I am a member of Newport News Moose Lodge #1119. The new charitable gaming laws will not only affect the running of OUR Lodge but every non-profit fraternal organization. By this I mean when the changes from 10% to 40% take affect (which you still unsure of what the changes will be) you will be taking money from every charity that we support. Who is going to make up the difference? The State or the “Rosie’s” or another casino? No, I don’t think so. . .. They are in the business to make money -- not to support the local charities.  

The State could have gone about the changes in a more equitable manner. The one that comes to mind

is a scaling of the percentage from 10 to 15%, tiering the hardship and preparing the organizations to

become more self-sufficient and not relying on gaming funds to keep their organization afloat.  Additionally, not allowing the fraternal organizations to offset the operating cost of the “E” gaming will create a hardship that many will not be able to overcome. Cost such as administrators salaries, lights, internet, mortgages, supplies (for all the paperwork required by the State), and staffing required to be present could be scaled out -just not allowed. All the proposed changes will put an enormous burden on the organizations that many will not be able to compensate for the financial shortfalls which will occur and the unfortunate results- their doors will CLOSE.