Scratchies CEO: Money goes to NMSA

The chief executive officer of Pacific Lotteries Pty Ltd. assured that the money collected from the popular Scratch Card Lottery goes directly to the Northern Marianas Sports Association’s funds that aims to help Commonwealth athletes in off-island sports events.

The scratch card lottery system has been so far successful in raising funds that would help the Northern Marianas Sports Association. From left, NMSA executive director Tony Rogolifoi, president Michael White, and secretary Rose Igitol at the launching of the Instant Scratchies earlier this year. (Jon Perez)

“NMSA receives a percentage from ticket sales and the principal use of these funds earned will be used for helping CNMI athletes participate in off-island sports competitions,” said Pacific Lotteries CEO Stephen Gibson in an email to Saipan Tribune.

“And the representation of the CNMI in international sports events such as the recent South Pacific Games in Papua New Guinea, which Team CNMI represented us proudly,” added Gibson. “We look forward to your continuing support of NMSA and our sports community.”

He, however, did not answer how much money was already transmitted to NMSA. Saipan Tribune tried to get NMSA president Michael A. White’s opinion but he has not yet responded.

“We receive our proceeds on a regular basis, which is very satisfactory and the community has responded enthusiastically to our fundraising appeal to help support the sports community,” said Gibson.

Asked whether the money that NMSA received from the sales of the tickets would also be used for the renovation of Saipan’s sports facilities that got damaged or where destroyed by Typhoon Soudelor last month, Gibson said the Federal Emergency Management Agency is currently making an assessment.

“Regarding our sports facilities, Typhoon Soudelor has caused extensive damage in the hundreds of thousands of dollars to these facilities. FEMA is currently assessing the exact cost of the damage and we are awaiting their response,” added Gibson.

He said that 25 individuals had already won the $1,000 Instant Scratchies jackpot prize. “And there are plenty more still to be scratched and won. We have more exciting news coming soon and will inform you of such as soon as we can.”

The Scratch Card Lottery was launched early this year, where a certain percentage of the sales will fund NMSA’s various sports programs in the CNMI, defray costs of its operations, and assist the national athletes’ off-island trips.

Revenues collected from bingo, casino, lottery, sweepstakes, and other games of chance are being practiced by countries such as Australia, Guam, and the Philippines.

A portion of the funds spent in the Philippines’ sports development programs come from the income generated from the money collected from the casinos that the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. operates.