Security Tips

The following security tips are offered as a guide to organizations conducting Charitable Gaming in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

• Review the physical layout of your building.
1. Where are the entrances, exits, bathrooms, hallways and other public access areas? Where is money kept in relation to these places?
2. Do not allow unnecessary access to anyone in areas where money is kept.
3. Limit the flow of public and worker access only to areas where they need to be.


• Provide adequate lightning in public areas inside and outside the building.
• Provide adequate lightning in parking lots. Keep trees and bushes trimmed so they don’t block any outdoor lights.
• Consider use of surveillance camera in areas where money is collected, paid out and stored.
• If money is stored, provide a secure container (locking safe, a very sturdy locking file, etc.) with limited access.
• Don’t expose or count money in open view of the public.
• Place excess money in a safe or secure area as soon as possible.
• Pay large cash prizes by check and do not cash these checks.
• If it is necessary to provide a winner with cash then compromise and give them part in cash and part by check.
• If possible, provide a player winning a large cash prize an escort by security personnel to their car.
• Avoid letting one worker carry cash from the premises. If possible, provide an escort.
• Vary times and routes of travel for bank deposits. Remember that Charitable Gaming Regulations require all proceeds be deposited within 48 hours of the session.
• Don’t use marked “moneybags” that make it obvious you are carrying cash. >
• Stay Alert! Be aware of who is in your building and that they remain in public access areas. Also, be aware of suspicious activity outside the area where you are conducting Charitable Gaming.
• If you see anything suspicious, call the police. Never try to handle it yourself.
• If there is a robbery, put the safety of those present first. Your personal safety is more important than money.
• During a robbery:
1. Don’t talk except to answer the robber’s questions.
2. Don’t stare directly at the robber.
3. Prevent surprises; keep your hands in sight at all times.
4. Don’t make any sudden moves.
5. Don’t chase or follow the robber out of the building.
6. Leave the job of catching the robber to the police.
• After a robbery:
1. Ask any witnesses to stay until the police arrive.
2. Call the police and remain on the line and follow their instructions.
3. Don’t touch anything the robber may have touched.
4. Write down a complete description of the robber and the weapon as soon as you are able. In the description include approximate weight, height, race, clothing (color, wearing jacket, hat, etc.), color of hair, facial hair, any scars, distinguishing marks or tattoos, etc.
5. Notify the Division of Charitable Gaming the next business day.
• Remember, § 18.2-340.33 Code of Virginia allows remuneration to be paid to off-duty law-enforcement officers from the jurisdiction in which such bingo games are played for providing uniformed security, provided the remuneration is in accordance with off-duty law-enforcement personnel work policies approved by the local law-enforcement official and the officer is not engaged in the management, operation or conduct of the bingo games for the organization, or to private security services businesses pursuant to §9.1-139 providing uniformed security for such bingo games, provided that employees of such businesses shall not otherwise be involved in the management, operation, or conduct of the bingo games of that organization.
• Also, most large law enforcement agencies have Crime Prevention through Environmental Design Programs and trained personnel who can make on-site visit’s and offer suggestions for preventing crime and keeping the area around your building safe. Contact your local law enforcement agency and see if they offer this service.
• For additional assistance or information, contact the Division of Charitable Gaming Enforcement Unit, Telephone (804)786-1565.