WHAT IS GAMING? WHAT ISN'T GAMING? AND WHAT ARE FUNDRAISING OPTIONS?

The Gaming Regulatory Authority (GRA) always gets questions about what types of promotions, raffles, contests, and games are officially considered "Gaming," or gambling, under the law. Only the casinos and Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures can conduct Gaming on the Reservation and only the GRA can oversee that Gaming. But that doesn't mean groups and people can't still run other games and promotions.

First, let's get our definitions straight. To be considered Gaming (gambling), you need three things: 1) Something of value must be wagered (a bet), 2) That something must be wagered on the outcome of a contest of chance or a future contingent event, not under his or her control or influence (a chance), and 3) In exchange for something of value (a prize).

Gaming requires a bet on a chance of something happening for a prize. That's it. Remove any one of the three requirements and you are not Gaming (gambling) and it's perfectly legal. For example, if you have a bingo game but nobody is wagering something of value, that is if everybody gets to play for free, it's not Gaming. Or imagine everybody enters a lottery and they don't even have to buy anything or put any money up. It's more like a door prize. That's also not Gaming.

There are plenty of games and other fundraising options you or your group can utilize that are not gaming including, but not limited to:

• Door prizes, entering somebody into a contest to win something just for showing up.

• Silent or live auctions.

• Some games are based on skill where the contestants win prizes (shooting, racing, basketball). One important thing to note: only the contestants can win valuable prizes. If you're betting on the sidelines, it's gambling.

• Sales: Indian Tacos, tee shirts, baked goods, etc.

• Asking for donations.

• Free bingo.

• Free lotteries.

• Raffles or bingo that take place off Reservation lands, for example at a local American Legion or school.

• GoFundMe or GiftSendGo.

• Sponsored walks/runs.

Also remember that in certain limited instances, registered charitable organizations can do some types of "Gaming" (gambling) legally on the Reservation, but they need to be registered through the GRA.

For more information on Charitable Gaming please contact the GRA at 320-384-4807.

The Mille Lacs Band Gaming Regulatory Authority (GRA) is an independent regulatory agency of tribal government established to separate the government's regulatory function from the management function of the Gaming Enterprises. More information and contact numbers can be found at millelacs-band.com/home/indian-gaming-regulation. You can also LIKE us on Facebook at Mille Lacs Band GRA. GRA Board meetings are open to the public. Board meetings are October 9 and 23. Meetings are currently being conducted remotely using Microsoft Teams.