Georgia House Bill HB455

Georgia 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/13/25
• Report Pass: 2/26/25
• Engrossed: 3/4/25
• Refer: 3/6/25
• Report Pass: 3/20/25

Caption

Bingo; properties used for games; limit number of sessions; provisions

Impact

The legislative changes proposed by HB 455 could have significant implications for nonprofit organizations that rely on bingo as a source of revenue. By tightening regulations around the number of permitted bingo sessions and clarifying the ownership requirements for premises, the bill could lead to a more structured environment for bingo operations. Proponents of the bill argue that this will prevent abuses and ensure the integrity of bingo gaming, which is often used to support community services and charitable causes. Conversely, there are concerns that such restrictions could limit the fundraising activities of smaller organizations, making it more challenging for them to sustain operations.

Summary

House Bill 455 introduces several amendments to the existing bingo regulations within Georgia's Official Code. The bill seeks to refine the application process for conducting bingo games by outlining specific information that must be included in the applications. Additionally, the bill modifies the operational parameters of bingo games, including clarifications on the ownership of premises used for gaming, the frequency of sessions permitted, and the monetary limits on prizes that can be awarded. These changes aim to enhance compliance and ensure fair practices among nonprofit organizations that conduct bingo for fundraising purposes.

Contention

Points of contention surrounding HB 455 include the potential impact on smaller nonprofits that may struggle to comply with the new requirements, particularly concerning property ownership and the volume of sessions they can host. Critics suggest that these changes might disproportionately affect smaller groups while favoring larger organizations with more resources. Moreover, discussions may arise around the royalty-like compensation structure established by the bill, which restricts salaries for those assisting in bingo games and limits consulting fees, raising questions about the operational efficiency of nonprofit gaming activities.