Betty gives $3.84M to Kirkland Lake community
This second charitable donation is nearly double the first.
On October 26, we presented a cheque for $3,842,852 to the Kirkland and Area Bingo Association. It’s the second donation this year generated through our iBingo model, and together with the first more than $5.8M has been distributed to Kirkland Lake charities. Read the full press release here.
Since the first cheque in May, Kirkland Lake organizations have transformed the community in ways that weren’t possible before. Food banks ran Thanksgiving drives, sports clubs lowered their membership fees and saw record turnouts, and the LaSalle Theatre cleared its debt. And there’s more to come.
Kirkland Lake showed up with full hearts
More than 130 community members filled the Kirkland Lake Bingo Hall on Monday night for the cheque presentation, and to hear from the organizations the donation supports.
Club by club, they shared what the money from May had made possible, from kids’ teams travelling together to see a game to renovations that will keep local churches open. The night resonated with touching moments and profound gratitude.
“Having Betty come into our lives here in Kirkland Lake has been a total game changer. Our association with Betty will change our community more than I can say. In fact, hearing all the stories from the different clubs confirms that our community has already changed in the best way possible.”
– Michael Rawley, President of the Kirkland and Area Bingo Association and Managing Artistic Director of Save The LaSalle
Your play has impact
A portion of all Betty iGaming revenue in Ontario, from slots and bingo, goes to licensed charities in Kirkland Lake through Ontario’s charitable gaming framework. It’s the same model charitable bingo halls have used for decades, brought online.
Back in Kirkland Lake
Kirkland Lake sits about 600 kilometres north of Toronto on Highway 66. It’s a town of roughly 8,000, built on gold and known for producing NHL players.
Much of its community life runs through volunteer groups, service clubs and the bingo hall, which has hosted weekly games since 1998 and became part of Betty in late 2025.
Where the money goes
The money goes to the Kirkland and Area Bingo Association, which distributes the money to its roster of licensed local organizations.
This includes the Canadian Mental Health Association, the Royal Canadian Legion, King Lebel Volunteer Fire Department, the campaign to Save the LaSalle Theatre, Red Fox Air Cadets, local youth sports clubs and more.
What comes next
When we presented the first cheque in May, we said it wouldn’t be the last and the second one came five months later. Rest assured, there will be a third.
FAQs
How much did Betty donate this time?
$3,842,852, presented on October 26, 2026 to the Kirkland and Area Bingo Association.
How much has Betty donated in total?
$5,844,660.20 across two cheques: $2,001,808.20 on May 20, 2026 and $3,842,852 on October 26, 2026.
Where does the money come from?
A portion of Betty’s total iGaming revenue in Ontario, distributed through Ontario’s regulated charitable gaming framework.
Who decides which charities get the money?
The Kirkland and Area Bingo Association distributes proceeds to its roster of licensed local charities. Betty does not choose individual recipients.
Is the Kirkland Lake Bingo Hall still open?
Yes! It runs multiple weekly games under its original name.
Will there be a third cheque?
Yes. The model is ongoing, and we’ll report on each donation.
