From the Hotline

By Teri Henning
Pennsylvania Newspaper Association

Q: What are the rules regarding bingo advertisements? Who is liable for an ad that violates the law?

A: Pennsylvania law regulates the licensing and advertising of bingo games. By law, an association must have a license to advertise or conduct any bingo game. All advertisements are required to include the date, time, location, whether cash or merchandise prizes will be awarded, the name of the association licensed to conduct the bingo game, and the name of the individual in charge of the operation of the game.

The law prohibits an association from advertising the specific prizes or their dollar value. It also prohibits associations from advertising any “guaranteed prize dollar value.” 10 P.S. 305.

The penalties under the Bingo Act apply to the licensed associations and anyone who “conducts or assists” in the conducting of bingo in violation of the Act. An association that violates the Act is guilty of a summary offense, subject to a $1,000 fine and revocation of its license. Anyone who "conducts or assists in the conducting of bingo" in violation of the Act can be guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree.

Although it seems unlikely that a newspaper could be held liable for an ad that violates the bingo law, as with everything, there are no guarantees. Although the primary liability is on the organization conducting the game, we recommend that newspapers review bingo advertisements for compliance with the law.

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