Alabama § 45-37-150.01 - Definitions.

§ 45-37-150.01. Definitions.

As used in this article:

(1) BINGO. That specific kind of game commonly known as bingo in which prizes are awarded on the basis of designated numbers or symbols on a card or electronic marking machine conforming to numbers or symbols selected at random.

(2) CHIEF OF POLICE. The chief of police of any municipality electing to establish a bingo ordinance parallel, or similar, to this article to apply in the municipality.

(3) EDUCATION ORGANIZATION. An organization within this state, not for pecuniary profit, whose primary purpose is education in nature and designed to develop the capabilities of individuals by instruction in any public or private elementary or secondary school, or any private college, not for pecuniary profit, and approved by the State Department of Education.

(4) EQUIPMENT. The receptacle and numbered objects drawn from it, the master board upon which such objects are placed as drawn, the cards or sheets bearing numbers or other designations to be covered, and the objects used to cover them or electronic card marking machines, and the board or signs, however operated, used to announce or display the numbers or designations as they are drawn. All equipment shall be stamped with the name of the organization and used only on that organization’s premises.

(5) FRATERNAL ORGANIZATION. An organization within this state not for pecuniary profit, which is a branch, lodge, or chapter of a national or state organization and exists for the common business or other interests of its members.

(6) LOCATION. A single building, hall, enclosure, or outdoor area used for the purpose of playing bingo pursuant to a permit issued under this article. Bingo games shall be held only on the premises wholly owned by a qualified permitholder as defined in subdivision (10), with exception to rental agreement in subdivision (3) of Section 45-37-150.08.

(7) MEMBER. An individual who qualified for membership in a qualified organization pursuant to its bylaws, articles of incorporation, charter, or other legal entity.

(8) PERMITHOLDER. A qualified organization issued a permit pursuant to this article.

(9) PERSON. A natural person, firm, association, corporation, or other legal entity.

(10) QUALIFIED ORGANIZATION. A bona fide religious, educational, service, senior citizens, fraternal, or veterans’ organization which operates without profit to its members and which either has been in existence continuously as such an organization for a period of two years or is exempt from taxation by virtue of having been classified as a tax exempt nonprofit organization by the Internal Revenue Service.

(11) RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATION. An organization, church, body of communicants, or group, not for pecuniary profit, gathered in common membership for mutual support and edification in piety, worship, and religious observances; or any society, not for pecuniary profit, of individuals united for religious purposes at a definite place; or a church related private school, not for pecuniary profit.

(12) SENIOR CITIZENS ORGANIZATION. An organization within this state, not for pecuniary profit, which consists of at least 15 members who are 60 years of age or older and exists for their mutual support and advancing the causes of elderly or retired persons.

(13) SERVICE ORGANIZATION. A branch, lodge, or chapter of a national or state organization, not for pecuniary profit, which is authorized by its written constitution, charter, articles of incorporation, or bylaws to engage in a fraternal, civic, or service purpose within the state; and a local civic organization, not for pecuniary profit and not affiliated with a state or national organization, which is recognized by resolution adopted by the city in which the organization conducts its principal activities, whose constitution, charter, articles of incorporation, or bylaws contain a provision for the perpetuation of the organization as a nonprofit organization whose entire assets are pledged to charitable purposes, and whose constitution, charter, articles of incorporation, or bylaws, contain a provision that all assets, real property, and personal property shall revert to the benefit of the city government upon dissolution of the organization.

(14) SHERIFF. The Sheriff of Jefferson County.

(15) SPECIAL OCCASION. A single gathering or session at which a series of successive bingo games authorized by this article are played pursuant to a special permit issued under Section 45-37-150.05.

(16) VETERANS’ ORGANIZATION. An organization within this state, or a branch, or lodge, or charter within this state of a state organization or of a national organization chartered by Congress, not for pecuniary profit, the membership of which consists of individuals who were or are members of the Armed Services or Forces of the United States.