Michigan Charities Fear Losses From Boost in Casino Fees

Michigan legislators are considering a five-fold increase in the state fee for licenses to hold charity gambling events, a move some charities say would put a deep dent in their fund raising, the Detroit Free Press reports.

“Whatever they take from us in fees, they’re taking from the community,” said John Collison of the Detroit Kiwanis Club, which holds poker nights at a local bowling alley.

The bill would increase the fees from $50 to $250 per day for casino events facilitated by for-profit businesses, which rent space or provide staff members. Proponents say the measure could raise $9-million for strapped state coffers and help cover the cost of regulating the fast-growing charity-gaming industry.