| | |  | Last Updated: Wednesday, February 27, 2008 |  | | | Needy Charities Run Gambling Fund-Raisers
- Monday, 27 Feb 2006
It may seem surprising but several charity groups in the U.S. are among the gambling industry’s most vocal supporters. In an attempt to raise funds, an increasing number of charitable organizations are running gambling tournaments, resulting in some legislators even hinting that anti-gambling laws may be relaxed further. A recent tournament held by the National High School Gymnastics Coaches Association reflects the success of the gambling for charity approach. The nonprofit organization made over $3,800 in profits from the tournament, which was held in a makeshift casino for one night.
Similarly the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation have used gambling tournaments to successfully fund their organizations despite state legislation prohibiting it. A gambling night at an Italian club in Pittsburg generated ten percent of the $50 entry fee for the Komen Foundation, while Christopher House, a group that works with children from low-income families, made thousands of dollars after it decided to offer a seat in the World Series of Poker as a prize in one of its fund-raising activities.
While some opponents of the gambling industry have expressed unease at the practice of using gambling to raise money for charity, supporters have identified it as a valuable source of income and have urged lawmakers to readdress legislation statewide. As a result, bills to legalize and regulate charity poker have been introduced in California, South Dakota, Virginia and Texas, while laws are also expected to be relaxed in Minnesota and Washington State in the near future. | |
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