Rotary Club threatened with raid

The Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise, near Orillia, Ontario, now know local police are serious about shutting down charity poker tournaments. When members of the Illegal Gambling Unit found out about a planned event to benefit Coats for Kids, they contacted the Club and told them if they went ahead, they'd be raided.

The law in Ontario says poker can only be played for entertainment purposes, and in an environment where no gain can be made and no money exchanged.

Under the Criminal Code, only large-scale, licensed casinos can hold poker events, even if charity is the benefactor.

According to a report in the Tillsonburg News, the club checked with the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation beforehand, but it's actually the Alcohol and Gaming Commission that is the legitimate governing body, and it doesn't issue licenses for poker events.

Police found out about the poker tournament when they saw some promotional material for it, and called to say the Club would be raided if the event went on.

So the event was cancelled, and no money was raised for Coats for Kids and the Rotary International Youth Exchange as planned.

David Douglas, media chairman of the Rotary Club, said in the paper the club had no idea its fundraiser was illegal.

News Added: 29 January, 2007

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