Chapter 109:1-7 | Electronic Instant Bingo Systems

Rule 109:1-7-01 | Restrictions on manufacturers and distributors.

• Effective: December 23, 2021
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) Other than a charitable donation to a licensed organization, a manufacturer or distributor may not give a gift, trip, prize, or other gratuity valued singly or in the aggregate of one hundred dollars or more per calendar year to a licensed organization.

(B) A manufacturer or distributor, its agents and employees, members of a manufacturer's or distributor's immediate family, persons residing in a manufacturer's or distributor's household may not make any loan or provide any gift directly or indirectly to any key employee of a licensed organization in Ohio.

(C) A manufacturer, manufacturer's agent or employee may not directly or indirectly provide a rebate, discount or refund to any person other than a licensed e-bingo organization or licensed distributor that purchases or leases electronic instant bingo devices from the manufacturer and any such transaction must be recorded on an invoice and retained by the manufacturer in its records.

Last updated December 23, 2021 at 5:32 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 2915.14(D)
Amplifies: 2915.081(E)(5)
Five Year Review Date: 12/23/2026

Rule 109:1-7-02 | Approval of electronic instant bingo systems.

• Effective: December 23, 2021
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) The attorney general shall establish a procedure for the approval of electronic instant bingo systems and associated game software and themes authorized for use by a licensed organization. Requests for approval of electronic instant bingo systems and associated game software and themes may be submitted to the attorney general by manufacturer applicants or licensees according to procedures established by the attorney general.

(B) The attorney general shall adopt technical standards governing the requirements for all electronic instant bingo systems and associated game software and themes used in conjunction with the conduct or monitoring of electronic instant bingo.

(C) Licensed organizations, licensed manufacturers and licensed distributors shall not install, maintain, use, or operate any electronic instant bingo devices, systems and associated game software and themes unless such equipment or software has been tested against and determined to meet the technical standards referenced in this rule and has been approved by the attorney general for use in an authorized bingo location.

(D) To be eligible for consideration by the attorney general for approval, a manufacturer of any electronic instant bingo systems and associated game software and themes must submit the device, software, hardware or other technology for scientific testing and technical evaluation by an independent testing laboratory certified by the attorney general to determine compliance with Chapter 2915. of the Revised Code and this chapter, including the technical standards adopted by the attorney general.

(E) A manufacturer seeking attorney general approval of any electronic instant bingo systems and associated game software and themes must comply with the following:

(1) Submit a written request to a certified independent testing laboratory that, at a minimum, specifically references the scientific testing and technical evaluation necessary under Chapter 2915. of the Revised Code, this chapter, and the attorney general's technical standards, and which identifies the particular device, software, hardware, or other technology at issue;

(2) Submit all necessary items and information to the certified independent testing laboratory;

(3) Pay all costs associated with the scientific testing and technical evaluation performed by the certified independent testing laboratory;

(4) Engage no more than one certified independent testing laboratory to perform scientific testing and technical evaluation of any electronic instant bingo systems and associated game software and themes or other technology to be used in an electronic instant bingo operation in this state without prior written authorization from the attorney general; and

(5) Submit any items or information pertaining to the electronic instant bingo systems and associated game software and themes or other technology to the attorney general, if requested.

(6) No electronic instant bingo systems and associated game software and themes, or other technology will be approved unless the certified independent testing laboratory concludes that the item at issue complies with Chapter 2915. of the Revised Code, this chapter, and the attorney general's technical standards.

Last updated December 23, 2021 at 5:32 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 2915.14(D)
Amplifies: 2915.14, 2015.15
Five Year Review Date: 12/23/2026

Rule 109:1-7-03 | Transportation of regulated equipment and software.

• Effective: December 23, 2021
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) Licensed e-bingo organizations shall notify the attorney general in writing before installing, moving, removing, or disposing of electronic instant bingo systems and associated game software and themes, or other technology that has been approved by the attorney general.

(B) Any modification to electronic instant bingo systems and associated game software and themes, or other technology may be authorized by the attorney general on an emergency basis to prevent cheating or malfunction. The emergency request shall be documented by the licensed e-bingo organization.

