Although there is no limit on the stakes for this type of bingo, the stakes must be returned in the form of prizes. Unlike commercial cash bingo games, children are allowed to be present during these games, but cannot take part. Section 41 of the Gaming Act 1968 allows for bingo, as a game of equal chance, to be played for charitable purposes by members clubs. This section provides a valuable method for clubs to raise funds for their club or society as a whole by promoting games of equal chance at entertainments to which the public can be admitted. A club may provide bingo as an entertainment in accordance with s.41 of the Act, providing it is not held for private gain.
Proprietary clubs formed for commercial purposes are, therefore, unlikely to qualify.
A single payment of up to 4 may be charged to cover admission and stakes and any other charges for playing. The total value of prizes must not exceed 400 in one day. A series of entertainments over two days can be held. The total prize for the final game in the series cannot exceed 700. After the deduction of prize money and reasonable expenses all surplus profits must be applied to purposes other than private gain such as charity or the funds of a members' clubs or sporting or recreational purposes.