LANSING – State Representative Harold Haugh (D-Roseville) recently announced a plan that aims to speed up the process for granting licenses for "millionaire parties" – events where nonprofit organizations use Las Vegas style casino games, such as black jack, roulette and Texas Hold'em poker, are used to raise money for charity.
"These events are becoming an increasingly popular way to contribute to charitable organizations," Haugh said. "Millionaire parties are a safe way for gamers to have fun and a great way for charities to raise money. They can also help boost sales at the bars, restaurants and other locations they are held at. As these parties continue to increase in popularity, it's important to ensure licenses are processed and granted."
All games at a "millionaire party" are fully regulated by the Michigan Lottery Commission under its Charitable Gaming department and nonprofit organizations hosting a party must apply for a charitable gaming license. These licenses cost $50 per day and allow an organization to conduct an event for up to four consecutive days. Up to four licenses can be issued per calendar year. Only nonprofit organizations that have already received charitable gaming licenses can apply for "millionaire party" licenses.
"Millionaire party" license requests have increased significantly over the past five years and the Charitable Gaming
Department is currently working through 4,800 applications, according to the Michigan Lottery Commission. Due to this
unprecedented number of applications, licenses are being processed by the Charitable Gaming Department in the order they
are received and take a minimum of
six weeks to be issued.
Under Haugh's plan, any applicant for a "millionaire party" license can pay an additional $300 one-time fee to have their license expedited. As long as the applicant qualifies for the license, it would be issued within 10 days of the application being received.
In addition, Haugh's plan also creates a distinction between large and small millionaire parties. Small millionaire parties will be those operated only by volunteer members of an organization who do not profit from the party. The license fee will remain $50 per day. Large parties will be those operated by workers who are paid for their services at the party. License fees for large parties will be set at $250 per day under the plan.
"I've heard from several organizations that planned events and filed for 'millionaire party' licenses, but didn't receive them in time," Haugh said. "With such a high volume of requests, it's important to get the paperwork in on time, but by allowing organizations to pay a little more, I'm hoping we can help expedite the process. I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass this legislation and to ensure more organizations can raise money through charitable gaming."