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Bill

SB 5565

Permitting senior-focused groups to engage in certain bingo gambling activities.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Matt Boehnke and 7 co-sponsors

SB 5565 permits Washington senior organizations to legally conduct bingo gambling to fund senior services and recreational activities.

First reading, referred to Business, Financial Services & Trade.
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Bill Summary · SB 5565

Legislative bill overview

SB 5565 permits senior-focused organizations to conduct bingo gambling activities in Washington state. The bill expands gambling licensing authority to allow qualified senior groups to operate bingo games, likely with revenue going to senior services or organizational operations.

Why is this important

Bingo is a traditional fundraising and recreational activity for senior centers and organizations. This bill removes regulatory barriers that may currently prevent these groups from legally operating bingo, potentially generating revenue for senior programming while providing low-stakes entertainment for participants.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition ambiguity: The bill's definition of "senior-focused groups" may be unclear—does it include for-profit senior living facilities, non-profits only, or age-restricted social clubs?
  • Regulatory oversight: Questions about what level of oversight, licensing fees, and compliance requirements would apply versus other gambling operators, and whether this creates unequal regulatory treatment.
  • Revenue distribution: Stakeholder disagreement over whether bingo proceeds must benefit seniors directly or can support organizational operations, and whether state/local governments receive a cut for gambling oversight.

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

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