IRS Gaming Publication For Tax Exempt Organizations

Saturday night bingo in the church hall, one-armed bandits in the social club, video lottery at the veterans’ club, poker night at the fraternal lodge – these are examples of gaming – sometimes called gambling – by organizations exempt from federal income tax.

For many years now, exempt organizations have operated these and many other types of games as a part of their activities. Why do organizations “game”? Probably the number one reason is to raise funds – either to help cover the cost of running their organizations or to support worthy causes. For some organizations, gaming also permits its members to socialize with each other and fosters fellowship.