Bingo in Washington, D.C.: Laws, Halls & Online Bingo (2026 Guide)

Is bingo legal in Washington, D.C.?

Yes. Charitable bingo is legal in the District as long as the nonprofit running it holds a license. The Office of Lottery and Gaming is the licensing agent for all charitable gaming in D.C., and its Charitable Games Division handles bingo alongside raffles and Monte Carlo night parties.

Because the District’s charitable games program sits inside the D.C. Lottery, its rules live in Title 30 of the D.C. Municipal Regulations, the same title that governs the lottery itself. Any nonprofit conducting games of chance in the District must have a license, with no exception for small events.

There are no tribal casinos or commercial bingo halls in D.C., so every bingo game you find here is a charity event.

How old do you have to be to play bingo in Washington, D.C.?

Plan on 18. The Office of Lottery and Gaming states that you must be 18 or older to play D.C. Lottery games.

The charitable games pages don’t spell out a separate bingo age, so if you’re bringing a younger guest, check with the organizer first.

Can you play online bingo for real money in Washington, D.C.?

No. The District legalized sports betting in 2019, but online casino games and internet bingo are not authorized, and a charitable games license only covers in-person events.

In April 2026 the D.C. Council received Bill 26-0656, which would legalize real-money online casino gaming. It had a hearing in May 2026 but had not passed as of October. Until it does, stick to free apps; our online bingo guide explains the options. If gambling is causing harm, call or text 1-800-GAMBLER.

Are sweepstakes bingo sites legal in Washington, D.C.?

Unsettled. The District has no law that bans sweepstakes casinos today, but Bill 26-0656 would ban them as part of its online casino package. With the bill still pending, D.C. players are in a wait-and-see position.

If you use these sites, keep balances small so a sudden ban doesn’t strand your coins. Our sweepstakes bingo explainer covers how they work.

What other charity games are legal in D.C.?

Three kinds, each with its own license: regular bingo, raffles, and Monte Carlo Night parties, which share a license category with Texas Hold’em events. Companies that sell bingo paper and equipment need a separate supplier license.

Raffles are the one area where out-of-District groups get a foot in the door. Nonprofits incorporated in Maryland or Virginia may apply to run a raffle in D.C., but bingo licenses are for District organizations.

Where can you play bingo in Washington, D.C.?

Look to churches, schools, senior centers and civic associations, which hold bingo as fundraisers. The D.C. Lottery publishes a calendar of licensed charitable events, which is the easiest way to find a game that’s properly licensed.

We haven’t listed specific halls because we couldn’t verify current weekly schedules. Many D.C. players also cross into Maryland, where commercial and charity halls run regular sessions.

How to run a charity bingo game in Washington, D.C.

The District’s process is straightforward but strict on timing:

1. Check eligibility. Your nonprofit must have existed for at least one year and have at least 20 active members (10 for a senior citizens’ group).
2. Gather documents. You’ll need proof of tax-exempt status from the IRS or D.C. Office of Tax and Revenue and a Certificate of Good Standing.
3. Apply at least 30 days ahead. Late applications are automatically denied. Online applications are processed faster than paper ones.
4. Secure your prizes. Paper applicants must show proof that they own the prizes or post a surety bond worth 15% more than the total prize value.
5. Pay the license fee and follow the Title 30 rules on running the game.

Paper applications go to the Charitable Games Division at 2235 Shannon Place SE. Our bingo fundraiser guide covers the planning side. For weekly hall games nearby, see our Maryland bingo guide.