La. Admin. Code tit. 42 § I-1783

Current through Register Vol. 50, No. 11, November 20, 2024

Section I-1783 - Progressive Mega Jackpot Bingo [Formerly section 1791]

A. In accordance with R.S. 4:706(A) and (B) and R.S. 4:707(J), the governing authority of any municipality or parish shall decide whether a progressive mega jackpot bingo game shall be permitted within the municipality or parish. Such game shall be the aggregate of predetermined contributions made by a group of licensed charitable organizations before each licensed call bingo session deposited into one special account in order to offer a prize for a specific progressive mega jackpot bingo game. For the purpose of conducting a progressive mega jackpot bingo game, such organizations shall:

1. establish links or networks as provided in R.S. 4:732.(A)(1);

2. contribute a predetermined amount of money not to exceed limits set by 4:732(A)(2) per participating organization into one special account before each licensed call bingo gaming session. Each contribution shall be in the predetermined amount and shall not be considered part of the total amount of prizes awarded during that session.

B. Participation. Organizations shall participate in only one progressive mega jackpot bingo game at a time and only within the jurisdictional limits approved by the office.

C. Requirements Prior to Start-Up. Each location, hall, commercial or noncommercial lessor that has any licensed organization(s) participating in the progressive mega bingo jackpot game shall transmit by facsimile to the office and to the respective governing authority of the parish or municipality or the certified public accountant or management company contracted to oversee the progressive mega jackpot bingo game, if applicable, the following information and documentation prior to the start-up of a progressive mega jackpot bingo game or before any additional organizations are allowed to enter:

1. list of names of licensed charitable organizations participating in the progressive mega jackpot bingo game and the respective gaming location's name and physical address, and the designated organization representative as provided in Paragraph I.2 of this Section and any subsequent changes;

2. a copy of the authorized signatory cards for the progressive mega jackpot bingo account and any subsequent changes;

3. a copy of the ordinance from the governing authority of the municipality or parish allowing the progressive mega jackpot bingo game;

4. the governing authority of the municipality or parish, or the certified public accountant or management company contracted to oversee the progressive mega jackpot bingo game, if applicable;

5. the proposed starting date and session time of the progressive mega jackpot bingo game.

D. Entry and Withdrawal. Each participating organization shall provide a start-up fee in the amount of $200 at the commencement of or entry into a progressive mega jackpot bingo game for deposit into a charitable gaming progressive mega jackpot bingo account. All organizations electing to participate in a progressive mega jackpot bingo game shall contribute the additional predetermined contribution prior to the commencement of a progressive mega jackpot bingo game which shall constitute the progressive mega jackpot bingo prize for the first 24 hour period. This contribution is nonrefundable and shall also be considered part of the total amount of prizes awarded for each organization's first scheduled session of the progressive mega jackpot bingo game.

1. Each participating organization shall submit a check to the designated hall, commercial or noncommercial lessor representative in the predetermined amount during its licensed four-hour session and prior to the commencement of the organization's first scheduled call bingo game made payable to the charitable gaming progressive mega jackpot bingo account. This predetermined contribution is nonrefundable and shall constitute part of the progressive mega jackpot bingo prize for the following day and shall not be considered part of the total amount of prizes awarded during that session.

2. If a participating organization voluntarily or involuntarily discontinues participation in the progressive mega jackpot bingo game for any reason, that organization shall not be allowed to re-enter the progressive mega jackpot bingo game until the current progressive mega jackpot bingo prize is won.

3. The $200 start-up fee deposit shall remain in the account until the progressive mega jackpot bingo game is discontinued by the organizations and shall be refundable upon discontinuance of the progressive mega jackpot bingo blackout game or to any single organization withdrawing, whether voluntarily or involuntarily, from the progressive mega jackpot bingo game within three calendar days of withdrawal.

4. Except as otherwise provided in Paragraph 2 of this Subsection, organizations shall be allowed entry into the progressive mega jackpot bingo game at any time before the progressive mega jackpot bingo blackout prize is won.

5. All monies accumulated in the progressive mega jackpot bingo account for a game shall be given away if all participating organizations in that game withdraw, voluntarily or involuntarily, and discontinue that progressive mega jackpot bingo game.

