RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — The North Carolina General Assembly is gearing up to regulate the state’s small-scale “beach bingo” competitions.
The Senate on Wednesday passed a proposal to require for-profit bingo operators to apply annually for a $300 license through the Alcohol Law Enforcement Branch.
A beach bingo game has prizes of $10 or less. Sponsors say the games are not limited to beaches and there is currently no way to track how many of the operations exist in the state.
Operating without a license could result in up to 60 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Current law already requires nonprofit organizations such as churches or veterans groups to apply annually for a $200 license to host a bingo game.
The bill now returns to the House for approval.