Organizing a lottery, contest, or bingo game

What is it?

A lottery, contest, or bingo game is a game of chance. A game of chance has the following characteristics:

  • The player can win a prize.
  • The player has no decisive influence on the outcome.
  • The proceeds from the game of chance go to a charitable cause of general interest. For example, a new clubhouse, instruments for the music association, or renovation of the church.

If you want to organize a game of chance, you need a permit from the municipality. If you are organizing bingo or a game of chance for promotional purposes, a notification is sufficient.

How does it work?

You may organize a lottery if:

  • at least 40% of the proceeds go to charity
  • you use a maximum of 60% of the proceeds to pay for the prize package and costs

You may organize a contest if:

  • the participant has to do something for it. For example, create a slogan, write a story, or take a photo.
  • a jury decides who wins the prizes

You may organize a bingo game if:

  • an association that has been in existence for at least 3 years and organizes bingo
  • the value of the prizes per game round is a maximum of €400
  • the value of the prizes per meeting is a maximum of €1,550

You may organize a promotional game of chance if your sole purpose is to advertise, for example, a product, service, or organization. However, you must comply with the rules set out in the Code of Conduct for Promotional Games of Chance. This code of conduct can be found on the website of the Gaming Authority.

What should I do?

  • If the prize package for the lottery or contest is less than €4,500, you must apply for a permit from the municipality. Do this at least 4 weeks in advance.
  • If the prize package for the lottery or contest exceeds €4,500, you must apply for a license from the Gaming Authority.
  • Please note: If you are organizing a contest and the prize package is worth less than €2,300, you do not need to apply for a permit.

Sign up for Bingo

You must register the bingo with the municipality at least 14 days in advance.

Gambling tax

If you organize a lottery, contest, bingo, or other game of chance, you must pay gambling tax. This applies even if you do not need a license.

What do I need?

When applying for a license or submitting your bingo notification, please provide the following information:

  • the structure of the game of chance
  • the date and time when you are organizing the game of chance
  • the total value of the prizes
  • Chamber of Commerce registration number (of your company or association)
  • copy of the association's articles of association

How long will it take?

  • You will receive notification within 8 weeks as to whether you will be granted a permit for the lottery or prize draw.
  • The municipality will take note of your notification for a bingo event. The municipality will not send you a confirmation. If there are any questions, the municipality will contact you.

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