Bazaar, Bingo and Raffle Permits For Simsbury Events

Is your organization thinking of conducting a raffle, bazaar or BINGO event? Along with raising money, this can be a team-builder for your members and a great idea for increasing awareness of an organization. But along with the fun, it is important to know that these games are all regulated by Connecticut State Statutes and must be properly permitted within the town they will conducted. **PERMIT APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED AT LEAST THIRTY (30) DAYS IN ADVANCE OF TICKET SALES -- DO NOT PRINT RAFFLE TICKETS PRIOR TO RECEIVING YOUR PERMIT**

Public Act Co 17-231 An Act Concerning Municipalities and Bingo Games, Bazaars and Raffles took effect on January 1, 2018.  Application is now made directly through the Simsbury Police Department Records Division for events taking place in Simsbury. See below for important information and the necessary forms. Please call THE RECORDS DIVISION at 860-658-3125 with questions or for more information about the process. If you are seeking a permit in a different town, please contact that town's police department for the permit process.

FAQ: ANSWERS TO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• Any game of chance for which tickets/chances are sold MUST have a permit. Some types of games of chance are not legal in Connecticut, including "Las Vegas" events and money wheels. Alcohol and cash may NOT be given as a prize. Raffle/Bingo/Bazaar events can only be sponsored and conducted by groups meeting specific non-profit status. Individuals may not conduct fundraiser games of chance to raise money for an individual/family in need. Door prizes for which no purchase was made (everyone receives a free ticket/chance) and auctions do not require a gaming permit. Competition events that are completely skill-based, vs. chance, do not require a gaming permit. Please read the FAQ above for more information.
• Please provide full legal names, AKAs (maiden, etc.), dates of birth and addresses for all persons listed on the forms. If there is not enough room on the form, provide the list on a separate piece of paper. We will not be able to process the application without this information in full. Please list the other name(s) OR indicate "No AKAs" under each signature section on the Statement of Active Members.
• Please mail your completed form(s), at least 30 days prior to event/need for permit,  to Simsbury Police Department ATTN: Records Division, 933 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury CT 06070. Although permits are often available in fewer than 30 days, we are not able to expedite the raffle/bingo/bazaar permit process due to staffing, workload, and schedules of all individuals involved in the process. Thank you for your understanding.
• Fees: The Records Division will notify you of any fees after review of your application. Please do not send a check with the form.
• You may not conduct any part of your fundraiser (e.g., sell tickets) until you have received your permit.

FORMS:

• Bazaar Permit Application
  • Verified Bazaar Statement
• Bingo Permit Application
• Bingo Application for Personal Identification Number (P.I.N.)
• Bingo Registration Application (FOR PTO/PTA GROUPS ONLY)
• Raffle Permit Application and Statement (form only; see below links for thorough instructions)
  • Raffle Application Instructions
  • Raffle Application Sample
  • Raffle Ticket Attachment Sample
  • Verified Raffle Statement

General information for applicants:

• Please start the application process well in advance of your event, as the completed forms are due to the Records Division a minimum of thirty (30) days prior to the raffle, bazaar or bingo event
• The organization applicant must have been functioning as a tax exempt entity under 501(c) for a minimum of six (6) months and have a Federal ID Number
• Section 7-174 requires us to investigate and confirm suitability, to include confirming applicants have never been convicted of a felony and are of good moral character
• Duck races, frog races and cow chip fundraisers are considered raffles
• 50/50 fundraisers and teacup "raffles" are considered bazaars
• BINGO: Individuals who will be conducting a bingo game in the Town of Simsbury must have been issued a Bingo Personal Indentification Number (P.I.N.) by the Simsbury Police Department, even if s/he had previously been issued a P.I.N. by the State of Connecticut. This is for indviduals and is IN ADDITION to having a BINGO game/event permit for the organization
• Failure to comply with relevant State statutes can result in permit revocation, fines, imprisonment and the inability to obtain a permit in Simsbury, CT for up to three (3) years