FAQs for Locations

1. I own a bar and I want to hold Texas Hold'em. How do I do that?
   
   There is a moratorium on any new locations.
    
2. Can I help run the Texas Hold'em event?
   
   You may assist in the operation of an event, however you may not:
   1. Participate in the management of an event (e.g., handle cash, chips, or complete game records).
   2. Play or deal at your location.
   3. Be an officer of a qualified organization conducting an event at your location.
       
3. How do I find charities that will hold events at my location?
   
   Local newspapers, the phone book, and internet websites, such as www.guidestar.org are all useful tools in finding non-profit organizations based in Michigan.  (Keep in mind that if an organization has not held a gaming license in the last five years, they may be required to re-qualify before receiving a license, which can easily take 10 weeks or more.)  Remember, not all non-profit organizations qualify for licensing.
    
4. What do I have to include in my rental agreement with the charities?
   
   All terms and conditions of the location rental must be in the rental agreement, including, but not limited to:
   1. The name and address of the location being rented.
   2. The name of the lessee (nonprofit organization).
   3. The event dates.
   4. Any equipment provided.
   5. Any other services included (e.g., training, operational assistance, advertising, etc.).
   6. The following required fee language: "The fee shall not exceed 50% of the gross profit less all expenses (except license fee), including, but not limited to, worker pay, advertising, food for workers, equipment rental, etc.  Gross profit is defined as total revenue minus prizes and chip redemptions."  No variations of this language will be approved.
   7. Original signatures of both parties.
       
5. I am a location and I want to find out the status of a license that an organization has applied for, how do I do that?
   
   If you know the organization's six-digit Charitable Gaming organization ID number, you may visit our website, click on License Application Status Lookup, enter the required information, and click on Look Up Application Status.  If the results indicate an application is being processed, you may check back in a week or two.  Any further inquiries must be made by the organization.
    
6. Can I charge a minimum or reservation fee?
   
   No.
    
7. Can I charge a cancellation fee?
   
   Yes, but it must be stated in the rental agreement.
    
8. Can I be a supplier and a location owner?
   
   No, the Bingo Act states that a supplier shall not be involved directly or indirectly with the rental or leasing of a facility used for an event.
   Example 1: A supplier may not provide the location as part of their supplier fees and it may not be included on the supplier price list.
   Example 2: A supplier may not pay any type of fee (cleaning, utilities, parking, etc.) to the location owner for the use of the space.
    
9. I am helping an organization get qualified to hold poker at my location, what do they need to do?
   
   You should instruct the organization to visit our website and click on the Qualification Requirements tab.  If the organization does not know which category they qualify under or has additional questions, they should contact our office at (517) 335-5780.
    
10. Can a location owner advertise the millionaire party?
    
    Yes. If the location is going to advertise an event it must be stated in a Bureau approved rental agreement and shall include:
    1. The name of the licensee.
    2. The license number.
    3. The purpose for which the proceeds will be used.
        
11. What information can I post on a sign in front of my establishment?
    
    You may place a generic message on the sign such as Charity Poker Room with no further requirement. However, if any specific information is posted (e.g., days, dates, times, games, game program information, etc.) you must also include:
    1. The name of the licensee.
    2. The license number.
    3. The purpose for which the proceeds will be used.

    If you have additional advertising questions, please review the Advertising Licensed Gaming Events by Locations directive.
     

12. Can two or more licensees share a location?
    
    Yes. Each licensee must:
    1. Complete their own game forms,
    2. Deposit their entire proceeds into their own bank account.
    3. Use clearly distinguishable chips.
        
13. If two licensees share a location, can both licensees pay the dealers?
    
    No. A worker/dealer can only be paid by one licensee per day at that location.
     
14. Can I prohibit the charities from paying their members for volunteering to work the millionaire party?
    
    Yes, but it must be stated in the rental agreement.
     

FAQs for Suppliers

1. The supplier we are renting the equipment from has offered to help us run our millionaire party. Is this permitted?
   
   Yes, suppliers may assist with the operation of the game; however, they and their agents and employees, may not:
   1. Participate in the management of an event (e.g., handle cash, chips, or complete game records).
   2. Play or deal at an event in which that supplier is providing equipment and services.
   3. Be an officer of the qualified organization conducting the event using that supplier's equipment or services.
       
2. Can a licensed supplier advertise a millionaire party?
   
   No. Suppliers are prohibited from advertising a licensed gaming event.
    
3. Can I be a supplier and a location owner?
   
   No. The Bingo Act states that a supplier shall not be involved directly or indirectly with the rental or leasing of a facility used for an event.
   
   Dealers?
   • Do not have to be members of the organization.
   • May not play on days they are working.
   • May be paid up to $50 per day.
   • May not accept tips.