Multi-Million Dollar Bingo Class-Action Lawsuit

Multi-Million Dollar Bingo Class-Action Lawsuit
There is concern over two class-action lawsuits that could result in costing municipalities up to $70 million. Mayors Windsor and Tecumseh are urging local bingo charitable organizations to opt out of the lawsuit that states they have overcharged fees for bingo licenses dating back to 1993. The suit was filed by ALS Society of Essex County who is requesting compensation.

By opting out the charitable organizations will no longer be part of the lawsuit brought forth according to a recent news release from both mayors. In the statement Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens said he:

"hope to persuade the organizations that have raised money through bingo and lottery events" to opt out before the May 15 deadline.

"Considering how much revenue these organizations made from these bingo events, opting out of the lawsuit is a clear sign that they too support our municipalities."

The damages caused by the lawsuit could hit hard the taxpayers in their communities. Tecumseh Mayor Gary McNamara went on to explain:

"Insurance won't cover this expense," he said. "The same residents and businesses in Windsor and Tecumseh who support these organizations may end up paying for this lawsuit."

But lawyers in the Lerner LLP group disapprove of asking bingo organizations to opt out because the lawsuit will still move forward. Lawyer Peter Kryworuk said to Radio-Canada: "I don't think it's appropriate."

As of to date none of the allegations so far have been proven in the Ontario Superior Court class-action suit.

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