E. Structure of Game. The progressive mega jackpot bingo game shall be conducted in conjunction with the organizations' regular blackout bingo games and the structure of such game shall be as follows.

1. Only separate additional 3 on 1 up sealed vertical bingo sheets shall be sold at $2 per sheet for the play of only the progressive mega jackpot bingo game. Purchase of the 3 on 1 up sealed vertical bingo sheet shall afford patrons a chance to win the progressive mega jackpot bingo game and the regular blackout bingo prize.

2. Only those patrons who have purchased a minimum buy-in package for the organization's regular session games shall be allowed to purchase separate 3 on 1 up sealed vertical bingo sheets for the progressive mega jackpot bingo game at that session. The minimum buy-in package shall not contain sheets of cards that entitle a patron to win the progressive mega jackpot bingo prize, but the purchase of any such package shall afford a patron the opportunity to win only the respective organization's regular blackout bingo prize.

3. Any card or sheet that is altered from the original manufacturer's cut, collation, or print shall be invalid.

4. No progressive mega jackpot bingo game 3 on 1 up sealed vertical bingo sheets shall be sold after the first ball is called for the progressive mega jackpot bingo game. Such progressive mega jackpot bingo sheets shall:

a. be purchased by the organization from a licensed distributor;

b. have an assigned fixed value for each participating organization approved by the office in writing prior to start-up of or entry into any progressive mega jackpot bingo game and shall only be good for the session date stamped;

c. be stamped with the words "progressive mega jackpot bingo game", the organizations' name, license number, and session date to be valid and shall not be purchased as part of a buy-in package.

5. The progressive mega jackpot bingo game shall be completed as the last called bingo game of the licensed session.

F. Amount of Prizes Awarded. A progressive mega jackpot bingo account consists of all contributions made by participating organizations excluding the $200 start up fee as provided in Subsection D of this Section during the progressive mega jackpot bingo game.

1. Except as otherwise provided in Subsection D of this Section, the dollar amount of the progressive mega jackpot bingo game shall be the accumulated dollar amount of all contributions deposited or due to be deposited into the progressive mega jackpot bingo account by all participating organizations in a progressive mega jackpot bingo game for the period ending at 12 a.m. (midnight) of the previous calendar day.

2. The dollar amount of any progressive mega jackpot bingo game shall not exceed the limit set by R.S. 4:732(B)(1). Participating organizations shall not cap the progressive mega jackpot bingo prize in an amount less than the limit. Once the limit is reached for any progressive mega jackpot bingo game, participating organizations shall continue to make contributions to the progressive mega jackpot bingo account to accumulate a second or subsequent jackpots. However, in the event that the limit is reached, organizations shall not offer any subsequent progressive mega jackpot bingo prize until such time that the progressive mega jackpot prize is won. Only one progressive mega jackpot prize of participating organizations shall be awarded during any 24-hour period as provided in Subsection G of this Section.

G. Time of Game. The organizations' licensed session starting time and date shall be the basis for determining the winner(s) to be paid during a 24-hour period. For purposes of determining the time of a progressive mega jackpot bingo prize winner(s), a 24-hour period shall include all licensed sessions of participating organizations licensed to commence beginning on or after 12:01 a.m. and ending 24 hours later on or before 12 a.m. (midnight).

H. Winner(s). A progressive mega jackpot bingo game shall be won when any player(s) achieves a blackout in 48 balls called or less only on the 3 on 1 up sealed vertical bingo sheet and only during the 24-hour period described in Subsection G of this Section. Each face on any 3 on 1 up vertical bingo sheet shall be considered when determining the number of winners.

1. In the event that a patron achieves a blackout in 47 balls called or less on a sheet of cards from a minimum buy-in package, that patron shall win only the regular blackout bingo prize of the respective organization and that regular blackout bingo game shall end. If such a blackout is achieved in 47 balls called or less, play shall resume until the 48th ball is called, and once called, the progressive mega jackpot bingo game shall end. If no blackout is achieved, the game shall continue until a consolation prize is won as provided in Paragraph 5 of this Subsection.

