New Jersey Charitable Gaming

New Jersey charitable gaming consists of bingo, raffles and casino nights run by approximately 12,000 eligible charity organizations throughout the state. These organizations include charitable, religious, veterans and senior citizen associations, and educational groups. Organizations wishing to operate charity games must first register with the Legalized Games of Chance Control Commission, which oversees charitable gaming. Once registered with the Commission, the organization is required to file a license application for each game of chance it intends to operate from the municipality where the game is to be held.

The Charitable Registration and Investigation Act of 1994 (CRI Act) requires any 501(c)(3) entity or group that raises money for charitable purposes, within the state, to register with the Charitable Registration and Investigation Section (CRIS) of the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs. The CRIS administers and enforces the provisions of the CRI Act, which regulates the fundraising activities of charitable organizations and professional fundraisers operating within the state, by requiring them to register and file annual financial reports with the CRIS.