The Michigan Gaming Control Board recently reported that in 2022, qualified charitable organizations received nearly $5 million in net profit from licensed charitable poker events−evidence that the organizations are recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic, officials said.
Gaming regulators said 1,394 licensed fundraisers in 2022 posted total chip sales of $67.9 million, compared to $72.4 million in 2019. In addition, the number of licensed events rose by 137 percent in 2022 over 2021.
Michigan Gaming Control Board Executive Director Henry Williams said, “Charitable organizations are encouraged to consider hosting Millionaire Parties for fundraising to support their charitable causes. 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.”
Millionaire Parties, authorized by the state’s Bingo Act, are charitable gaming events where wagers are placed on casino-style games of chance, with poker being the most popular. Bets are placed using imitation money or chips.
Qualifying organizations include educational, fraternal, religious, veterans, senior citizens and service. A qualified organization may apply for up to four Millionaire Party licenses in a calendar year. A license may be authorized for up to four consecutive days at a fee of $50 per day. Two actual members of the charity must be on-site at the event and chip sales are limited to $20,000 per day.
