Answer

Actually, it was never Atlantic Lottery’s mandate to fund amateur sport.

Our mandate is, and always has been, to provide revenue to the General Revenue Fund of each of the four Atlantic provinces.

In Nova Scotia, however; profits from the sale of a designated suite of lottery tickets fund the Support4Sport program which is now the most significant source of funding for amateur sport in the province. Since its inception, Support4Sport has raised more than $31 million to support sport in Nova Scotia.

The confusion about lottery funding sport goes back to 1973 when the federal government established the Olympic lottery to help pay for the 1976 Montreal Olympics. Canadians have been associating lottery with amateur sport ever since. But in our case, it’s not where our profits go.

4 Comments

Dorinda

12/05/2014

I have had 2 kids in minor sports for over 10 years. I truly don't recall any time seeing a donation from Atlantic Lottery to help cover costs. Am I missing something.

Atlantic Lottery

12/12/2014

Hi Dorinda; Thank you for taking the time to post your comment to AskAway. Atlantic Lottery does not fund individual sports organizations directly, which is why you would not have seen any donations to your children’s minor sports organizations. In terms of sponsorship of sport, we are involved as a Corporate Sponsor of Team Atlantic, the athletes who represent the four Atlantic Provinces at the Canada Winter and Summer Games, Provincial Games Programs and the Support4Sport program which funds sport in Nova Scotia. Our sponsorship program largely focuses on brand sponsorships, summer festivals and events sponsorships, and select corporate sponsorships. I invite you to visit our corporate website and the “Giving Back” section to get specific details about each program, its guidelines for applicants as well as the information on funding restrictions. Janet@Atlantic Lottery

Nick

04/01/2017

Wouldn't it be more important to donate money to underprivileged children rather than professional athletes?

Atlantic Lottery

04/05/2017

Hi Nick; Atlantic Lottery recognizes that physical activity is critical to the overall health and well-being of all participants - no matter their age and socio-economic status. Our mandate is, and always has been, to provide revenue to the General Revenue Fund of each of the four Atlantic provinces. In Nova Scotia, however; profits from the sale of a designated suite of lottery tickets are directed to the Support4Sport program which is now the most significant source of funding for amateur sport in the province. Last year alone, $3 million in Support4Sport funding reached more than 125,000 amateur athletes. Funding through Support4Sport is available to all Nova Scotians, province-wide. It supports athletes from playground to podium in both rural and urban communities and from diverse backgrounds. All gaming proceeds support local government programs, including arts and culture, sports and much more. - Janet @ Atlantic Lottery