HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Parks and Recreation Application for State of Iowa Gambling License RESOLUTION NO. 23-170
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PARKS & RECREATION STAFF TO SUBMIT AN
APPLICATION FOR A STATE OF IOWA GAMBLING LICENSE
FOR THE CITY OF AMES,IOWA
WHEREAS, the Parks and Recreation Department is interested in expanding the
fundraising activities to support scholarships to attend recreation classes and programs. Certain
fundraising activities involve entrants paying fees (the bulk of which support the scholarship
program), in exchange for the possibility of prizes for a winning entrant. This type of fundraising
requires a Charitable Gambling license. Examples of these potential fundraising events include a
Duck Derby Race at Furman Aquatic Center and contests and raffles within a Scholarship Golf
Tournament at Homewood Golf Course; and,
WHEREAS, a Charitable Gambling License allows qualified organizations to conduct
raffles,bingo, carnival-style games of skill and chance, and casino-style games of skill and
chance. The license is obtained from the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals (DIA). A
two-year license is $150. The license contains limitations on how often certain games may occur,
how much each participant can be charged to play, and the value of the prize(s) awarded; and,
WHEREAS, A two-year license would allow for the following activities to occur:
• Unlimited games of skill or games of chance, except bingo.
• An unlimited number of very small raffles (Total value of$1,000 or less) and an
unlimited number of small raffles (Total value more than$1,000, no more than
$10,000), including electronic raffles.
• One large raffle (Total value more than $10,000, no more than $100,000)
including an electronic raffle, each calendar year during the two-year period.
• Up to three bingo occasions per week and up to fifteen bingo occasions per
month.
• One game night per calendar month during the two-year period.
WHEREAS, additional proposed events can be submitted to DIA for approval within the
two-year license term to be included on the application once plans are developed, so long as they
fall within the limitation of the license; and,
WHEREAS, staff would be responsible and required to comply with all general
requirements and reporting as outlined in DIA Code Chapter 99B. In discussion with DIA, it is
common for municipalities to hold some type of gambling license with the varying types of
events and programs that are held; and,
WHEREAS, The Parks and Recreation Commission discussed this topic at its March 23,
2023, meeting and was supportive of trying new activities to raise additional funds for
scholarships. These additional funds could allow P&R to either increase the number of
scholarships provided or increase the percentage provided for each scholarship (i.e., 50% to
100%). Commissioners questioned whether the Parks and Recreation Department or the City of
Ames should be the applicant. The Commission recommended City Council approval for staff to
submit an application for a two-year Charitable Gambling License.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Ames, Iowa,
that resolution authorizing Parks & Recreation staff to submit an application for a State of Iowa
Gambling Licenseds hereby approved.
ADOPTED THIS 281h day of March, 2023.
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Renee Nall, City Clerk John A. Haila, Mayor
Introduced by: Beatty-Hansen
Seconded by: Betcher
Voting aye: Beatty-Hansen, Betcher, Corrieri, Gartin, Junck, Rollins
Voting nay: None Absent: None
Resolution declared adopted and signed by the Mayor this 281h day of March, 2023.