St. Thomas gaming centre exceeded multimillion milestone in a little over two years

Even though not everyone wins playing Bingo, the seventy-four regional charities sharing Jackpot City St. Thomas’ profits always come out ahead.

As of Thursday, the gaming centre officially surpassed the $2 million mark in its contributions to community charities. Jackpot city staff, Ontario Charitable Gaming Association representatives and community leaders were on hand for Thursday’s milestone announcement. 

Jackpot City exceeded the multimillion milestone in a little over two years. On average, the decades-old bingo hall-turned-gaming centre will welcome about 3,000 people through its doors each week – a number that spells big bucks for the numerous charities that share in its profits.

About 26 per cent of the location’s net gaming revenue is handed out to the regional non-profits each month. How much each individual charity receives is based on the number of hours their volunteers commit to working at the Edward St. location.

“The volunteers are helping with customer service. They’re promoting awareness of how the money is benefiting the community. They’re organizing special events in the location,” said Lynn Cassidy, executive director of the Ontario Charitable Gaming Association.

“For every two hours of volunteer time, they receive a share of the proceeds.”

The city issues yearly permits to approved local charities so they can volunteer with Jackpot City and cash in on some of the gaming centre’s haul. The charitable groups come from across the region and include Big Brothers Big Sisters of St. Thomas-Elgin, Aylmer Knights of Columbus, Rosy Rhubarb Festival Committee, Dutton and District Lions Club and the Kiwanis Club of West Lorne. 

“They’re very visible, there’s a charity presence at all times here,” pointed out Tony Di Maria, general manager of Jackpot City St. Thomas.

Di Maria said Jackpot City was able to surpass its $2 million milestone by keeping pace with the evolving needs of modern-day gamers, adding its success is due, in no small part, to the roll-out of computerized Bingo and electronic gaming. 

“We are experiencing a slow and steady growth,” he said, adding the impressive fundraising potential is showing no signs of slowing down, especially as the gaming centre attracts new audiences.

“With the computers and the technology we’re trying to engage some of the younger people to make it more exciting for them to play as well,” he noted.