Imagine going to a casino to win money … for charity.
A new program at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas lets slot players give part of their winnings or any gambling to local non-profits.
It’s been done in other casino resorts, but never at one on the Las Vegas Strip.
In six months, the program has raised $26,000 from more than 124,000 donors.
And one of the charities getting some of that money is HELP of Southern Nevada.
“$26,000 is quite a bit of money for HELP of Southern Nevada," chief community relations officer Abby Quinn said, "To put it into perspective, the youth staying at Shannon West Homeless Youth Center, we house those youths for one night at $42 an evening.”
HELP of Southern Nevada provides services for all kinds of people in the community from pregnant moms to senior citizens in need.
Quinn said they plan on using the money they get from the program to fill funding gaps in their programs. She said the homeless youth center always has unfunded beds and the charity's program to help first-time moms and dads with pre and post-natal care also needs money.
Other casinos have done similar programs and Quinn encourages other Strip properties to take up the cause.
“It’s a really easy way not only for locals to participate but also anyone who’s coming in for a major event,” she said.
Quinn said it is a way for locals to give to community charities when they're out for a night of gambling but it is also a way for tourists to give back to a community where they're having a good time.
Abby Quinn, chief community relations officer, HELP of Southern Nevada