REGISTRY OF APPROVED BINGO WORKERS FREQUENTLY-ASKED-QUESTIONS

What is the Registry of Approved Bingo Workers?

The Registry is a list, maintained by the Commission, of persons whom the Commission has conducted a criminal history background check and who are approved to be involved in the conduct of bingo or to act as a bingo operator.

When did the Registry go into effect?

On September 1, 2003.

Who has to be listed on the Registry?

Any person who will act as an operator, manager, cashier, usher, caller, or salesperson for a licensed authorized organization.

Our organization gets one temporary bingo license each year for our annual carnival. Do all of our workers and operators need to be listed on the Registry to work this bingo occasion?

No. Charitable Bingo Administrative Rule 402.402 (l) exempts individuals associated with an authorized organization that does not have an annual license to conduct bingo who receives a temporary license to conduct bingo from being listed on the Registry.

How do I get added to the Registry of Approved Bingo Workers?

To be added to the Registry, an individual must complete a Texas Application for Registry of Approved Bingo Workers and undergo a criminal history background investigation. Completed applications may be mailed to the Charitable Bingo Operations Division, Texas Lottery Commission, P.O. Box 16630, Austin, TX 78761-6630 or faxed to (512) 344-5142.

Is there a fee to be listed on the Registry?

Currently, there is no fee associated with the Registry.

I want to work for all five licensed authorized organizations in the bingo hall. Do I need to complete five Registry Applications?

No. To become listed on the Registry, only one application should be submitted. Once an individual is listed on the Registry, the individual may serve as a worker for any licensed authorized organization.

I've filled out my Registry Application, can I start working?

Under Section 2001.313 an individual may not act as an operator, manager, cashier, usher, caller, or salesperson without being listed on the Registry.

What criminal offense would disqualify someone from being listed on the Registry?

A person who has been convicted of a felony, a gambling offense, criminal fraud, or a crime of moral turpitude if less than 10 years has elapsed since the termination of a sentence, parole, mandatory supervision, or community supervision served for the offense may not be listed on the Registry.

How do I know I've been added to the Registry?

You may check for your name, city and registry number on the Registry file available on the Commission's website at www.txbingo.org or contact our office during normal business hours. Registry Applications are normally processed within 7-10 days. Once approved, you will be mailed a letter of notification and a sheet of six registered worker identification cards.

Is there a penalty for working without being listed on the Registry?

Yes, an individual found to have worked for an organization with an annual license to conduct bingo as an operator, manager, cashier, usher, caller, or salesperson without being listed on the Registry, may be prohibited from working in bingo, anywhere in the state, for one year from the date of that determination.

Can you send my registration notification and identification card to the bingo hall when I am approved?

If the registration notification and identification cards should be sent to an address other than the home address of the applicant, then Item J on the Texas Application for Registry of Approved Bingo Workers should be completed.

When do I have to wear my identification card?

All registered workers and operators are be required to wear an identification card while on duty.

Can I get more identification cards?

A registered worker may request an additional sheet of identification cards by calling 1-800-246-BINGO77(246-4677) or by completing a Registry of Approved Bingo Workers Personalized Identification Card Request Form.

Can a person be removed from the Registry?

An individual may remove himself from the Registry at any time by submitting a request in writing. In addition, the Texas Lottery Commission may take administrative action to remove an individual from the Registry pursuant to Section 2001.313(e) of the Bingo Enabling Act.

How long am I registered for once I am listed on the Registry?

Once registered, an individual may remain on the Registry for three years. The individual must timely submit a Texas Request for Renewal of Registry of Approved Bingo Workers Registration form to remain on the Registry without interruption. The expiration date of the registration is listed on the identification cards issued by the commission.

What happens if I do not renew my registration before the expiration date?

If the Commission does not receive a Texas Request for Renewal of Registry of Approved Bingo Workers Registration form on or before the registered worker's expiration date, the individual's name will be removed from the Registry. The individual may no longer serve as a bingo worker or operator in this state.

If I am removed from the Registry for failure to renew my registration timely, how can I be re-listed?

If the individual wishes to be re-listed on the Registry after he/she has been removed for failure to renew their registration timely, he/she must complete and submit a Texas Request for Renewal of Registry of Approved Bingo Workers registration form. The individual may not begin serving as a bingo worker or operator until their name is again listed on the Registry.

My phone number is changing. Is there anything I need to do?

All individuals listed on the Registry must report changes to information contained on their application within thirty days of the change. Schedule N-3 Notice of Change for Registered Worker is a form that was developed to assist registered workers and operators in this notification process.

Do I need to submit my workers on Supplement Forms, Schedule B or Additional Individual Sheets?

No. Licensed authorized organizations are not required to submit the names of its workers on Supplement Forms, Schedule B or Additional Individual Sheets. However, each licensed authorized organization must submit a list of its current registered workers when renewing its license and applicants for an original conductor's license must submit a list of their proposed registered workers. Schedule B3 Registered Workers for License to Conduct Bingo is included in all application packets to assist applicants in meeting this requirement.

Do I need to submit my operators on Supplement Forms, Schedule B or Additional Individual Sheets?

Yes. Before an individual may serve as an operator he/she must be listed on the organization's bingo record as an operator through a form prescribed by the commission. In addition, an operator must be a bona-fide member of the organization and be listed on the Registry. An operator may not be added to a licensed authorized organization's bingo record unless he/she is listed on the Registry.