A. The Department may authorize a social organization to conduct electronic gaming (i) within its social quarters and (ii) elsewhere on the premises of its primary location. Any such authorized social organization may lease its premises to any qualified organization for the purpose of conducting electronic gaming. A qualified organization that leases the premises of a social organization pursuant to this section shall be subject to the rules and regulations prescribed by the Commissioner. No other electronic gaming shall be allowed under this article. Any person who conducts or participates in electronic gaming that is not authorized under this section shall be subject to the penalties specified in § 18.2-340.37.

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Terms Used In Virginia Code 18.2-340.26:3

  • Bingo: means a specific game of chance played with (i) individual cards having randomly numbered squares ranging from one to 75, (ii) Department-approved electronic devices that display facsimiles of bingo cards and are used for the purpose of marking and monitoring players' cards as numbers are called, or (iii) Department-approved cards, in which prizes are awarded on the basis of designated numbers on such cards conforming to a predetermined pattern of numbers selected at random. See Virginia Code 18.2-340.16
  • charitable gaming: includes electronic gaming authorized by this article. See Virginia Code 18.2-340.16
  • Commissioner: means the Commissioner of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. See Virginia Code 18.2-340.16
  • Conduct: means the actions associated with the provision of a gaming operation during and immediately before or after the permitted activity, which may include (i) selling bingo cards or packs, electronic devices, instant bingo or pull-tab cards, or raffle tickets, (ii) calling bingo games, (iii) distributing prizes, and (iv) any other services provided by volunteer workers. See Virginia Code 18.2-340.16
  • Department: means the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. See Virginia Code 18.2-340.16
  • Electronic gaming adjusted gross receipts: means the gross receipts derived from electronic gaming less the total amount in prize money paid out to players. See Virginia Code 18.2-340.16
  • Electronic gaming manufacturer: means a manufacturer of electronic devices used to conduct electronic gaming. See Virginia Code 18.2-340.16
  • Lease: A contract transferring the use of property or occupancy of land, space, structures, or equipment in consideration of a payment (e.g., rent). Source: OCC
  • Organization: means any one of the following:

    1. See Virginia Code 18.2-340.16

  • permit: means a permit issued by the Department to an organization that authorizes such organization to conduct charitable gaming, and if such organization is qualified as a social organization, electronic gaming. See Virginia Code 18.2-340.16
  • Person: includes any individual, corporation, partnership, association, cooperative, limited liability company, trust, joint venture, government, political subdivision, or any other legal or commercial entity and any successor, representative, agent, agency, or instrumentality thereof. See Virginia Code 1-230
  • Qualified organization: means any organization to which a valid permit has been issued by the Department to conduct charitable gaming or any organization that is exempt pursuant to § 18. See Virginia Code 18.2-340.16
  • seal cards: means specific games of chance played by the random selection of one or more individually prepacked cards with winners being determined by the preprinted or predetermined appearance of concealed letters, numbers, or symbols that must be exposed by the player to determine wins and losses and may include the use of a seal card that conceals one or more numbers or symbols that have been designated in advance as prize winners. See Virginia Code 18.2-340.16
  • Social organization: means any qualified organization that provides certification to the Department that it is:

    1. See Virginia Code 18.2-340.16

  • Social quarters: means , in addition to any specifications prescribed by the Department, an area at a social organization's primary location that (i) such organization designates to be used predominantly by its members for social and recreational activities, (ii) is accessible exclusively to members of the social organization and their guests, and (iii) is not advertised or open to the general public. See Virginia Code 18.2-340.16

B. A social organization may request authorization from the Department to conduct electronic gaming pursuant to this section in accordance with the procedures established under §§ 18.2-340.20 and 18.2-340.25. Any fee charged by the Department for the purpose of such authorization shall be in addition to any fee charged for a charitable gaming permit. Any charitable gaming permit that also authorizes a social organization to conduct electronic gaming shall identify the expiration date of such authorization and the number of electronic gaming devices authorized at the location.

C. A social organization and any qualified organization that leases the premises of a social organization pursuant to this section are prohibited from advertising any electronic gaming activities to the general public.

D. The Department may authorize a maximum of 18 electronic gaming devices at a location. Each such device shall bear a mark indicating it has been authorized and approved by the Department.

E. An electronic gaming manufacturer that has been issued a permit by the Department in accordance with § 18.2-340.34 shall report all electronic gaming adjusted gross receipts pursuant to the provisions of § 18.2-340.30:2.

F. The use of electronic gaming devices utilizing multiple video monitors or touchscreens shall be limited to one player at a time.

G. No social organization or qualified organization leasing the premises of a social organization shall allow any individual younger than 21 years of age to participate in electronic gaming. No individual younger than 21 years of age shall participate in electronic gaming or otherwise use an electronic device to play or redeem any instant bingo, pull tabs, or seal cards.

H. No social organization or any qualified organization leasing the premises of a social organization shall extend lines of credit or accept any credit or other electronic fund transfer other than debit cards in payment of any charges or assessments for players to participate in electronic gaming.

2022, cc. 722, 767.