Thanks for asking.Originally Posted by BostonBob
Each year we try to choose a legal charity to help support at the annual Boardie Bash by donations. The charity we chose this year is the NEET program. In order to have a raffle (or 50/50), Negril.com, Travellers and NEET would need to apply for the "gaming/gambling" permit and put 15% of the proceeds aside for the government.
That is why we have never had raffles in the past. This is also why our events have always been free for anyone to attend. If we were to charge an admission fee, even for the charity, by charging it for the event would make it taxable under Jamaican law. And we do not want anyone to be breaking the law.
Two years ago, a notable charity in Negril found out the hard way that they should have filed the proper paperwork. During the event, the police and Ministry of Justice showed up and stopped the "gambling". People could still donate, but no prizes or money could be given out as "winnings".
The NEET Charity is a great program and all the money donated to them at the Boardie Bash (or online during the Bash through their "Donate" button at http://neetja.com) will go directly to helping their cause which is the betterment of Jamaica. The NEET "buy a brick" program is one of their main fundraising activities and they have all the legal aspects taken care of so there are "no problems" with buying as many bricks as you want!
As each year, we want this to be an easy going, fun time for our Boardies (posters and lurkers alike) and sponsors to meet and greet each other. Once again, it is free to attend and any prizes would need to be "giveaways" having no money exchanged for the prize.
For those interested in knowing the laws so you dont break them when having an event here, please read below.
There are laws in Jamaica that govern Bingos and Raffles for Charities. Here is the exact wording from the Ministry of Justice:
Bingos & Raffles for Charitable Purposes
The Ministry of Justice processes applications for the holding of Bingos and Raffles for charitable purposes in accordance with Section 51(1)(a) of the Betting Gaming and Lotteries Act.
Under this section of the act permission is granted by the Minister for a lottery to be held in order to raise funds for any religious, charitable or educational purposes or promotion of athletic sports or cultural activities.
The procedure to be followed when making application for Minister’s consent is set out below: -
The attached application form must be completed in triplicate by three individuals considered to be the organizers of the Raffle/Bingo. They are required to complete this form in their private capacity even though they may hold a position in the Organizing body (i.e. President, Secretary etc. of Service Club).
The application form when completed must be submitted with a supporting letter from the host organization giving authority for the individuals to hold the lottery on its behalf.
A letter of acceptance from the benefiting organization should also accompany the application.
The application form is then forwarded to the Police for investigation and report as to the reputation of the organizers and their trustworthiness to disburse public funds.
Once the Police report is favourable, a decision is taken on the application.
The organizers must thereafter enter into a Bond to pay to the Accountant General fifteen percent (15%) of the gross receipt; this is regarded as the duty payable.
Once the bond has been signed, the formal approval for the holding of the lottery is given.
With regard to the fifteen percent (15%) of the gross receipt a waiver of the duty may be sought from the Ministry of Finance, after the venture has been held.
http://moj.gov.jm/services-and-infor...go-and-raffles
