The General Assembly hereby declares that the playing of bingo for the purpose of raising funds, by certain nonprofit associations, for the promotion of charitable or civic purposes, is in the public interest.

It is hereby declared to be the policy of the Legislature that all phases of licensing, operation and regulation of the game of bingo be strictly controlled, and that all laws and regulations with respect thereto as well as all gambling laws should be strictly construed and rigidly enforced.

The Legislature recognizes the possibility of association between commercial gambling and organized crime, and wishes to discourage commercialization of the game of bingo; prevent participation by organized crime and prevent the diversion of funds from the purposes herein authorized.