Under the O -- online

Colorado makes it easier for nonprofit bingo-raffle licensees

DENVER, Oct. 24, 2016 - Life for Colorado's bingo and raffle operators will get easier starting Nov. 1 when they can renew their license applications or apply for a new one online.

The service is the latest online initiative from Secretary of State Wayne Williams designed to make it easier to operate in Colorado.

For now, the service is available only to nonprofit licensees but the SoS will notify the charitable gaming community when it becomes available for halls, suppliers and manufacturers.

"Having worked closely with nonprofit licensees in using the paper form and identifying the drawbacks within that process, we have designed an online option that will assist groups with guidance for both their new license registration and renewal," said Shannon Bee, the charitable gaming program manager for the Secretary of State's office.

"The new process is user friendly and makes the application submission much more efficient."

To streamline the license application process, all online filings will be paid for at the time of submission. Acceptable forms of payment include MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover or a prepaid account.

"Our bingo and raffle staff has worked tirelessly to improve the customer experience," said Mike Hardin, director of Business and Licensing. "This latest online offering will allow nonprofits to spend less time on regulatory requirements and more time on charitable activity."

If you have questions or need additional assistance, please call the bingo and raffles program at 303-869-4910 or e-mail licensing@sos.state.co.us.

Colorado in 2015 became the first state in the country to offer business certification services online. For allowing users to access and print certificates any time of the day for free, the office won an international award that recognizes practices that help businesses thrive.