California's well-known lottery game among Latinos has been irreversibly altered due to a law signed by Gavin Newsom.
The state of California has updated its bingo regulations following the passage of SB 860 in July 2025. The new law, signed by Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom, aims to modernize the legal framework and focus exclusively on in-person and community bingo games.
The key changes involve the governance and operation of bingo games under state law. SB 860 amended Article 326.5 of the Penal Code, which regulates traditional bingo, and repealed sections 19850.5 and 19850.6 of the Business and Professions Code. However, the exact text of the updated regulations or amendments to existing laws regarding bingo have not been detailed in the available information.
To understand the specific regulatory changes, it is recommended to access the full text of the bill or official legislative summaries from California's legislative information resources. The bill likely addresses aspects such as permissible types of bingo games, licensing, operational requirements, or the definition of authorized operators.
Here are some of the highlights of the new regulations:
- Only tax-exempt corporations in cities or counties that have enacted specific ordinances can organize bingo games. Authorized organizations include associations located in mobile home parks, senior citizen groups, beneficial institutions linked to school districts, and certain foundations.
- Minors are prohibited from playing bingo.
- Each game can offer a maximum of $500 in prizes.
- Up to 20% of the total gross revenue before prize distribution, or up to $3,000 per month, whichever is less, can be used for administrative and organizational expenses. This figure will be adjusted annually according to the California Consumer Price Index.
- The events must be open to the general public and not restricted to members of the organizing institution.
- Bingo games can only be held on properties owned, leased, or donated to the organization.
- Municipalities can issue permits for organizations wishing to hold bingo events, with a maximum cost of US$50.
- The proceeds generated by the games can only be used for charitable purposes and must be kept in separate accounts.
- It is prohibited to pay salaries, wages, or commissions to those who organize or direct the bingo games, except for security employees.
- Only people who are physically present at the location and time of the game can participate.
- The new law removed Articles 326.4 and 326.45 of the Penal Code.
The SB 860 Law came into effect after it was signed by Governor Gavin Newsom on July 28, 2025, and has already been recorded by the Secretary of State. The new regulations are expected to provide a clearer and more streamlined approach to bingo gaming in California.
[1] Source: California Legislative Information (https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/)
- The new regulations for bingo in California, as a result of SB 860, will impact the culture and self-development of communities, as only certain organizations can now organize bingo games and they must adhere to strict guidelines.
- In the realm of politics and general news, the passage of SB 860 and its subsequent implementation have brought changes to the sports and leisure sector, particularly focusing on bingo, as it marks a significant modernization of the legal framework regarding community games.
