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Feature Articles:
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Gaming Climate Grows Threatening in Many Areas
> Moose International Treasurer Joe Mech noted how one major theme of the Charlotte Convention was “change”—and added how apt that was, given the thrust of his remarks on the topic of Gaming Issues.
“Brothers, the gaming climate across North America is changing rapidly,” Mech said. “Some of you already know this. It is likely that many of the rest of you will experience the effect of these changes in the next couple of years,” Mech said.
Lodges must be aware of (and follow) both federal and state or provincial laws regarding gaming, Mech said. Some of the most elemental of these are requirements for local licenses and numerous other local, state and federal paperwork that must be filed before almost any gaming activity can legally occur.
Federally, Mech said, members-only gaming has no tax or reporting required. Bingo played by nonmembers is also allowed (in and of itself) without tax or reporting, he said.
If, however, nonmembers participate in “pulltabs” or any other type of gambling, the Moose operation must have someone keep himself or herself knowledgeable and up-to-date regarding any state or local regulations on percentage of charitable donations that are nearly always required from gaming proceeds.
Mech also advised that gaming lodges do the following:
• Keep meticulous records.
• Avoid charities that offer incentives or “kick-backs.”
• Any required donations must be made to a recognized 501(c)3 charities under the U.S. tax code, NOT to individuals in need—no matter how worthy the cause.
• Do not run donations through your state association.
• Do not attempt to set up your own 501(c)3 charity.
• Do not participate in any form of gaming that is illegal in your jurisdiction.
• Maintain relationships with government officials on an ongoing basis—to keep your laws as favorable as possible.
• You may raise funds for Lodge operations only using the proceeds of strict members-only gaming.
For more detailed information on the situation in your state, contact Mech at 630/859-2000, ext. 6495.
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Please click on any photograph below to view a larger image.
‘The gaming climate across North America is changing rapidly. Some of you already know this. Many of the rest of you will experience the effect of these changes in the next couple of years.’
Joe Mech
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Lodge Board or NASCAR Crew, Each Member Has a Role
> ‘While there is only room for one person behind the wheel, every driver has a whole team of specialists riding along with him,” stated Director of Fraternal Education Mike Reemts, running hard with the NASCAR theme to instruct Lodge leaders on “Taking Your Office Seriously.”
The entire board, Reemts said, must begin by being knowledgeable about the fraternity’s General Laws, and the Guidebook entitled Forward in the Good, Onward in the Right.
The Governor needs to understand his responsibility to “listen, then lead” by giving his fellow officers and chairmen a chance to give input. Reemts then discussed the “fiscal watchdogs”—the Prelate, Treasurer and Trustees. When these men “aren’t paying attention,” he said, things break down.
The Jr. Governor should stay connected with the members so that he may eventually “steer his Lodge in the right direction,” Reemts said, adding that the Jr. Past Governor should remain involved through committees on Membership, Community Service, or Family Activities.
Reemts also discussed the Administrator, whom he metaphorically compared to the hub of a wheel: “Without (him), the spokes fall out and the wheel collapses.”
He concluded: “Leadership isn’t a spectator sport. It takes heart and passion . . .you need to get behind the wheel and take your office seriously.”
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Mike Reemts
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August/September/October 2004
