Bingo, raffles, and amusement games at agricultural fairs (charitable or nonprofit)

If you are a bona fide charitable or nonprofit organization that is an agricultural fair, learn how to apply to operate bingo, raffles, or amusement games.

Who can apply for a license to operate bingo, raffles, or amusement games at an agricultural fair

"Agricultural fair" means a fair or exhibition which is intended to promote agriculture and support rural economic development by:

  • including a balanced variety of exhibits of livestock and agricultural products, as well as related arts and manufactures
  • including products of the farm home and educational contests, displays, and demonstrations designed to train youth
  • promoting the welfare of farm people and rural living.

If you are a bona fide charitable or nonprofit organization that is an agricultural fair, you may apply to operate bingo, raffles, or amusement games. This license is valid for the duration of the fair.

Learn more about our licensing requirements for charitable or nonprofit organizations.

About agricultural fair to operate bingo, raffles, or amusement games (Charitable or nonprofit organization)

Visit the Washington State Legislature site to see the laws that govern agricultural fairs:

See each activity for more information, including training and recordkeeping requirements. After we grant your license, you have 30 days to complete your required training for:

How to apply

In addition to all the materials outlined in our licensing process, the complete application includes:

If there is any person (employee, volunteer, or member) who is not working solely for your organization that wants to offer bingo at your agricultural fair, they must apply for a separate permit to conduct bingo.

If applying by mail

If you're applying by mail, make sure you use the correct address based on the carrier you're using.

For US Mail (No UPS or FedEx)

Washington State Gambling Commission
PO Box 42400
Olympia WA 98504-2400

For UPS, FedEx, and overnight packages

Washington State Gambling Commission
4565 7th Avenue SE
Lacey WA 98503

Required training

After we grant your license, you have 30 days to complete your required training:

Highest-Ranking Officer

In addition to the above training for your activity, you must also review the following:

Required recordkeeping

You must:

  • Keep records to provide in case we audit your business
  • Complete the records within 30 days of the last day of each month, every month..

Retaining your records

You must retain the records for 3 years from the end of your fiscal year.

Renewing your license

Licenses expire each year. Learn more about how to renew your license.

Reporting changes to your license

There are certain changes you must tell us about. Learn how to report changes to your license.