CaliforniaSB 8602025-2026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Gaming: bingo.

Sponsored By: Sponsor information unavailable

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.

Old remote bingo rules repealed

The law repeals older state rules for remote caller bingo and certain device enforcement. It removes Business and Professions Code sections 19850.5 and 19850.6 and Penal Code sections 326.4 and 326.45. Local charitable bingo now operates under the updated local‑ordinance framework.

How local bingo games work

Bingo must be a live game with a caller and tangible cards. Players must be present to play; remote play is not allowed. The total prize for any single game is capped at $500. Electronic or video displays are banned except to show the draw. Present players may use handheld card‑minding devices that require manual entry and only highlight winning numbers; they cannot handle money, decide outcomes, or connect to outcome equipment.

Who can run charity bingo

Cities and counties may allow bingo for certain nonprofits, senior groups, mobilehome park associations, and school‑district charities. Money from these games must be used only for charity. Games must be open to the public and held on property the group owns, leases, or is donated and that it uses for its work. Only members of the group may run the games, and they cannot be paid; nonmember security staff are allowed. Minors cannot play, and outside people or companies cannot have a financial interest.

How bingo money must be used

Bingo profits cannot be paid as wages or profits; breaking this rule can bring a fine up to $10,000. Cities and counties may ask a court to stop illegal games. Tax‑exempt charities must keep bingo profits in a separate account and use them only for charity; other allowed groups must keep proceeds separate and may pay prizes, license fees, rent, and overhead within limits. From January 1, 2025, rent and overhead are capped at the lesser of 20% of monthly proceeds before prizes or $3,000, with the $3,000 rising each year by California CPI. Local governments may also require a minimum share for charity when monthly gross receipts exceed $5,000. License fees are capped at $50 a year (and $50 to apply), with half refunded if denied; any monthly public‑safety fee must match actual costs. A past special exception for the Lake Elsinore Elks Lodge ended by January 1, 2019 or when its rebuilding costs were repaid.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 158 • No: 0

House vote • 7/10/2025

Item 85 — Assembly AFLOOR

Yes: 72 • No: 0

legislature vote • 7/2/2025

Vote in CX25

Yes: 14 • No: 0

legislature vote • 6/25/2025

Vote in CX07

Yes: 22 • No: 0

Senate vote • 5/8/2025

Item 147 — Senate SFLOOR

Yes: 36 • No: 0

legislature vote • 4/22/2025

Vote in CS48