News Release: Michigan Gaming Control Board encourages charitable organizations to host Millionaire Party events; charities received $4.9 million in event net profit last year

Michigan Gaming Control Board sent this bulletin at 04/26/2023 10:01 AM EDT

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Michigan Gaming Control Board

Contact: MGCB-media@michigan.gov

For Immediate Release:

Michigan Gaming Control Board encourages charitable organizations to host Millionaire Party events; charities received $4.9 million in event net profit last year

Detroit, April 26, 2023 – Qualified Michigan charitable organizations received about $4.9 million in net profit from charitable poker events licensed by the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) in 2022 as organizations rebounded from pandemic-related issues in 2020 and 2021. At the 1,394 licensed fundraisers last year, chip sales totaled approximately $67.9 million and were just short of 2019’s $72.4 million in chip sales. Additionally, the number of licensed events increased by 137% from 2021 to 2022.

“Charitable organizations are encouraged to consider hosting Millionaire Parties for fundraising to support their charitable causes,” said Henry Williams, executive director, Michigan Gaming Control Board. “Our agency offers resources for charities — including a helpful video — so leaders of organizations may learn more about how to qualify and apply for licenses. Our staff also will answer questions and provide information to guide charity leaders throughout the application and licensing process, visit live events and give charities feedback on their events.”

Authorized by the state’s Bingo Act, a Millionaire Party is a charitable gaming event where wagers are placed on games of chance customarily associated with a gambling casino although poker typically is the most popular game. Participants use imitation money or chips.

The MGCB website’s Millionaire Party section offers information on the types of qualifying organizations, which include various types of organizations often exempt under section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue code, and application forms. Qualifying organizations include:

  • Educational
  • Fraternal
  • Religious
  • Veterans
  • Senior Citizens
  • Service

Once qualified, an organization may apply for up to four Millionaire Party licenses in a calendar year. The MGCB may authorize each license for up to four consecutive days, and the license fee is $50 per day of gaming. Charities may make license payments electronically through the Millionaire Party portal or by check to the MGCB.

Two bona fide members of the charity must be present at an event, and the charity may hire an authorized supplier to provide equipment and dealers to help conduct it. A charity may host an event at its own or a leased location.

Chip sales are limited to $20,000 per day. However, if the organization uses its own location, equipment and dealers, it may calculate its daily chip limit by dividing $80,000 by the number of event days.

The charity must manage the event and keep financial and game records, which must be submitted to the MGCB by the 10th day of the month following the last day of the event.

For more information on becoming qualified to host an event, contact millionaireparty@michigan.gov or call 313-456-4940 weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Additional information also is available on the MGCB website at www.michigan.gov/mgcb/millionaire-party.

"The Michigan Gaming Control Board shall ensure the conduct of fair and honest gaming to protect the interests of the citizens of the State of Michigan."