How Does Charity Gaming Benefit Local Communities?
Lotteries and gambling have been in existence almost since the beginning of human history. They have been used as a way to randomly draw individuals for determining lots, as a way to raise funds for community projects, a way to pass the time, and as a way to make decisions, but their impact on the community and the individuals who win is unmistakable. Charity gaming is one of the most recognized and utilized forms of fundraising that appeals to the masses. When done responsibly, everyone benefits.
Lotteries and Gaming, a Brief History
Some of the earliest recorded instances of a lottery comes in the form of Keno slips that are believed to be from the Han Dynasty from 205 to 187 BC. Though the earliest recorded public lotteries that sold tickets to benefit the community started to appear during the reign of Roman Emperor Augustus Caesar. These tickets were a way to raise money to make much needed repairs in the city of Rome. The wealthy often held lotteries during their Saturnalia feasts, but were more often than not a way for the wealthy to distribute gifts amongst their friends.
The first instance of a public lottery to have a cash prize is believed to have been held in Bruges (Belgium) in 1466. The purpose of this lottery was to raise much needed money to support the poor and to go towards the town’s fortifications. From there, the popularity of the lottery and other charity gaming exploded. It was viewed by some to be an inexpensive way to supplement taxation for communal benefit. The funds raised went to raising armies, building walls, aiding the poor, road and community improvements, and more.
Big Local Benefits for a Small Price
Today, charity and society lotteries and games still benefit the local community by supporting various projects and organizations that give back and addresses community needs. They are more heavily regulated though than their earlier counterparts, with things like age restrictions to ensure they are done safely and responsibly. Ticket sales are often a great way to raise funds and awareness for organizations that may not otherwise get the funding they need from the government to fully support the community. They also provide a steady and reliable source of income over other types of fundraising. Limited engagements, and benefit events only raise money once, but with charity gaming, the income is constant, occurring every time a ticket is sold. Gaming funds are often a way to fill in any gaps and shortfalls that may have otherwise gone overlooked and unfulfilled.
With such a long and established history, it’s no wonder that charity gaming and lotteries are still a popular way to raise money. According to the Gambling Commission, £296 million were raised in 2018 through charity lottery and gaming fundraising. This number is up from the £256m that was raised in the previous year.
For a small amount, people can feel good about helping out in their community, even if they don’t win. It is a way to make a small donation to the betterment of the public, with the added excitement of potentially winning a large jackpot in return.