2. In the event a patron achieves a blackout on sheets of cards from a minimum buy-in package on the same number of balls called as a patron who achieves a blackout on a 3 on 1 up sealed vertical bingo sheet, the regular blackout bingo prize of the respective organization shall be divided equally between all verified winners of the progressive mega jackpot bingo game at that session. The progressive mega jackpot bingo game shall be won only by a patron(s) who achieves a blackout on the 3 on 1 up sealed vertical bingo sheet as provided in this Subsection.

3. In the event there is more than one winner of the progressive mega jackpot bingo game during the 24- hour period as provided in Subsection G of this Section, the progressive mega jackpot bingo prize shall be divided equally between all verified winners of that progressive mega jackpot bingo game.

4. A patron who achieves a blackout on a 3 on 1 up sealed vertical bingo sheet in fewer balls called than a patron who achieves a blackout on a 3 on 1 up sealed vertical bingo sheet at another licensed session of a participating organization shall share the progressive mega jackpot bingo prize equally with all verified winners during the 24-hour period as provided in Subsection G of this Section.

5. If no blackout is achieved in 48 balls called or less, the organization's progressive mega jackpot bingo game shall continue until a consolation prize is won. The consolation prize shall be the respective organization's regular blackout bingo prize and shall constitute part of the total amount of prizes awarded during that called bingo session.

6. A ball shall not be considered called unless it has been announced by the caller.

7. The office may, upon written request and adequate justification, issue a written approval allowing participating organizations in a progressive mega jackpot bingo game to increase the number of balls called to achieve a progressive mega jackpot bingo prize winner. Such request shall be signed by all bingo chairpersons of each participating organization.

I. Noninterest Bearing Account. A separate noninterest bearing checking account shall be opened by the participating organizations for the progressive mega jackpot bingo game.

1. The account shall be in the name of charitable gaming progressive mega jackpot bingo account which shall be imprinted on all checks. Checks from this account shall require two signatures.

2. Each location, hall, commercial or non-commercial lessor that has any licensed organization(s) participating in the progressive mega jackpot bingo game shall designate in writing and submit to the office a representative who shall make deposits and obtain bank receipts of all monies contributed and deposited into the progressive mega jackpot bingo game account before the close of bank business on the next banking day.

3. At least two designated representatives of each participating organization shall be authorized signatories on the account.

4. Monthly bank statements for the progressive mega jackpot bingo game account shall be mailed directly to the governing authority of the municipality or parish, or the contracted certified public accountant or management company overseeing the progressive mega jackpot bingo game, if applicable.

5. All banking fees and other costs related to the progressive mega jackpot bingo game shall be borne as provided in Subsection N of this Section.

J. The dollar amount of the progressive mega jackpot bingo game shall be continuously and conspicuously displayed by participating organizations during call bingo sessions conducted only by participating organizations at least within the location and within view of all patrons purchasing progressive mega jackpot bingo sheets.

K. All revenues related to the progressive mega jackpot bingo game, and all checks written to and issued from the charitable gaming progressive mega jackpot bingo account shall be reported by each participating organization in a manner acceptable to the office, the governing authority of the municipality or parish, and the contracted certified public accountant or management company overseeing the progressive mega jackpot bingo game, if applicable.

L. Any licensed charitable organizations playing bingo within the state who participates in a progressive mega jackpot bingo game shall contract a certified public accountant or management company selected by the participating organizations and who shall be approved by the office to oversee the progressive mega jackpot bingo game and account in the event that the governing authority of the municipality or parish does not have a regulatory body to oversee the game. The governing authority of the municipality or parish, or if applicable, the contracted certified public accountant or management company approved by the office shall be responsible for, but not limited to the following:

1. reconciling bank statements monthly;

2. ensuring that each contribution for each session played has been properly deposited in a timely manner, as described in Subsection R of this Section;

3. ensuring that all banking fees and other related costs as provided in Subsection N of this Section are recovered from the proper parties;

4. ensuring that checks written on the account are disbursed only to verified progressive mega jackpot bingo blackout prize winners, to organizations requesting refunds of the $200 start-up fee due to voluntary or involuntary withdrawal from the progressive mega jackpot bingo game as provided in Subsection D of this Section, or for those purposes as may be necessary, if approved in writing by the office;

5. immediately notifying by facsimile all organizations participating in the progressive mega jackpot bingo game that the limit has been reached.

