Santa Catarina Establishes State Certification for Charitable Bingos
Brazil.– January 29, 2026 – www.zonadeazar.com The governor of Santa Catarina has enacted Law No. 19,690, creating a state certification for charitable bingo events organised by community, philanthropic, and religious entities, aimed at providing legal certainty and transparency to these fundraising activities.
Overview
Signed by Governor Jorginho Mello and published on January 22, 2026 in the Official Gazette, the law—initiated by State Deputy Antídio Lunelli—recognises the social value of bingo events conducted for charitable purposes and clearly distinguishes them from commercial gambling operations.
The certification framework is designed to grant a clear legal basis for non-profit organisations that rely on bingo fundraisers to support community assistance and social projects.
Details / Context
To obtain the certification, organisations must submit required documentation to the appropriate municipal authority, such as:
- Updated legal entity identification (CNPJ).
- Identification of the president with valid CPF and proof of address.
- Bylaws demonstrating the entity’s social and non-profit character.
- General information about the bingo event, location and social purpose.
The law also prohibits any payment, commission, fee or similar charge to individuals or companies for selling bingo cards. Violations may result in fines up to 100,000 reais following due administrative process with full rights of defence.
Specific points
State Deputy Antídio Lunelli emphasised that the legislation aims to protect community and recreational bingo activities supported by neighbourhood associations, service clubs and churches, separating them from the commercial gambling industry that, while lucrative, often lacks direct local benefit.
Lunelli noted that many groups in municipalities such as Corupá had requested legal certainty to conduct their events—an assurance that the new law now provides.
Future outlook
The law’s implementation is expected to empower charitable organisations to plan and execute bingo fundraisers with greater legal clarity, enhancing their ability to finance community and social projects. By formally distinguishing non-profit recreational activities from commercial gambling, the certification also contributes to clearer regulatory boundaries within Brazil’s gaming landscape.
🔗 Edited by: @_fonta www.zonadeazar.com