How to Open a Bingo Parlor in Oklahoma

The Oklahoma ABLE Commission licenses and regulates charitable organizations operating bingo parlors.

Opening a bingo parlor in Oklahoma is legal, but only for charitable organizations. According to Oklahoma Statute 3A-401, bingo and others games of chance are prohibited, except for approved charities. Known as the Oklahoma Charity Games Act, this law requires all profits from bingo games to benefit the organization's charitable cause. It is permissible for a charity to pay employees operating the parlor, but a limit is set on salary. If you are affiliated with a charitable organization wishing to open a bingo parlor in Oklahoma, you must apply to the Oklahoma ABLE Commission.

Instructions

1. Go to OK.gov and access the Oklahoma ABLE Commission online license application to seek approval for a bingo parlor license. Select the "First Time User" link to create an account. Provide an email address for the charitable organization's contact person submitting the application. Check your email for an account activation number to proceed with the application.

2. List the organization's name, officers, mailing and physical address, phone number and all requested information. Provide a certified copy of the organization's tax exempt status form from the Internal Revenue Service. Include the organization's federal employer identification number. Provide certified copies of the charity's articles of incorporation and bylaws.

3. Provide a copy of the minutes detailing when officers were elected. Include the length of officer terms. Attach a copy of the minutes from the meeting during which the decision was approved to apply for a bingo permit.

4. As of August 2011, pay a license fee of $100 for the organization if your application is approved by the Oklahoma ABLE Commission. Pay a fee of $50 for the bingo parlor manager and $15 for each employee. Pay an additional $2 for employees and $2.50 for managers if the application is submitted online. Keep a copy of your approved license in a safe, accessible place and note annual renewal application due dates.

5. Open a checking account for the bingo parlor. Obtain any required local business licenses in your Oklahoma city or county. Enlist a real estate agent to help locate a building for your bingo parlor or seek a donated space for the charity. Determine how many players you would like to seat in each gaming session, measure length of tables and figure how much space is required to meet the parlor's needs. Decide if you will need kitchen space for the concession area.

6. Purchase tables, chairs, bingo blower machine, flashboards, game cards, daubers and sound equipment for game caller. Order snack and beverage items for the concession stand. Market the opening date for the bingo parlor with area media, senior citizen centers, posters and direct mail.

7. Secure volunteers from your organization to run the bingo parlor. Go to the Oklahoma JobLink website, operated by the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission, to seek qualified employees. Hold training nights with staff running mock bingo games. Contact Oklahoma insurance agents, obtain quotes, then secure worker's compensation and liability coverage for the business.

8. Go to the Internal Revenue Service website at IRS.gov. Print Form 941, Employer's Quarterly Federal Tax Return form. Provide this report quarterly to the IRS, listing all wages paid to employees. Submit the form and payment for all income tax, social security and Medicare withholdings for the quarter.

Tips & Warnings

• Any Oklahoma organization wishing to offer bingo four times a year or less as a fundraiser can apply for an exemption to the licensing requirement. Contact the ABLE Commission for an application. The bingo game conductor can be compensated for operating a bingo game at the parlor, however, payment can not exceed two times the minimum wage per hour.

• The Oklahoma ABLE Commission license application can be mailed if you do not wish to file online. A PDF version is available on the ABLE Commission website (see resources).

• The ABLE Commission in Oklahoma will not issue a license to any applicant with a felony record. Licenses will also be denied to any applicant with a felony or misdemeanor related to illegal gaming activities.

References

• Oklahoma OK.gov: Oklahoma ABLE Commission: Licensing and Application
• Oklahoma Workers Compensation Court: Employer's FAQ
• Oklahoma OK.gov: Welcome to the ABLE Online License Application
• Oklahoma OK.gov: Oklahoma ABLE Commission: Employee License FAQs

Resources

• KOCO.com; Deputies Raid OKC Bingo Hall; November 2009
• Internal Revenue Service: Form 941: Employer's Quarterly Federal Tax Return
• Oklahoma OK.gov: Application Type: Mail In
• Oklahoma OK.gov: Welcome to the ABLE Online License Application
• WholesaleBingoSupplies.com: Bingo Machines
• Oklahoma JobLink: Find Employees