The New Brunswick government says it has no plans to look at taking a share of the funds raised by charitable organizations through the increasingly popular Chase the Ace raffles.
Last week, the province said it was working to broaden its rules to specifically address Chase the Ace raffles, but initially declined to say whether fee increases or taking a share of the proceeds was a possibility.
The only proceeds the province gets from a Chase the Ace raffle that can raise millions of dollars is the $25 cost of the permit. The province subsequently stated the fee would not be increasing.
Now, Elaine Bell, a Department of Public Safety spokeswoman, said the provincial government has no plans to take a share of the proceeds from the raffles.
"We are not considering regulatory changes, such as changes to fees and the provincial government has no plans to divert funds away from the charities that run these raffles," stated Bell in an email.

'Game continues to grow in popularity'

Rino Maltais
A Chase the Ace game in Dalhousie last week saw Rino Maltais of Campbellton win $1.3 million. (Francois Vigneault/Radio Canada)
"As the game continues to grow in popularity, we are focused on ensuring raffles are compliant with the Gaming Control Act while remaining supportive of the important role these fundraising activities play in supporting charities and non-profit organizations in our province."
Bell said the province is looking at broadening the rules of the game itself to protect players and the charitable organizations the hold the raffles.
"The Department of Justice and Public Safety is required to ensure that games of chance follow rules to protect players and charitable organizations," stated Bell.
"This provides these fundraisers with some reassurance that they are operating a legal raffle so long as they are in keeping with these rules.
"That is what we are talking about developing through best practices, to provide to licensees and give them consistent rules for their raffles.

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