Gaming Licensing

Gaming Licensing

Gaming Licensing

The North Dakota Attorney General’s Gaming Division administers licensing for charitable gaming and regulates the businesses and organizations that participate in games of chance in North Dakota. State law requires proper authorization before any game of chance may be conducted, and different approvals are required depending on the activity.

Charitable Gaming Organizations
Bona fide nonprofit organizations that want to conduct games of chance — such as raffles, bingo, pull tabs, or similar activities — must obtain a state charitable gaming license issued by the Attorney General’s Gaming Division. The license authorizes the organization to operate approved games of chance in accordance with North Dakota law and administrative rules and only at properly authorized locations.

Gaming Manufacturers and Distributors
Businesses that manufacture, sell, lease, or distribute gaming equipment or gaming supplies for use in charitable gaming must be licensed by the Attorney General. This includes items such as pull tab tickets, bingo equipment, electronic pull tab devices, and related gaming supplies. Licensing helps ensure all equipment used in North Dakota charitable gaming meets security, testing, and accountability standards.

Local and Restricted Event Permits
Some limited gaming activities do not require a full state gaming license but still require authorization. Local or restricted event permits are issued through the organization’s local city or county auditor’s office, with oversight from the Attorney General’s Gaming Division. These permits are typically used for small or short-term gaming activities, and organizations must still follow North Dakota charitable gaming laws and restrictions.