Policy Title: Gambling, Raffles and Games of Chance Policy
Effective date:9/1/1999
Pertains to: All students, faculty and staff
Policy Index:
www.stthomas.edu/policiesGambling, Raffles and
Games of Chance Policy
The Minnesota Gambling Control Board has issued the following policy/procedures
concerning gambling, raffles and games of chance sponsored by clubs,
organizations, or individuals at the University of St. Thomas:
UNIVERSITY NON-PROFIT STATUS
The entity known as the University of St.
Thomas does have tax exempt, nonprofit status. However, student clubs,
organizations or individuals are not seen as subsidiaries or subordinates of
this entity. Hence, student clubs, organizations or individuals are not eligible
to engage in gambling, raffles or games of chance, regardless if the revenue is
for profit or is designated for a charitable cause.
NATIONAL NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION AFFILIATION
If a student organization
falls under a national organization (i.e. local chapters of national
fraternities or sororities, ODK, etc.), then that student organization must (1)
obtain a copy of the IRS letter showing the national organization as a nonprofit
organization and carries a group ruling and (2) obtain a copy of the
organization's charter recognizing the student group as a subordinate. Contact
the Department of Campus Life for more information.
FUND-RAISING OR CHARITABLE CAUSE OPTIONS
In an effort to raise revenue
for profit or for a charitable cause, clubs/organizations or individuals may
engage in the following practices:
Games of Skill - A "game of skill" is an activity where the participant
may pay for a ticket or a chance to logically estimate so as to win (i.e.
guessing the number of marbles in a jar). There must be the ability to
arithmetically and logically arrive at an answer during a game of skill. The
item used (i.e. jar with marbles) must be sealed and in plain view.
Silent Auction - Individuals have the ability to silently suggested a
price for an item that is on auction. There is to be no selling of tickets or
chances for the bidding process and bids can either be posted on paper or
concealed on a slip of paper and submitted. The item goes to the highest bidder
on auction.
These two options outlined above are not presently regulated by the Gambling
Control Board and no applications or permits are needed to engage in these
practices.