NELSON, B.C. -- Two Nelson elementary schools saw their family bingo-night fundraisers cancelled when lottery officials informed organizers that children are not permitted to play bingo.
South Nelson Elementary and St. Josephs School planned their annual bingo nights to raise money for school resources and playground equipment not paid for by the provincial government.
Weve been having bingos for years, said Wayne Prentice, principal of South Nelson Elementary.
We always go and apply to get a licence for it. This time when we did that we were told that minors are not able to take part in a bingo. They can be there under the guardianship and watchfulness of their parents, but they can play and that sort of defeats the whole purpose.
Both schools have been having bingo events for years. South Nelson had hoped to raise $1,000 or more at the family-oriented event that was scheduled to take place in the school gymnasium last week.
The money raised was intended to go to year-end field trips and a much-needed new playground
Under the B.C. Gaming Control Act of 2002, the participation of minors in any form of commercial gaming, including bingo, is banned.
A communications officer with the B.C. Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch said the government looks at each application separately and tries to apply the intent of the law consistently. Schools all across the province do non-gaming events to raise money, and a lot of them get really creative with things, the official said.
Mr. Prentice plans to write letters to the Attorney-General and Solicitor-General to appeal the decision.