M. Equipment. Each location, hall, commercial lessor or noncommercial lessor that has any licensed organization(s) participating in the progressive mega jackpot bingo game shall have at least the following equipment on site and operational at all times:

1. facsimile machine installation at each such location capable of transmitting to the office, the governing authority of the parish or municipality, or the certified public accountant or management company contracted to oversee the progressive mega jackpot bingo game, if applicable;

2. a minimum of at least one camera and one monitor at each such location that is capable of televising the first and the next ball to be called and the winning card(s) of the progressive mega jackpot bingo game(s) to the patrons at that session;

3. an office approved recording device at each such location capable of monitoring and recording any winning card and all bingo balls as they are extracted from the bingo machine and announced to the patrons along with any hand movement of the caller during the entire progressive mega jackpot bingo game;

4. a minimum of at least two bingo boards at each such location capable of displaying the bingo balls called for the regular games, the blackout game, the bonanza games, and the progressive mega jackpot bingo game;

5. a master verification checkbook or similar verification device at each such location depicting the faces of the bingo cards printed by the manufacturer of the bingo cards being used for the progressive mega jackpot bingo game.

N. Costs. Each location, hall, commercial or noncommercial lessor that has any licensed organization(s) participating in the progressive mega jackpot bingo game shall bear all costs, related to, but not limited to, the following:

1. facsimile machine installation at each such location capable of transmitting the required data and information to the office, the governing authority of the parish or municipality, or the certified public accountant or management company contracted to oversee the progressive mega jackpot bingo game for the parish or parishes, if applicable;

2. banking fees and other related costs, accounting fees of the certified public accountant or management company contracted to oversee all deposits, disbursements, and reporting and tax requirements of the progressive mega jackpot bingo game account(s), if applicable. These costs shall be shared by each such location proportionate to the number of sessions held at each site;

3. attorney fees as may be required for any progressive mega jackpot bingo game. These costs shall be shared by each such location proportionate to the number of sessions held at each site;

4. a minimum of at least one camera and one monitor at each such location that is capable of televising the first and next ball to be called and the winning card(s) of the progressive mega jackpot bingo game to patrons at that session;

5. an office approved recording device capable of monitoring and recording any winning card and all bingo balls as they are extracted from the bingo machine and announced to the patrons along with any hand movement of the caller during the entire progressive mega jackpot bingo game;

6. a minimum of at least two bingo boards capable of displaying the bingo balls called for the regular games, the blackout game, the bonanza games and the progressive mega jackpot bingo game;

7. a master verification checkbook or similar verification device at each such location depicting the faces of the bingo cards printed by the manufacturer of the bingo cards being used for the progressive mega jackpot bingo game.

O. Organization Requirements and Verification Procedures. All licensed charitable organizations participating in a progressive mega jackpot bingo game shall use the following procedures in verifying the play and winner(s) of the progressive mega jackpot bingo game:

1. use at each of its games the required camera, monitor, and office-approved recording device at its gaming location to televise and record the following:

a. the caller announcing the organization's name, license number, session date and time prior to calling the first ball of the progressive mega jackpot bingo game;

b. all bingo balls as they are extracted from the bingo machine and announced to the patrons along with any hand movement of the caller during the entire progressive mega jackpot bingo game;

c. the winning card(s) of the progressive mega jackpot bingo game and to display on the monitor such card(s) to the patrons at that session;

2. use at each of its sessions at least two bingo boards for its progressive mega jackpot bingo game;

3. ensure that all bingo balls are available and have not been modified in any way from their original manufacture before placing them in play. Bingo balls shall be inspected by at least the hall manager, session manager, bingo manager, caller, and at least two bingo patrons before placing them in play for the progressive mega jackpot bingo game;

4. ensure that any office, parish, or municipal representative, any bona fide active member of the participating organizations, any participating hall owner or representative(s), and any participating patron present has the right and ample opportunity to view and inspect any ball or balls for the progressive mega jackpot bingo game before placing them in play and after any winner has been achieved;

