SB388 Alabama 2016 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Hank Sanders

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2016

Title

Bingo, White Hall and Lowndes Co., legalizing certain operations of electronic bingo for prizes or money for charitable or educational purposes, const, amend.

Summary

This bill would amend the Alabama Constitution to legalize and regulate electronic bingo for charitable or educational purposes in the Town of White Hall and Lowndes County, using machines approved by the National Indian Gaming Commission and operated by Native American tribes.

What This Bill Does

If passed, the Town of White Hall would be allowed to license and regulate electronic bingo for charitable or educational purposes in White Hall and Lowndes County. The games would use machines authorized by the National Indian Gaming Commission under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act and operated by Native American tribes in Alabama. It also sets age limits, licensing requirements for nonprofits, premises rules, contracting allowances, and prize limits, along with penalties for violations.

Who It Affects

• Nonprofit organizations in White Hall and Lowndes County that would operate or license electronic bingo games for charitable or educational purposes
• Residents and visitors who may participate in bingo games, subject to age restrictions (no players under 18; no operators or staff under 19)

Key Provisions

• Legalizes electronic bingo for prizes or money in White Hall and Lowndes County for charitable, educational, or lawful purposes by nonprofit organizations.
• Authorizes the Town of White Hall to license, regulate, and enforce bingo operations via town ordinances.
• Allows bingo on any machine or device authorized by the National Indian Gaming Commission under IGRA, operated by Native American tribes in Alabama.
• Imposes age requirements: no one under 18 may play; no one under 19 may conduct or assist in operating bingo.
• Licenses may only be issued to nonprofit organizations that have existed for at least two years prior to licensing.
• Bingo must operate on premises owned or leased by the nonprofit; lease terms cannot be based on a percentage of receipts unless allowed by rules.
• Nonprofits may contract with individuals or firms to operate bingo, but cannot pay consulting fees for bingo-related services.
• Nonprofits cannot lend their name or allow third parties to operate or advertise bingo without directly and solely operating the bingo themselves.
• Prizes must be limited to cash amounts or gifts of equivalent value as set by regulations.
• The town council can implement the amendment through resolutions or ordinances.
• Violations carry penalties: first offense is a Class C misdemeanor; subsequent violations are Class A misdemeanors.

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

Subjects

Constitutional Amendments