Learn the Legalities of Gambling-Related Fundraisers

Dec. 13, 2010 - PRLog -- ST. LOUIS – Fundraisers are always looking for new and creative ways to raise money, especially in a tough economy. And as casinos rise on the riverfronts and Texas Hold ‘Em parties become commonplace, it’s no wonder that gambling events have become popular fundraisers. But what do lawyers and the taxman think about this development? Do you know if your casino night fundraiser is legal? And what are the stakes?

Licensed attorney Dan Sise will show his cards at an upcoming workshop, “Gambling Events and Fundraising: What Nonprofits Need to Know,” on Thursday, January 27, from 3:00–5:00 p.m. The workshop is offered by the Nonprofit Management & Leadership Program at the University of Missouri–St. Louis.

“The state of Missouri has tight restrictions on gambling, with only a few specific exceptions to those restrictions,” Sise said. “A lot of well-meaning organizations may not be aware that their poker night fundraiser may be illegal and that there could be criminal penalties.”

“We want organizations to have some information about what’s allowed under the law so they don’t inadvertently cross a line,” Sise continued. “In addition, we’ll discuss how revenue from these kinds of events is looked at by the IRS.”

The cost of the program is $30. For more information about the program, call (314) 516-6713. To register call (314) 516-6378 or visit the NPML website at http://www.umsl.edu/npml.

Dan Sise is the community engagement manager for the NPML at UMSL. He is also an instructor at UMSL, teaching a class on legal issues for nonprofit organizations. In the course of his legal career, he has dealt with a wide-range of issues including regulatory compliance, insurance coverage and defense, community redevelopment, and nonprofit governance and oversight. In addition, Sise currently serves on the board of directors of the Incarnate Word Foundation and Habitat for Humanity St. Charles.

The NPML at UMSL offers credit and noncredit classes on a variety of nonprofit topics, as well as undergraduate and graduate certificates in Nonprofit Management & Leadership. The NPML is the only nonprofit academic program in the St. Louis region that is recognized by Nonprofit Academic Centers Council, which develops standards for nonprofit education.

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About UMSL CE:
The UMSL Division of Continuing Education provides programs that fulfill degree completion, professional development and personal enrichment goals for the lifelong learner. For more information, please visit http://umslce.org.