5. the caller shall announce:

a. the organization's name, license number, session date and time, and record this information on the video cassette prior to calling the first ball of the progressive mega jackpot bingo game;

b. the dollar amount of the progressive mega jackpot bingo prize prior to the start of each gaming session;

c. that the progressive mega jackpot bingo game shall commence at least five minutes before the first ball is called for the progressive mega jackpot bingo game;

d. when the forty-eighth ball is called and ask if there are any winners;

e. any progressive mega jackpot bingo game winners from another organization's licensed session for the 24-hour period as provided in Subsection H of this Section prior to the first called bingo game of a session or upon receipt of a the facsimile as provided in Paragraph 12 of this Subsection;

f. in order to be eligible to win the progressive mega jackpot bingo game and to collect the prize, one must possess two of the four types of personal identification as provided in Subsection P of this Section;

6. reduce to writing the sequence that the bingo balls are actually called for the progressive mega jackpot bingo game. Such record shall be in ink and shall become part of the session records and shall be maintained for a period of three years as required by this Part;

7. in the event that there is a progressive mega jackpot bingo game winner as provided in Subsection H of this Section, the office-approved recording device shall immediately be rendered incapable of further recording, and secured by the session manager of that organization:

a. the organization shall verify that the winning progressive mega jackpot bingo card(s) compares to the actual balls called. Such verification shall be made by at least the session manager, bingo manager, and the caller;

b. the organization shall use at each of its games the master verification checkbook or similar verification device at its gaming location to compare to the winning card(s) of the progressive mega jackpot bingo game to ensure that such winning card(s) is a valid winner and has not been altered. Such verification shall be made by at least the session manager, bingo manager, and the caller;

c. the organization shall forward such office approved recording to the office or to the governing authority of the municipality or parish within three business days where it shall be reviewed and retained for a period of one year;

8. in the event that a licensed bingo session is not held by any participating organization, such organization shall transmit a facsimile immediately to the office and the governing parish or municipal regulatory body or the contracted certified public accountant or management company, if applicable, stating that a licensed session was not held and the reason why the session was not held. This facsimile shall be signed by the organization's member-in-charge;

9. ensure that the contracted certified public account or management company, if applicable, receives a copy of the participating organization's licensed scheduled sessions prior to beginning the progressive mega jackpot bingo game and any subsequent changes to said license;

10. vouchers. All organizations participating in a progressive mega jackpot bingo game shall utilize the same type of carbon copy voucher when awarding progressive mega jackpot bingo prize winners. All required information on the voucher(s) shall be accurately completed and properly signed immediately after the winning progressive mega jackpot bingo card(s) has been verified as provided by this Subsection. The voucher(s) shall contain, but shall not be limited to, the following information:

a. organization name, license number, session date, and session starting time;

b. printed names and signatures of the session manager, bingo manager, and caller;

c. name of the hall;

d. number of winners for the session;

e. number of balls called for the winning card;

f. printed name, signature, current address, Social Security number, and telephone number of the winner;

11. any winner(s) of the progressive mega jackpot bingo game shall be given the original voucher, and the carbon copy voucher(s) shall be retained along with the winning 3 on 1 up sealed vertical bingo sheet(s) by the organization awarding the progressive mega jackpot bingo prize. The progressive mega jackpot bingo winner(s) printed name(s), signature(s) and Social Security number(s) shall be affixed to the back of the winning card(s) in order to be valid;

12. any participating organization(s) which has a progressive mega jackpot bingo winner(s) at its licensed session shall immediately transmit by facsimile the completed voucher(s), the session record as provided in Paragraph 6 of this Subsection and the winning card(s) of the progressive mega jackpot bingo game to the following:

a. the office;

b. governing parish or municipal regulatory body, if applicable;

c. the contracted certified public accountant or management company approved by the office for that progressive mega jackpot bingo game, if applicable;

d. all locations, halls, commercial and noncommercial lessors whose organizations participate in the progressive mega jackpot bingo game.

P. Payment of the Winner(s). The original voucher(s), the carbon copy voucher(s) and the original winning 3 on 1 up sealed vertical bingo sheet(s) shall be presented to the governing parish or municipal regulatory body or the contracted certified public accountant(s) or management company, if applicable, within three working days for verification. No winner(s) of the progressive mega jackpot bingo prize shall be certified and no winner shall be paid until verified by the governing parish or municipal regulatory body or the contracted certified public accountant or management company, if applicable. Any winner of the progressive mega jackpot bingo game shall be paid only by check from the charitable gaming progressive mega jackpot bingo account. No winner(s) of the progressive mega jackpot bingo prize shall be paid unless two of the following types of personal identification are presented by the winner(s) to the governing parish or municipal regulatory body or the certified public accountant or management company overseeing the progressive mega jackpot bingo account, if applicable:

1. Social Security card;

2. valid drivers license;

3. voters registration card;

4. birth certificate.

