AMENDMENT 565 RATIFIED
Bingo Games in Covington County.
(a) The operation of bingo games for prizes or money by certain nonprofit organizations and certain private clubs for charitable, educational, or other lawful purposes shall be legal in Covington County, subject to any resolution or ordinance by the county commission as provided by law regulating the operation of bingo. The county commission may promulgate rules and regulations for issuing permits or licenses and for operating bingo games within the county. The county commission shall insure compliance pursuant to any ordinance and the following:
(1) No person under the age of 19 shall be permitted to play any game or games of bingo, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. No person under the age of 19 shall be permitted to conduct or assist in the conduct of any game of bingo.
(2) Except for special permit holders, no bingo permit or license shall be issued to any nonprofit organization, unless the organization has been in existence for at least five years and has owned real property in the county for five years immediately prior to the issuance of the permit or license.
(3) Bingo games shall be operated only on the premises owned or leased by the nonprofit organization or club operating the bingo game. If the premises are leased, the rate of rental shall not be based on a percentage of receipts or profits resulting from operating the bingo games.
(4) No nonprofit organization or club shall enter into any contract with any individual, firm, association, or corporation to have the individual or entity operate bingo games or concessions on behalf of the nonprofit organization. A nonprofit organization may not pay consulting fees or any compensation or salary to any individual or entity for any services performed relating to operating or conducting any bingo game.
(5) A nonprofit organization may not lend its name or allow any other person or entity to use its identity in operating or advertising a bingo game in which the nonprofit organization is not directly and solely operating the bingo game or concessions.
(6) One hundred percent of the net revenues derived from operating bingo games shall be designated and expended for charitable or educational purposes.
(7) No person or organization, by whatever name or composition, shall take any expenses for operating a bingo game except as permitted by law.
(b) The Legislature may, by local legislation, provide for the implementation of this amendment, including, but not limited to, the imposition of criminal penalties for violations of this amendment or the local legislation.
