March 29, 2000
(Government Services and Lands)

Charitable organizations receive approval to operate fixed-link bingos

The Department of Government Services and Lands has amended its bingo rules to allow charitable and religious organizations to operate fixed-link bingos, also known as satellite bingo, under current licences.

Under these proposals, participating bingos would stop their regular games for the time it would take to connect with and play the fixed-link game.

In line with this change, the department is imposing a new deadline for compliance with the 15 per cent minimum return to charities. Following commencement of the fixed-link bingo, bingo operations must achieve a five per cent rate of return within six months, a 10 per cent rate of return within 12 months and the 15 per cent rate of return in 18 months.

A moratorium on new bingo licences, with the exception of special events, has also been put in place in St. John�s, Mount Pearl, Conception Bay South, and parts of Conception Bay North during the phased- in compliance period.

Minister Ernie McLean said: "Charitable organizations believe a fixed-link bingo will enable them to meet compliance standards. Government, therefore, supports the action."

New applications will be received from areas affected by the moratorium following the phased-in compliance period. Organizations, however, wishing to conduct single event bingos in conjunction with special events may continue to apply.

Media contact: Rick Callahan, Communications, (709) 729-4860.

2000 03 29                                                             4:00 p.m..