GOVERNMENT SUPPORTS CHARITABLE GAMING

More than 2,600 provincial groups and organizations will receive approximately $7.6 million annually through a new grant program.

All Saskatchewan groups and organizations that hold licensed bingos, raffles and break-open ticket sales will receive a grant equal to 25 per cent of the net revenues raised from these activities.

The grant applies to all licensed charitable gaming that takes place on or after April 1st, 2006. Grants will be paid quarterly, with the first cheques issued once the required legislative amendments are passed, expected in December 2006.

"These groups and organizations provide important services to their communities and this province," Minister responsible for Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) Deb Higgins said. "Giving a grant based on the hard work they are already doing will help provide additional funds for their many worthy projects."

Effective July 1st, 2006, groups eligible for charitable gaming licences will also have the opportunity to hold Texas Hold 'em poker tournaments and 'Monte Carlo' events (mock casinos) as charitable fundraising events. These new categories of charitable gaming will also be eligible for the charitable gaming grants.

In September 2004, SLGA initiated a Charitable Gaming Review that included consultations with the province's 2,600 charitable gaming stakeholders regarding ways to strengthen the charitable gaming industry in Saskatchewan.

"The underlying theme of the consultations was that government has to step in to aid charitable gaming in Saskatchewan," Higgins said. "Giving grants directly to the people holding the charitable gaming activities, and also licensing new forms of charitable gaming, will help stabilize this very important industry."

-30-

For More Information, Contact:

David Morris Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority Regina Phone: (306) 787-1721