does not render the blower and master board inoperative; or

(3) Terminate the occasion and refund all or a portion of the pack and sheet sales and rental of electronic bingo aid devices.

(f) Player has no right to prize. If the licensee discovers after the start of another game that a winner does not have the right to claim a previous game's prize, the licensee must replay the disputed game.

(g) Prize money payment in disputed game. In a disputed game, the licensee may not pay any prize money until the dispute is resolved in accordance with Rule 3.

(h) Payment exceeds occasion limit. If prize payment exceeds the maximum prize limit permitted by these rules, the licensee must note the cause of the overpayment in the game records and corresponding financial report for that time period. The Secretary of State may consider repeated or excessive overpayments of this nature a violation of these rules.

(i) Loss of electrical power. If electrical power is lost during an occasion, the games manager must wait a minimum of 30 minutes, but no more than one hour, before terminating an occasion. Reimbursement for games not played or for the rental of electronic bingo aid devices will be as set forth in the occasion rules posted before the game.

(j) Secretary of State. While investigating disputed prizes, the Secretary of State may instruct a licensee to pay a disputed prize if the preponderance of the evidence is in favor of the player.

3.3.2 Games manager's log. The games manager must keep a written log of all disputed games. The entries must include the occasion date, the game played, a short description of the dispute, the names and addresses of players involved in the dispute if the dispute involves a called bingo, and the resolution determined by the games manager.

3.4 Multiple bingo occasions. A licensee may conduct multiple bingo occasions on the same day, if:

3.4.1 The licensee concludes all games of chance from the first occasion and completes all player-related activities, including, but not limited to, the purchase, opening, and redemption of pull tabs, before the end of the occasion.

3.4.2 The licensee does not begin the next occasion for 15 minutes after the conclusion of the previous occasion, or until the final accounting for games of bingo played and pull tabs sold is completed and the books are closed for all of the first occasion activities, whichever comes later.

3.4.3 The licensee does not offer to sell pull tabs or other raffle tickets after an occasion concludes and before the next occasion begins.

3.4.4 The licensee does not continue activities from an occasion during the next occasion, and does not offer to sell, distribute or reserve any cards, sheets, tickets (except as authorized by section 24-21-617(16), C.R.S., and Rule 2.5), or chances for the next occasion during the previous occasion or during the period between the two occasions.

8 CCR 1505-2-3

Colorado Register, Vol 37, No. 14. July 25, 2014, effective 8/14/2014

40 CR 17, September 10, 2017, effective 9/30/2017

44 CR 19, October 10, 2021, effective 11/1/2021

46 CR 05, March 10, 2023, effective 3/31/2023

47 CR 18, September 25, 2024, effective 10/15/2024