Charitable Gambling

The City of Hastings supports charitable gambling activities that benefit local nonprofit organizations while ensuring operations comply with all applicable state and local laws. Organizations conducting lawful gambling within City limits must be licensed or permitted by the Minnesota Gambling Control Board and receive local approval when required.

What is Charitable Gambling?

Charitable gambling in Minnesota includes:

• Pull-tabs (paper or electronic)
• Bingo
• Raffles
• Paddlewheels
• Tipboards

Only licensed nonprofit organizations may conduct these activities, and proceeds must be used for lawful purposes as defined by Minnesota law.

Only qualified nonprofit organizations may conduct these activities, and gambling proceeds must be used for lawful purposes as defined by Minnesota law.

Charitable Gambling Application Process

Organizations seeking an ongoing charitable gambling license must complete the following steps:

Application Process

1. State Application: Apply for an Organization License and a Gambling Manager License with the Minnesota Gambling Control Board.
2. City Submissions: Submit a copy of your State application(s) to the City Clerk’s Office along with the Lawful Gambling Premises Permit Request. 
3. City Council Review: All applications require a City Council resolution of approval.
4. License Issued by State: Once approved locally, the Gambling Control Board will finalize your license.

Temporary Gambling Permit Application Process 

Organizations seeking to conduct a one-time or limited charitable gambling event under a Temporary Gambling Permit (Exempt Permit) must complete the following steps:

1. State Application: Complete the Exempt Permit from the Minnesota Gambling Control Board.
2. City Submissions: Submit a copy of your State application(s) to the City Clerk’s Office.
3. City Council Review: All applications require a City Council resolution of approval.
4. License Issued by State: Once approved locally, the Gambling Control Board will finalize your license.

Timelines & Deadlines

• Charitable Gambling Licenses: Allow 2–4 weeks for local processing and City Council consideration.
• Temporary Gambling Permits (Exempt Permits): Submit applications at least 45 days before the event date.

Fees

The City of Hastings may charge a local processing fee for charitable gambling applications. Please refer to the City's Fee Schedule for current rates.

Current local fees include:

• New Charitable Gambling Permit Applications: $250.00 investigation fee
• Charitable Gambling Permit Renewals: $150.00 renewal fee
• Temporary Gambling Permits (Exempt Permits): A $25.00 local review fee is required for each permit application submitted to the City.

The local review fee must be submitted with the exempt permit application and is non-refundable.

Local Spending Requirement

City Code Chapter 110.17, subd. F, requires any organization conducting lawful gambling within the City of Hastings to spend at least 50% of its expenditures for lawful purposes within the City's trade area.