Charities
Hit by California Gaming Crackdown
As reported by the Modesto
Bee: "Local charities were scrambling this
week after the state Department of Justice announced
a crackdown on gaming events sponsored by nonprofit
agencies.
"One such event
is the Cattle Baron's Ball, which last year
brought in $150,000 for the local American Cancer
Society.
"…Kim Petersen, director of the
Carole Sund-Carrington Foundation, said her
organization is taking action now, working to
replace a scheduled May casino night.
"…She said the foundation usually
raised $15,000 to $20,000, but said her first
priority was 'to be legal.'
"…The state hasn't taken legal action
against any fund-raisers so far, but has made
it clear in letters and phone calls that only
licensed card rooms or tribal casinos are permitted
to host 'controlled games,' such as poker or
Monte Carlo-style gambling.
"…Nathan Barankin, a California
Department of Justice spokesman, said the agency
is sympathetic to charities raising money through
casino-style games, but has to stand by the
law…"
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