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NO LIMIT Hold'em Tournament

Poker as a Fundraiser

Is your non-profit looking for creative and new way to raise money? A poker tournament might be your solution. Berkshire Poker has the equipment, knowledge and experience to create and run a successful, fun and memorable event.

One of our favorite charities is the Eleanor Sonsini Animal Shelter in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. A regular event for Berkshire Poker is the Ante Up for Animals tournament and its always a success. Here's a NICE THANK YOU and the PROMOTION PAGE we set up for the tournament.

How much money can be raised?

There are many variables that affect the profitability of poker tournaments:

  • Number of entrants
  • Amount of the donation
  • Size and number of prizes distributed to winners
  • Promotional costs
  • Venue rental and food
All of these variables are up to you, but there are some rules of thumb, to give you a starting idea. Let’s say you ask for a $100 donation and get 100 players. This gives a gross of $10,000. In Massachusetts, 5% of this will be paid to the state. Typically, the prize pool for the players will be 45%. This leaves $5,000 for the charity, out of which the expenses, including Berkshire Poker’s fee will be paid. In addition to the players’ donations to play, there are other ways to raise money during the event. Some charities obtain sponsors to help defray the expenses. Raffles, silent auctions, sales of memberships, t-shirts and other merchandise, are other ideas for additional revenue sources. Other nonprofits will have their own facilities to host an event, which saves considerable expenses. We also provide secondary tournaments for those players that are eliminated from the main event early, but still wish to play. Typically, the cost to enter these will be less than the main event, but the charity still will raise money from them.

Determine your eligibility:

The Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General has issued guidelines (HERE») for charitable organizations that wish to hold poker tournaments for fundraising purposes. We do not offer legal advice, so it is important that you read and understand this Advisory. Some key points are:

  • You must be a recognized charitable organization that has been organized and operating in Massachusetts for at least two years.
  • You must obtain a Raffle and Bazaar permit from the city or town where you will hold the event.
  • Cash prizes must be limited to $25. Non-cash prizes may include Gift Cards.
  • A financial report is required to be filed with the Massachusetts Lottery Commission within 30 days of the event.
  • No one under the age of 18 can be present at the event.

Charitable organizations outside of Massachusetts should contact us to discuss.

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