Charities Embrace the Digital Future: Permanent Online Lotteries on the Horizon

In an era where the digital landscape is constantly evolving, charities on the Hibiscus Coast are set to make a significant leap forward. Thanks to a recent government decision, these organizations will soon have the opportunity to conduct their fundraising lotteries online permanently. This groundbreaking move, announced by Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden, marks a pivotal shift from traditional in-person or postal ticket sales to a more modern, accessible approach.

Key Takeaways:

• Charities such as the Heart Foundation, Coastguard NZ, and local hospices will be able to run their lotteries online indefinitely.
• This change is in response to the growing need for a digital approach to fundraising in today’s world.
• The bill aims to provide certainty for non-profit organizations, ensuring they can continue their vital services without disruption.

Embracing a Digital Transformation

Historically, "class three" lotteries, where the prize values exceed $5,000, received a temporary exemption from the ban on "remote interactive gambling" during the COVID-19 pandemic. This allowed for an online ticket sales model, which was set to expire on 31 October 2024. The impending end of this exemption posed a significant threat to charities, potentially increasing operational costs and diminishing the funds available for community purposes.

Recognizing the importance of these lotteries as a crucial funding source, and acknowledging their low risk of causing harm, the government has taken decisive action. "These lotteries are a significant source of funding for some charities and pose a very low risk of causing harm," van Velden reassured. The move to allow online lotteries to operate permanently reflects an understanding of the changing fundraising landscape and the need for non-profits to adapt to an increasingly digital world.

A Win for Community Services

The announcement has been met with enthusiasm from charities across the Hibiscus Coast, who can now plan their future fundraising efforts with confidence. This minor amendment in the law will have a major impact on non-profit organizations, enabling them to continue providing essential services to the community without the fear of funding disruptions.

“This minor amendment will make a significant difference to the non-profit organizations which use the revenue from lotteries to carry out their services to the community,” van Velden added. The certainty that comes with this change is invaluable, allowing charities to focus on their missions rather than the logistics of fundraising.

Looking Ahead

As charities prepare to transition to a permanently online lottery system, the landscape of fundraising on the Hibiscus Coast is set to change dramatically. This shift not only represents a move towards more modern fundraising methods but also highlights the government's commitment to supporting non-profit organizations in their efforts to serve the community.

The bill, aimed to be passed before the October 2024 deadline, is a testament to the evolving nature of charity work in a digital age. With this change, charities on the Hibiscus Coast and beyond can look forward to a future where their fundraising efforts are not limited by traditional methods, but instead are enhanced by the possibilities of the digital world.