Q. Any organization awarding a progressive mega jackpot bingo prize shall be responsible for all local, parish, state, and federal tax withholding and reporting requirements.

R. Each location, hall, commercial or non-commercial lessor that has any licensed organization participating in the progressive mega jackpot bingo game shall:

1. prepare a detailed deposit slip(s) for all participating organizations' contributions to the progressive mega jackpot bingo game to be deposited from the previous calendar day indicating each licensed organization's name, license number, and the amount to be deposited;

2. deposit all participating organizations' contributions to the progressive mega jackpot bingo game from the previous calendar day(s) into the progressive mega jackpot bingo account before close of bank business on the next banking day, and maintain a detailed log of such deposits;

3. transmit daily by facsimile the detailed deposit slip and proof of deposit as provided in Paragraphs 1 and 2 of this Subsection to the governing parish or municipality regulatory body or the contracted certified public accountant or management company overseeing the progressive mega jackpot bingo account for that game, if applicable;

4. immediately and conspicuously display at each participating progressive mega jackpot bingo game site for a period of one week after the awarding of the progressive mega jackpot bingo game prize at least the following information concerning the progressive mega jackpot bingo winner:

a. the location, hall, commercial hall or noncommercial hall where the progressive mega jackpot bingo prize was won;

b. date and time that the progressive mega jackpot bingo was prize won;

c. the organizations name, license number, and session starting time from which the progressive mega jackpot bingo prize was won;

d. the amount of the progressive mega jackpot bingo prize awarded;

e. the number of winners for that progressive mega jackpot bingo prize;

5. ensure that all bingo equipment, including but not limited to, the required camera, monitor, office approved recording device, bingo boards, and the verification device is properly maintained and is functional before and during each licensed session;

6. ensure that all bingo balls are available and have not been modified in any way from their original manufacture before placing them in play;

7. ensure that the progressive mega jackpot bingo prize amount is continuously posted and conspicuously displayed prior to and during the entire progressive mega jackpot bingo game of each respective organization;

8. ensure that a copy of the progressive mega jackpot bingo rules are continuously posted and conspicuously displayed for all patrons to review;

9. ensure that in the case of a hall closure that the participating organizations have the opportunity to hold a final session to award the progressive mega jackpot bingo prize as provided in Subsection D of this Section.

S. The following persons shall be strictly prohibited from playing for the progressive mega jackpot bingo prize.

1. No charitable gaming employee or volunteer shall play for the progressive mega jackpot bingo prize while on duty at the gaming site. For purposes of this Section, a gaming employee or volunteer is any member of the licensed organization holding, operating or conducting any game or games of chance or any member of another licensed organization assisting in the holding, operating or conducting of any game or games of chance. A gaming employee or volunteer working any part of a session or taking a temporary break shall be considered on duty for that gaming session. A charitable gaming employee or volunteer may play bingo, while off duty, at another gaming site other than the site where their organization(s) conduct(s) a licensed gaming session.

2. No location, hall, commercial or non-commercial lessor owners, or its shareholders, directors, employees or agents shall play the progressive mega jackpot bingo game at their licensed location.

3. No licensed distributor owners, or its shareholders, directors or agents shall play the progressive mega jackpot bingo game at any site.

4. No licensed manufacturer owners, or its shareholders, directors or agents shall play the progressive mega jackpot bingo game at any site.

5. No licensed private casino contractor owners, or its shareholders, directors or agents shall play the progressive mega jackpot bingo game at any site.

6. No employee who regulates charitable games of chance on a state, parish or local level shall play the progressive mega jackpot bingo game at any site.

T. Players of the progressive mega jackpot bingo game shall not be allowed to play bingo cards for any person enumerated in Subsection S of this Section.

La. Admin. Code tit. 42, § I-1783

Promulgated by the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, Office of State Police, LR 12:157 (March 1986), amended LR 13:104 (February 1987), Amended by the Department of Revenue, Policy Services Division, LR 44790 (4/1/2018).

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 4:732.