Linked bingo prize provider

Who can apply for a linked bingo prize provider license

You must apply for a linked bingo prize provider license if you provide bingo operators the means to link bingo prizes, including:

• Equipment and supplies to offer linked bingo
• Linked bingo prize management
• Distribution of necessary gambling equipment and supplies.

Distributors must receive a linked bingo prize provider license before providing gambling equipment and supplies to play linked bingo games.

About linked bingo prize providers

How to apply

for consumption on premises, you may apply to offer punch boards or pull-tabs.

Learn more about the licensing requirements for commercial businesses.

About punch boards and pull-tabs

Visit the Washington State Legislature site to see all the rules that govern punch boards and pull-tabs (apps.leg.wa.gov).

Punch boards

A punch board is a board with a number of openings of uniform size in which the manufacturer placed, at random, slips of paper, or other substances (punches) imprinted with numbers or symbols

• A flare (face sheet) covers the openings and sets out the winning numbers or symbols and which prizes players may win
• The punches have specific serial numbers assigned and printed on them
• After buying a punch, a player may select and remove the punch from the opening of the punch board
• If the number on the selected punch matches the flare, the player wins the specified prize.

Pull-tabs

A pull-tab is either:

• A single folded tab that conceals number(s) or symbol(s) from view
• A banded tab that conceals number(s) or symbol(s) from view
• A card with the face covered by perforated window(s) or otherwise hidden to conceal number(s) or symbol(s) from view.

Some of the number(s) in each series of pull-tabs have been selected in advance and at random as prize winners. After they buy a pull-tab, a player opens the pull-tab and, if the numbers or symbols on the pull-tab match the flare, the player wins the prize.

Tips for punch board and pull-tab operators

We've compiled a list of helpful information for punch board and pull-tab operators based on questions we often get.

How to apply

In addition to all the materials outlined in our licensing process, the complete application includes the application fee.

Apply for a license online through MyAccount unless you're approved for an online waiver. You must be registered for SecureAccess Washington (SAW).

Visit the Washington State Legislature site to see if you qualify for an online waiver (apps.leg.wa.gov). 

Learn how to register for MyAccount 

1. Use your SAW username and password to log in to MyAccount 
2. In the MyAccount home page, click on your name and choose Profile in the drop-down menu
3. Click the 'Create Organization Request' button
4. Start typing your organization trade name. If you're in the process of purchasing an existing licensed business, enter your legal entity name and 'Create New Organization'. Complete the form for the new organization. Any field with a red asterisk is a required field. Submit the form
5. In the Application tab, click 'New License Application' button
6. Select the license type of the gambling activity you're applying for and complete all required fields to submit your application
7. Pay for the application fee in the Billing and Payment tab.

Current licensees: add linked bingo prize provider to your existing gambling license

If you already have an active gambling license with us and would like to add an additional gambling activity:

1. Use your SAW username and password to log in to MyAccount 
2. Click on the Application tab. In the drop-down menu, click on Application
3. Click New License Application button
4. Select the license type of the gambling activity you're applying for and complete all required fields to submit your application
5. Pay for the application fee in the Billing and Payment tab.

Required training

After we grant your license, you have 30 days to complete your required training:

• Review all the rules for all licensees: 230-06 Rules for all licensees (app.leg.wa.gov)

Required recordkeeping

You must:

• Keep records to provide in case we audit your business
• Complete the records within 30 days of the last day of each month, every month.

Retaining your records

You must retain the records for 3 years from the end of your fiscal year.

Renewing your license

Licenses expire each year. Learn more about how to renew your license.

Reporting changes to your license

There are certain changes you must tell us about. Learn how to report changes to your license.