SB9 Alabama 2015 2nd Special Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Del Marsh
Republican
Session: Second Special Session 2015
Title: Calhoun Co., bingo games, adjusted gross proceeds define, Secs. 45-8-150.07, 45-8-150.08 am'd.
Summary: SB9 updates Calhoun County bingo rules by requiring a minimum share of adjusted gross proceeds go to charitable or educational purposes and by raising the weekly prize payout cap.
What This Bill Does
The bill requires at least 10% of adjusted gross proceeds (gross proceeds minus prize payouts) to be designated for charitable or educational purposes, and defines adjusted gross proceeds along with allowable expenses that can be subtracted from gross receipts. It lists specific operating expenses that can be counted against proceeds, such as equipment, rent, insurance, utilities, security, accounting, and a cash operating reserve, among others. It also requires permit holders to transfer those charitable/educational proceeds to the designated charity or educational agency each calendar quarter (or place them in an interest-bearing trust account for later transfer). Additionally, the bill sets a weekly cap on prize money paid during bingo sessions (not more than $120,000, with a related $5,000,000 figure referenced in the same section). The act also establishes an effective date based on when it becomes law.

Who It Affects
Calhoun County bingo permit holders/operators: must allocate at least 10% of adjusted gross proceeds to charity/education, track and transfer those funds quarterly, and operate under the new prize cap and expense rules.
Charitable or educational organizations in Alabama: may receive a more predictable share of bingo proceeds due to the mandated minimum allocation.

Key Provisions
Minimum of 10% of adjusted gross proceeds (gross proceeds minus prize payouts) must be designated for charitable or educational purposes.
Adjusted gross proceeds are defined as gross receipts minus prize payouts; net proceeds include gross receipts minus specified reasonable expenses (listed 1-11 in the bill).
Permitted expenses include equipment, prizes, rent/mortgage, insurance, utilities, janitorial services, permit fees, security, accounting fees, a cash operating reserve up to $15,000, and other reasonable expenses.
Each permit holder must transfer designated charity/education proceeds to the charity or educational agency at the end of each calendar quarter, or place them in an interest-bearing trust account until transfer.
Maximum prize money payable in any one week is set at $120,000 (with an additional $5,000,000 figure listed in the same section, context not explicitly stated in the excerpt).
Bingo license display and advertising requirements continue to apply, including indicating in advertisements the purposes for which net proceeds will be used.
Effective date: the act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after its passage and governor’s approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Calhoun County