Now I don't gamble! So this does not cover a personal story of a gambling problem.
My concern is the other side of gambling where organizations depend on funds from casinos.
When Alberta legalized gambling and casinos were set up, charitable organizations complained as it would kill the bingo cash cow. Therefore, the Alberta Govt. set up a system where groups needing funds could volunteer in the casino and receive funds for their efforts. It's a good deal for non profits as for two days of effort you receive $20 000 to $30 000. You only get a casino once every two years so it's popular and why not?
I am on the board of an organization which has a casino. Why there's a bee in my bonnet is because we've recently been working on two casino reports which we must complete. The first report is an accounting of what we have done with casino money. We have to keep a separate casino account. The people who want the report decided the period should be from part of 2009, all of 2010 and part of 2011. So we had to go through files from 3 different years...not fun! It doesn't make you happy when the report is returned and they want different information.
Now because we have an upcoming casino, we must file a detailed budget of what we are going to spend the money on and the approximate time it will be spent. Most organizations have one big item to spend their money on and it's done. We have many smaller and different events. One thing we do is present about 8 speakers a year. We really have to work to get the Alberta Liquor and Gaming Commission to accept speakers.
So the two days of working at the casino are a piece of cake. The book work is a pain in the butt. You are limited in what the money can be spent on. It would be easier if you could spend the money on any of your groups on going activities.
Organizations have become dependent on casino funds. Your group is put in a schedule for a casino date. Other fund raising activities have become less lucrative so we work hard at participating in casinos.
So guess what? I will continue working to raise income from casinos???
Ah.. "Bee in my bonnet" So true! Since its for a good cause and besides as long as it is within ur means and harmless fun, gambling isn't all that bad :))
ReplyDeleteI admire your business know how. I would get so frustrated having to do all those reports. I wouldn't know where to start.
ReplyDeleteI've never had the opportunity to go to a casino. Maybe some day I will and when I do, I'll be thinking about the people behind the scenes that keep them running.
Very interesting post!
There's something amiss here. It reminds me of the whole cigarette tax business, where the money is used to help state governments make ends meet. And casino revenue should NOT be essential money, in my opinion. But I'm not in charge of the world... or even much beyond my own pocketbook.
ReplyDeleteI don't gamble either.
DJan some people take a rigid moral stand and refuse to participate in this system. Now the tax regime is a real hot potato. I'm with the occupiers and see the huge discrepancy between high and low income as a serious problem. There are many painless ways to alleviate some of these problems.
ReplyDeleteSusan , there are huge manuals to go through and puzzle your puzzler as to what it means. I have lots of help with casino business.
ReplyDeleteGambling is going to happen and if they make some of the profits available to non profit organizations I'll be there to use it.
ReplyDeleteBoy does this resonate Red! Makes one wonder about the salaries, "speeches" and capital items that are purchased "off the top" by ALCB and who's reviewing their books! They are delighted to help you with lots of advice and direction but the hours are long and not very rewarding, except when you see the successful results of your group's programs. BTW, did you hear what they have done to our Language and Literary position with the City Culture Division??
ReplyDeleteBobby, you know that the amount of revenue received by the province is enormous. You pay the adviser about $900 a day.
ReplyDeleteYou're right that there are many well worthwhile things that wouldn't get done.
Yes I've heard of the cut backs to arts and culture. We have so little of it that it's a crime to trim any off.
Hi Blue
ReplyDeleteA most interesting comment by you, so interesting I even printed it out for careful consideration.
Presently here with this business of "contributions" going to charitable organisations from liquor sales, cigarette companies and the gambling lobby, a little "hot" potato has come up.
I don't think we have a similar situation of allocation of monies as you do in Alberta. Just very big cash donations to such organisations as St.Vincent de Paul, Legacy, Returned Soldiers (RSL) charities etc etc.
The Federal and State governments tax cigarettes, gambling and liquor to the HILT here for revenue! If the governments didn't get this revenue, God only knows what they would tax - "Fresh air???"
For example, next year, no cigarette packet will have a label?
Now that will be interesting! Presently all cigarette packets cannot be displayed, you can't buy cigarettes at the check out counters anymore - so smokers have to go to two point of sales!!
Poker machines in clubs, hotels and casinos - each state has different rules - Qld for example the maximum bet is a $20 note at a time, BUT, you can stuff the machine with as many $20 notes as you like. NSW and South Australia you can stick into the "gobble" hole $100 notes!
Well you could go on and on with such inanities of the regulations, but the moot point is - "Would people so generously donate to worthy causes to the extent that these 3 so-called problems do?
I think NOT.
Oh yes - I drink, smoke and play the machines - I guess I am a sinner???? I also like all good Aussies have a bet on the Melbourne Cup every year.
A most interesting and provocative report, Bluey.
Why sweep it under a carpet?
Cheers
Colin
Colin , I'm on the other end of the money...we receive money from the casino. It's because of kind hearted guys like you who go to casinos That we get money for non profit groups.
ReplyDeleteBluey - glad I am making a contribution - ha ha!
ReplyDeleteHowever I really "hate" the atmosphere in Casinos. Been to Reno (USA), Monte Carlo ( well that is real style!), Nice (France) and some here in Australia. I contribute via clubs and pubs. I also get most annoyed when I lose - ha ha.
Cheers
Colin
Many people come in and have fun and then move on. It's entertainment for them
ReplyDeleteAll your hard work is most certainly appreciated by your Non profit. I wish there was something like that here in the US..as you know I am the Director of a Non profit..finding funds is really really hard. We do get some grants but not nearly enough to keep basic projects going and moving forward. There are no funds to grow and get better...it is a miserable situation. So forgive me if I say you are lucky..:)
ReplyDeleteFar Side I like your comment on being lucky. We are fortunate to get funds in this way ...no doubt about it. I shouldn't belly ache about putting reports together.
ReplyDeleteDon't you loathe report??!!
ReplyDeleteI'm not on any boards this year. Nice to not have that to do.
Jenn, I'm the chairman of Red Deer River Naturalists. It's a good thing we have a very hard working treasurer to direct the casino stuff. To organize for the actual casino we have had an excellent woman do the job.
ReplyDelete