(C) Each licensed e-bingo organization shall notify the attorney general of any known or suspected defect or malfunction in any electronic instant bingo systems and associated game software and themes, or other technology installed in Ohio at the time of detection. The licensed e-bingo organization shall comply with any instructions from the attorney general for the use of the electronic instant bingo systems and associated game software and themes, or other technology.

(D) Licensed e-bingo organizations must confirm before receipt of a shipment of an electronic instant bingo device and any associated game software and themes that the manufacturer and distributor providing the electronic instant bingo device and associated game software and themes are each licensed and have been granted an electronic instant bingo endorsement by the attorney general.

(E) In addition to the requirements listed in paragraphs (A) to (D) of this rule, manufacturers and distributors must also adhere the following requirements:

(1) Ensure the safe and secure transport of all electronic instant bingo systems and associated game software and themes, or other technology destined for Ohio.

(2) Ensure all electronic bingo devices and related hardware bear an identifying (ID) plate listing the serial number and model number and electronic instant bingo manufacturer name or other unique identifier approved in writing by the attorney general.

(3) Ensure all electronic instant bingo systems and associated game software, are shipped directly to a licensed bingo location or another location in the state of Ohio expressly authorized by the attorney general. If the manufacturer or distributor has a warehouse in Ohio, it must be approved by the attorney general before any electronic instant bingo systems and associated game software may be shipped to the warehouse for any preparation/configuration work required prior to installation at the authorized location.

(4) Ensure the electronic instant bingo systems and associated game software is placed in such a manner as to offer easy access to the attorney general staff to verify the serial number and model number on the ID plate, or other unique identifier approved in writing by the attorney general.

(F) Any licensee that removes electronic instant bingo systems and associated game software from an authorized location to be transported outside of Ohio, or to another authorized location within Ohio is responsible for ensuring the secure transportation of the electronic instant bingo systems and associated game software, and the compliance with all relevant requirements in this procedure.

(G) Proof of UL or equivalent certification is required for all electronic instant bingo devices.

Last updated December 23, 2021 at 5:32 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 2915.14(D)
Amplifies: 2915.14, 2015.081, 2915.082
Five Year Review Date: 12/23/2026

Rule 109:1-7-04 | Receipt of devices, system and software in the state.

• Effective: December 23, 2021
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) Any licensed e-bingo organization that receives an electronic instant bingo device and associated game software to be used in an approved location must collect and maintain the following information on forms provided or approved by the attorney general:

(1) The full name, address, and license number of the person receiving the electronic instant bingo device(s) and associated game software;

(2) The full name, address, Ohio license number of the distributor of the electronic instant bingo device and associated game software;

(3) The date of receipt of the electronic instant bingo device and associated game software;

(4) The serial number of each electronic instant bingo device;

(5) The model number and description of each electronic instant bingo device;

(6) The manufacturer of the electronic instant bingo device, system, and associated game software;

(7) The location where the electronic instant bingo system and associated game software will be placed and the license number of the licensed organization;

(8) The expected date and time of installation of the electronic instant bingo device(s) and associated game software at the new location; and

(9) Such other information as required by the attorney general.

(B) If such electronic instant bingo device(s) and associated game software will not be placed in operation immediately upon receipt within the State, the electronic instant bingo system and associated game software may be housed in a secure area at an offsite warehouse location under the control of the licensed manufacturer or licensed distributor. The person with custody of the electronic instant bingo devices, system and associated game software must notify the attorney general of the address where the electronic instant bingo devices, system and associated game software is warehoused. The warehouse location must be approved in advance by the attorney general. At the time such electronic instant bingo devices, systems and associated game software are removed from the approved warehouse location and transported to another location within the state, the licensed e-bingo organization, manufacturer or distributor must comply with the requirements of this chapter. The attorney general will create criteria and procedure for the location of an off-site warehouse.

Last updated December 23, 2021 at 5:32 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 2915.14(D)
Amplifies: 2915.14
Five Year Review Date: 12/23/2026