MiCGA Frequently Asked Questions
MiCGA
What is the difference between the Charitable Gaming Division of the Michigan Lottery and the Michigan Charitable Gaming Association (MiCGA)?
Charitable Gaming is a division of the Michigan Lottery, which is a bureau of the State of Michigan. Charitable Gaming is responsible for the licensing, oversight, and regulation of the charitable gaming industry in the State of Michigan. MiCGA is a not-for-profit membership trade association incorporated under the laws of the State of Michigan and governed by a Board of Directors. MiCGA does not handle the licensing requests of charitable organizations or suppliers.
What does MiCGA do?
Help charities better understand the application and licensing processes for charitable fundraising as imposed by the Traxler-MCauley-Bowman Bingo Act 382 of 1972. This act regulates the conduct of charitable gaming, including bingo, millionaire parties, raffles, and numeral game tickets.
Educate the public and non-profit organizations engaged in charitable fundraising under the Traxler-MCauley-Bowman Bingo Act 382 of 1972.
Work to maintain the long-term stability of charitable fundraising in Michigan and to improve conditions for charities and other organizations engaged in this type of charitable fundraising.
Serve as a spokesperson for its members at the local, state, and federal level.
Provide the membership with information on regulatory and legislative matters.
Assist charities and room operators with mitigating issues that may arise.
Do I have to be a member of MiCGA to participate in charitable gaming?
No, you do not have to be a member of MiCGA in order to be licensed by the State of Michigan and hold a millionaire party at an approved location for the purpose of raising funds. However, MiCGA exists to give your charity a voice and there is strength in numbers – the more voices that are heard, the more of an impact we will have on those formulating the laws, rules, and regulations that directly affect the charitable gaming industry.
Does membership in MiCGA guarantee my organization an event at a Charity Poker Room?
MiCGA is aware that many room operators offer special incentives to MiCGA members; however, the Association is not directly involved in such assertions.
Will MiCGA make the Room Operator I am working with aware of my membership status?
Upon request, MiCGA will provide limited membership information to their member organizations.
Government Advocacy
Does membership in MiCGA jeopardize my organization's tax-exempt status?
No, membership with an association that engages in advocacy and lobbying on behalf of its membership will not jeopardize that organization's tax-exempt status, as long as a substantial part of the organization's activities are not related to lobbying. Membership with an association that engages in lobbying, such as MiCGA, typically would not constitute a substantial part of an organization's activities. The IRS states:
In general, no organization may qualify for section 501(c)(3) status if a substantial part of its activities is attempting to influence legislation (commonly known as lobbying). A 501(c)(3) organization may engage in some lobbying, but too much lobbying activity risks loss of tax-exempt status.
An organization will be regarded as attempting to influence legislation if it contacts, or urges the public to contact, members or employees of a legislative body for the purpose of proposing, supporting, or opposing legislation, or if the organization advocates the adoption or rejection of legislation.
Organizations may, however, involve themselves in issues of public policy without the activity being considered as lobbying. For example, organizations may conduct educational meetings, prepare and distribute educational materials, or otherwise consider public policy issues in an educational manner without jeopardizing their tax-exempt status.
Additional information:
· Measuring lobbying activity: substantial part test
· Measuring lobbying activity: expenditure test
Membership Levels
What types of Membership levels are available and what is the cost?
(i) Charities ($300): non-profit organizations recognized by the IRS who have an interest in charitable gaming and are eligible to receive a charitable gaming license under Michigan Law.
(ii) Room Operators ($300): those supplying materials specific to the charitable gaming industry as used in charitable gaming and licensed by the State of Michigan as a Supplier or those who own a location where licensed charitable gaming events take place pursuant to state approved contracts.
E-mail
Why does MiCGA request an e-mail address?
MiCGA’s primary method of communication is via e-mail for several reasons:
1. MiCGA is environmentally conscious;
2. E-mail communication reduces our printing, mailing, and postage costs; and
3. E-mail is the quicker and more efficient way to share breaking news with our members.
What is included in the member E-Newsletter and how often is it sent?
The monthly Member E-Newsletter includes news and updates on legislative activity, programs, and events, as well as general information on nonprofit organizations that would be of benefit and interest to our members.
Does MiCGA share my e-mail address?
No, MiCGA will not share your e-mail address with any outside parties. E-mail addresses are collected for communication purposes only and are never shared.
If I register my e-mail address, how often will I hear from MiCGA?
When you register your e-mail address, you will receive the Member E-Newsletter as well as one or two news or event reminders per month.
Renewals
If I mailed in my membership renewal notice recently with dues but then received another notice in the mail, did you receive our dues payment?
It takes up to one week to receive and process a renewal payment. If you sent in your payment, please disregard the second notice that crossed in the mail.
Expiration Date
What is the expiration date of my membership?
Memberships are valid for 12 months from the time of receiving your new membership registration and membership dues. However, for administrative purposes, the dates of your membership will be back-dated or forward-dated, based upon the date of receipt. For example, if your New Member dues are received December 22, then the membership term will be January 1 – December 31. Likewise, if your New Member dues are received January 5, the membership term will be January 1 – December 31. New members will receive a confirmation email stating the expiration date of your membership term.
Events
Will there be "Member Only" events?
Yes, there will be opportunities for members to attend training sessions and advocacy events at exclusive members-only events. Check the MiCGA website for further information on upcoming activities.
How can I find out about “Members Only” events?
Our events are featured in the monthly Member E-Newsletter, through member e-mails, and on the MiCGA website. A postcard may be mailed for some events.
Address Changes
How can we update our charitable organization’s contact person and/or our mailing address or e-mail addresses?
Send an e-mail to info@micga.org or call 517.977.0614 with your changes.