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HF 4983

Limitation on number of electronic pull-tab and electronic bingo devices increased, electronic pull-tab games and electronic bingo games allowed to be played simultaneously, and maximum bet and prize award for electronic pull-tab games increased.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Bernie Perryman

Expands electronic bingo and pull-tab gambling by increasing device limits and permitting simultaneous play on the same device, with new prize caps and stricter verification.

Introduction and first reading, referred to Commerce Finance and Policy
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Bill Summary · HF 4983

Summary of HF 4983 (2025-2026) — Minnesota

Purpose and intent

HF 4983 proposes to expand the use and limits of electronic gambling devices in Minnesota by:
- increasing the allowable number of electronic pull-tab (EPT) and electronic bingo devices at permitted premises.
- allowing electronic pull-tab games and electronic bingo games to be played simultaneously on the same device (where technology permits).
- raising the maximum bets and prize amounts for electronic pull-tab games.
- adding a governance framework for linked electronic bingo play and related identification, retention, and compliance requirements.

Key provisions

Linked electronic bingo (Section 1)

  • Establishes rules for linked bingo games played exclusively on electronic devices.
  • Premises eligibility remains tied to alcohol license or bingo primary business with at least 100 seats.
  • Device limits for linked electronic bingo:
    • ≤ 200 seats: up to 6 devices
    • 201+ seats: up to 12 devices
    • Premises where bingo is the primary business: up to 50 devices
  • Administrative and player verification requirements:
    • Providers must supply bingo program data to the board before a bingo occasion.
    • Players must present valid photo ID with date of birth to participate; organization may not retain most ID details, except for prize receipts and specific required information.
    • For large redemptions ($600+ in credits), players must show an acceptable form of ID; the organization must keep a prize receipt showing winner details for 3.5 years.
    • House rules may permit removing devices not used for a period.
  • Simultaneous play:
    • Electronic bingo games may be played simultaneously with electronic pull-tab games on the same device, if technology allows.
    • If one device cannot support both types of games, a player may use one electronic bingo device and one electronic pull-tab device at a time.

Electronic pull-tab (EPT) device requirements (Section 2)

  • Premises eligibility mirrors linked bingo: alcohol-on-sale premises or bingo-primary premises with at least 100 seats; and premises where paper pull-tabs are sold and electronic devices are conducted.
  • Device limits:
    • ≤ 200 seats: up to 6 devices
    • 201+ seats: up to 12 devices
    • Bingo-primary premises: up to 50 devices
  • Operational hours: 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.
  • Location and transfer:
    • EPTs must be sold and played on the permitted premises; no inter-premises transfers.
    • EPT games may be commingled if from the same game family and meet specified matching attributes; each commingled game requires a unique serial number.
  • Player verification and records:
    • Same ID verification and prize receipt retention requirements as electronic bingo.
    • A single device per player is required, with identical device-use limitations as in existing law.

Prizes and monetary limits (Section 3)

  • Adds Subd. 2e to §349.211:
    • Maximum single-prize amounts by ticket value:
    • $2 EPT: $599 max prize
    • $3 EPT: $899 max prize
    • $4 EPT: $1,199 max prize
    • $5 EPT: $1,499 max prize
    • $10 EPT: $2,999 max prize
    • Cumulative or carryover prizes cannot exceed $5,000.
    • Net sale price cap: no EPT may be sold for more than $10.

Who is affected

  • Licensed premises offering electronic gambling (bingo and pull-tabs), particularly those with on-sale alcohol licenses or bingo primary operations.
  • Licensed organizations operating electronic devices, who face increased device caps, stricter ID and recordkeeping, and new prize limits.
  • Players engaging in electronic bingo/pull-tab activities on eligible premises.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • The bill was introduced and referred to the Committee on Commerce Finance and Policy on April 16, 2026.
  • If enacted, regulations would be implemented under Minnesota statutes 2024 as amended by HF 4983, with the new device limits, simultaneous play allowances, and prize caps taking effect upon statutory adoption and agency rulemaking as applicable.

Notes

  • The bill emphasizes verification and recordkeeping, while expanding gaming options and potential revenue through higher allowable prizes (subject to the stated caps).
  • It maintains safeguards around device use, location restrictions, and ongoing compliance with the Minnesota Gambling Control framework.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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