MCK issues statement on recent KGC Advisory regarding Raffles

11/19/2020

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke(MCK) would like to remind the community that regulations regarding Raffleshave been in place since November 9, 2011.

Recently, the Kahnawake Gaming Commission (KGC) issued an Advisory Notice (October 7, 2020) as a reminder to the community in the wake of the recent increase in the number of raffles and other contests offering cash and prizes valued over the $1,000 limit.

“The Regulations on Raffles were enacted to protect those who participate in these types of raffles and contests,” said Ratsénhaienhs Mike Delisle, Jr., who is liaison to the Gaming Commission. “While we understand that most of the raffles are being run to raise money for organizations and individuals alike, we hope that the organizers adhere to the regulations.” 

Individuals may continue to organize Contests or raffles under the $1,000 prize limit. Recognized organizations or groups can run raffles with total prize amounts of up to $5000 without requiring a permit. These organizations or groups would require a permit for raffles offering a total prize of $5000 and over. These procedures are in place to ensure that the contest is fair and verify that the prize being offered is issued to the confirmed winner of a raffle/contest.

“These regulations were born from past fraudulent activity, where monies were paid into a raffle that never took place,” continued Delisle.

For further clarity, there is no permit available to individuals for raffles over $1000. The MCK and KGC want to reiterate that, when participating in unregulated raffles or contests, it is ‘buyer beware.’

For more information on KGC’s regulations on raffles, please visit their website:

http://www.gamingcommission.ca/docs/KGCRafflesRegulations.pdf