We Need Your Help
Did you know that the Iron Dog race is required to obtain a gaming permit each year from the State of Alaska Department of Revenue? (Permit is used for the race itself and we also have to apply for raffle, calcutta and other gaming activities). This is really not all that concerning and from first-hand experience I can say that working with the gaming permit folks has been great. So why do we need help?
Contact your legislator today.
Tell them you want snowmachine classics added next to dog mushing contest and fish derby under the provision that makes an exception for organizations to advertise or broadcast gaming activities.
Call them now!
Link to Alaska Senators: http://senate.legis.state.ak.us
Link to Alaska House Representatives: http://house.legis.state.ak.us
Why Do This?
Under the current statutes, (Sec. 05.15.640. Restrictions on use of broadcasting.) the Iron Dog organization along with all other snowmachine classics (and similar organizations like AMMC and Arctic Man) are unfairly limited in their ability to promote, advertise and succeed with fundraising events such as raffles.
The current Alaska statutes do not allow us to send emails, post announcements online (Facebook/Twitter) or advertise on radio and TV. By limiting our ability to properly promote our fundraisers, we have been artificially (and legislatively) limited in our ability to succeed with our raffles and other gaming activities.
Equal Opportunity
What we’re asking, for the sake of all snowmachine clubs, organizations and events, is the ability to advertise our fundraising events on the same level that is given to other events such as the Nenana Ice Classic or Iditarod. The snowmachine community has every right to participate at the same level as these other great Alaska organizations – but you have to speak up to be heard!
Making the Case
I believe the argument for the snowmachine/snowmobile community to be afforded equal status under the statutes boils down to a few points:
- Snowmobiling is a statewide activity with tens of thousands involved.
- Snowmobile owners pay into the State coffers with licensing and fees.
- Snowmobilers actively stimulate the economy (retail, fuel, food, lodging, etc.)
- Most clubs are civic and community oriented, giving back in donations, training, etc.
Final Thoughts
I could ramble on for days about the rationale, but what matters most is that YOU make your voice heard. Please contact all your representatives, especially at the State and Local level. Tell them you want snowmaching/snowmobiling classics to have the opportunity to promote their gaming activities! The future of the sport may depend on our ability to better advertise our fundraisers, don’t wait – make that call today!
/kevin
