Colorado Secretary of State Issues April 2026 Bingo and Raffle Newsletter with Key Reporting Reminders
The Colorado Secretary of State's office distributed its Bingo & Raffle Newsletter on April 28 2026 and the document serves as a direct reminder for licensed organizations about their quarterly obligations while it also updates readers on recent board activities and certification processes. Those who manage charitable gaming operations across the state received the notice just two days before the close of the first quarter reporting window which creates a tight but manageable timeline for compliance teams. Data from the office indicates that most groups have already shifted to digital submission methods and the newsletter builds on that trend by highlighting available resources for anyone still completing paper forms.
Quarterly LE-21 Report Deadlines and Late Fee Structure
Organizations holding bingo and raffle licenses must submit their LE-21 reports covering January through March activities by April 30 2026 and the newsletter states that any filings received after that date will incur a $75 late fee per report. The LE-21 form captures essential activity details including game types conducted prize payouts and attendance figures so regulators can maintain accurate oversight of charitable gaming proceeds. Licensees who file electronically receive immediate confirmation which reduces the risk of missing the cutoff and the office encourages all groups to use the online portal whenever possible.
Online Filing Adoption Reaches 96 Percent
Recent statistics compiled by the Secretary of State's office show that 96 percent of licensed organizations now submit their quarterly reports through the digital system and this figure reflects steady growth in electronic adoption over the past several years. The newsletter notes that online filing streamlines data collection for both the state and the reporting groups because automated checks catch common errors before submission occurs. Groups that have not yet transitioned receive guidance on account setup and training materials directly through the same portal used for license applications and renewals.
Recent Committee Meetings and Public Access to Recordings
The Colorado Charitable Gaming Board's Statute & Rule Review Committee convened on April 22 2026 while the Public Relations Committee met earlier on April 10 and both sessions produced audio recordings that the Secretary of State's office has posted for public review. Committee members discussed potential updates to existing regulations and they examined ways to improve communication with licensed operators and the broader charitable community. Interested parties can locate the recordings on the official state website where they appear alongside agendas and supporting documents from each meeting.
2026 License Renewal and Games Manager Certification Requirements
Renewal applications for 2026 licenses require organizations to verify current contact information submit updated financial summaries and confirm that all Games Managers hold valid certification. The newsletter reminds licensees that Games Manager training covers responsible gaming practices record-keeping standards and compliance with prize limits so every session must maintain at least one certified individual on site during events. Failure to meet these conditions can delay renewal approval and the office processes applications in the order received once all documentation arrives.
Aggregate Revenue Reporting and Data Transparency
Each quarter the Secretary of State's office compiles aggregate revenue figures drawn from licensee submissions and the newsletter explains how these totals help track trends in charitable gaming across Colorado. The data set includes statewide totals for bingo sessions raffles and pull-tab sales which regulators then use to evaluate program effectiveness and identify areas that may need additional guidance. Organizations receive summaries of these figures in subsequent newsletters so they can compare their own performance against broader industry patterns without revealing individual operator details.
Activities and Deadlines in May 2026
After the April 30 reporting deadline passes the office will begin assessing late fees and it will also prepare for the next round of quarterly filings due at the end of July. May serves as a transition month during which organizations can review their first-quarter results address any discrepancies and schedule Games Manager recertification courses if needed. The newsletter encourages groups to contact the charitable gaming division early in the month if they anticipate delays or require technical assistance with the online system.
Conclusion
The April 28 2026 Bingo & Raffle Newsletter from the Colorado Secretary of State's office consolidates critical deadlines committee updates and certification guidance into one accessible document that supports ongoing compliance for licensed organizations. With 96 percent of groups already filing online and with recordings from recent board meetings now publicly available the state continues to expand digital tools and transparency measures. Licensees who meet the April 30 deadline avoid the $75 late fee and position themselves for smoother renewal processes later in the year while those who review the newsletter promptly gain clear direction on next steps for May and beyond. For the full text of the announcement readers can visit the Bingo & Raffle Newsletter 4/28/2026 on the official state site.