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GeorgiaHB 4552025-2026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Bingo; properties used for games; limit number of sessions; provisions

Sponsored By: Kasey Carpenter (Republican), Matt Dubnik (Republican), Rick Jasperse (Republican), Lauren McDonald III (Republican), Mark Newton (Republican), Alan Powell (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Regulated IndustriesEconomic Development and TourismGeneral Bill

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 3 mixed.

Higher weekly prize ceiling for bingo

Georgia bingo licensees can award up to $6,000 in prizes per calendar week, up from $3,000. This ceiling covers cash and gifts across all locations operated by one licensee or its agents or employees. Gifts count at their fair market value on the date awarded. Licensees cannot combine prize values to get around the ceiling. The higher limit does not promise any player a prize.

Bingo operators must keep detailed records

Georgia bingo licensees must keep session records for at least three years after each session. Records must list money collected and non-prize expenses, including payee names and receipts. They must list all prizes and the names and addresses of winners receiving $50 or more. They must also itemize who receives bingo proceeds, including names and addresses. Each session's record must show how many people participated.

Higher bingo helper pay with limits

Georgia nonprofits can pay one or more bingo helpers a total of up to $150 per session, replacing $30 per day. Other salaries, operating fees, and bingo consulting fees are barred. Members of multiple nonprofits can help run bingo for only two; their personal $150-per-session limit applies even when helping both on the same day. Nonprofits cannot hire contractors to run their bingo games or concessions. They cannot let contractors use their name or identity unless the nonprofit directly and solely runs the game.

More bingo locations with licensing rules

Georgia nonprofit bingo operators can use property they own, property they lease, or property leased from another nonprofit. Leased property must be usable for other purposes, but regular use for those purposes is not required. Operators must list every bingo location in their license application and provide lease or rental agreements for leased sites. They must display their license clearly at the bingo site and hold games only at listed locations. They must also own or lease all equipment used.

More bingo sessions with shared-site limits

Georgia bingo licensees can hold up to three sessions per calendar day, up from one. Each session can last no more than five hours. Two or more licensed nonprofits face an added rule when running games jointly or sharing a site during any 18-hour period. They cannot use that arrangement if it results in more than 31 sessions that month at the same site.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

  • Kasey Carpenter

    Republican • House

  • Matt Dubnik

    Republican • House

  • Rick Jasperse

    Republican • House

  • Lauren McDonald III

    Republican • House

  • Mark Newton

    Republican • House

  • Alan Powell

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Matt Brass

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 187 • No: 23

Senate vote • 2/20/2026

PASSAGE

Yes: 38 • No: 8 • Other: 6

House vote • 3/4/2025

PASSAGE

Yes: 149 • No: 15 • Other: 9

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective Date

    7/1/2026

  2. House Date Signed by Governor

    5/12/2026House

  3. Act 714

    5/12/2026

  4. House Sent to Governor

    4/6/2026House

  5. Senate Third Read

    2/20/2026Senate

  6. Senate Passed/Adopted

    2/20/2026Senate

  7. Senate Committee Favorably Reported

    1/29/2026Senate

  8. Senate Taken from Table

    1/12/2026Senate

  9. Senate Recommitted

    1/12/2026Senate

  10. Senate Tabled

    4/2/2025Senate

  11. Senate Read Second Time

    3/21/2025Senate

  12. Senate Committee Favorably Reported

    3/20/2025Senate

  13. Senate Read and Referred

    3/6/2025Senate

  14. House Third Readers

    3/4/2025House

  15. House Passed/Adopted

    3/4/2025House

  16. House Committee Favorably Reported

    2/26/2025House

  17. House Second Readers

    2/19/2025House

  18. House First Readers

    2/18/2025House

  19. House Hopper

    2/13/2025House

Bill Text

  • HB 455/AP* (v3)

    PDF

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