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Province offers new fundraising options for legions

Royal Canadian Legions and service clubs will be able to host small stakes games and progressive jackpot lotteries to help them raise money. File Photo Royal Canadian Legions and service clubs will be able to host small stakes games and progressive jackpot lotteries to help them raise money. File Photo
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Royal Canadian Legions and service clubs will be able to host small stakes games and progressive jackpot lotteries to help them raise money, the Ontario government said Thursday.

The Ford government said it’s establishing new charitable gaming options that will make it easier for people to support heroes and support communities at legion branches and other local service clubs across the province, the government said in a news release Thursday.

It’s offering a new, free social gaming licence that will allow legions and community groups to host small stakes games like bridge, euchre and bingo. Legions and charities will also benefit from new opportunities to fundraise through progressive jackpot raffle lotteries.

“Legions are there for veterans and our communities when we need them, and it is important we do all we can to help them thrive,” said Donna Skelly, parliamentary assistant to Attorney General Doug Downey. “These new features will give people more ways to support vibrant communities while honouring heroes and enjoying the company of family and friends.”

Legions and other community groups can apply now for the social gaming licence through the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario’s online portal.

“Ontarians have always stepped up to honour heroes at their local legion branches – not only on Remembrance Day, but all year long,” said Downey said in a news release.

“By making these common-sense changes to allow service organizations like legions to host small stakes games and hold more raffles, we are providing more options for people to support veterans and their communities.”

Progressive jackpot raffles will be licensed by local municipalities or First Nations with an Order in Council, and will become available in the coming weeks.

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