Press Release
At the request of three local charities, the Town of Fort Frances is trying again to set up a workshop with the Ontario Gaming Commission to explain the process for obtaining lottery licences.
A date for the meeting has not been set yet as the OGC will not send out a representative unless there is sufficient interest in having such a seminar offered in Fort Frances.
A licensing seminar was set up a few years ago but had to be cancelled as there was insufficient interest from the local community.
The licensing process has tightened up considerably in the past few years as a result of frauds which have occurred with the big lotteries.
Unfortunately, the new rules now encompass small groups and charities which are running a raffle for a swim team or a charitable organization trying to raise funds to buy equipment for the hospital by selling tickets on a lottery.
Some groups have found the process so complicated and frustrating that they already have decided they no longer will hold raffles.
Many people believe that a raffle is not the same as a lottery, however, in terms of licensing, the same process must be followed.
To ensure that the seminar can take place, all groups who have an interest in holding raffles to raise funds are encouraged to contact Glen Treftlin at the Civic Centre.
He can be reached by e-mailing gtreftlin@fort-frances.com Groups throughout Rainy River District are encouraged to respond to this initiative.
Although they might not receive their licences through the Town of Fort Frances, the provincial guidelines still will apply to their applications.
