An Act To Allow Schools To Operate Nonprofit Bingo Events for Children and Families

Sec. 1. 17 MRSA §319,  as enacted by PL 1975, c. 307, §2, is amended to read:

§ 319. Persons under 16

Persons Except as otherwise provided in this section, persons under the age of 16 years shall may not be permitted to take part in the conduct of, nor participate in, the game of "Beano" or "Bingo," nor shall may such a minor be admitted to the playing area unless accompanied by a parent, guardian or other responsible person adult.

No "Beano" or "Bingo" games licensed under this chapter shall may be conducted unless some person at least 18 years of age, who has been a member in good standing of the licensee for at least 2 years, exercises exclusive control of each game played.

No license for the conduct of "Beano" or "Bingo" shall may be issued to any firm, association, corporation or group composed wholly or primarily of minors.

An elementary or secondary school may operate a nonprofit "Beano" or "Bingo" game for the entertainment of and recreation for the school's students and the students' families. A "Beano" or "Bingo" game operated under this paragraph is exempt from the application and licensing provisions of this chapter.

SUMMARY

This bill allows elementary and secondary schools to operate beano or bingo games for the entertainment of and recreation for the schools' students and the students' families if the games are not for profit.