North Dakota Considers Bill to Tighten Rules for Charitable Gaming
Lawmakers in North Dakota are debating Senate Bill 2035, a proposal that aims to refine which organizations can run charitable gaming operations in the state. The bill comes as the charitable gaming industry experiences rapid growth, raising questions about who should qualify to benefit from the sector’s financial success.

What’s in the Bill?
Senate Bill 2035 seeks to redefine “public-spirited organizations” that are eligible to conduct charitable gaming. If passed, only groups focused on areas like scientific research, public safety, preserving cultural heritage, or social welfare would qualify.
The bill also proposes removing certain organizations from eligibility, including:
- Tourism and economic development groups: These organizations would no longer be allowed to benefit from charitable gaming revenue.
- Nonprofit clubs benefiting members: Groups like snowmobile and motorcycle clubs would also lose eligibility.
Pushback from Affected Groups
Not everyone is on board with the proposed changes. Tourism and economic development organizations, which rely heavily on gaming revenue to fund local projects, are voicing strong opposition. Critics worry the bill could cut off a critical funding source for community initiatives.
Despite the pushback, the Senate Judiciary Committee has recommended the bill for approval. However, Senators Claire Cory and Ryan Braunberger voted against advancing it, raising concerns about its potential impact on various organizations.
A Bill in Progress
The bill’s sponsor, Senator Janne Myrdal, has acknowledged that the proposed definitions might need more tweaking. She’s open to refining the language as the bill moves through the legislative process, ensuring it’s both fair and effective.
Adding to the uncertainty, the bill has yet to receive any public testimony in its favor. While it has advanced out of committee, its final approval in its current form is far from guaranteed.
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