The director of the state Gaming Division -- Keith Lauer -- says state law allows anyone under 18 to play bingo if accompanied by an adult. Lauer says children are required to file a federal tax return if they win $1,200 or more.

Prairie Public Broadcasting's Dakota Skies bingo parlor is the only one in Bismarck. Prairie Public Vice President Don Berg says the age limit was lowered from 16 to ten for bingo players after a state smoking ban took effect, to make it more of a family atmosphere and increase business. He says the bingo parlor was losing many customers who smoked.

Bingorama in Minot and the Bingo Palace in Grand Forks are operated by the North Dakota Association for the Disabled. An employee there says they began allowing ten-year-olds to play bingo in October.

Others say it's nothing new.

Carol Klemm is the manager of Dickinson Charities of Dickinson. She says ten-year-olds have been playing bingo there for at least five years.

The policy has raised some objections. Stan Stelter of Bismarck says bingo parlors should not send a message that it's OK for children to gamble. He's complained to Prairie Public, and Berg says the policy is being reviewed.

Legislators say the issue might come up during next year's session. Bismarck state Senator Bob Stenehjem says ten years old is pretty young for bingo.