MO HJR24

Submits to Missouri voters an amendment to Article III, Section 39(a) of the state Constitution for the 2012 general election regarding volunteer bingo game operations by religious, charitable, fraternal, veteran, and service organizations.

Allows individuals to participate in managing, conducting, or operating bingo games if they have been bona fide members of a licensed organization for at least two years for management/conducting roles, or one year for actual game operation roles, and volunteer their time.

Requires that all net receipts from bingo games be used only for charitable, religious, or philanthropic purposes with no compensation to any affiliated persons, and prohibits any person involved from being a professional gambler, paid staff member, felon, or having illegal gambling convictions.

Mandates organizations must exist continuously for at least five years with a minimum of 20 bona fide members before obtaining a bingo license, and restricts leases and rental arrangements to reasonable market rates with no percentage-based payments.

Prohibits external advertising of games except on organization premises or through member communications, and allows the general assembly to establish additional requirements ensuring games benefit eligible organizations and the community.