A Brigden Fair lottery that saw its jackpot climb to more than $70,000 was stopped in its tracks and forced to draw a winner Thursday night.
Moore Agricultural Society President Malcolm Rogers said all lotteries using The Lotto Factory fundraising platform in Ontario, including their Harvest of Gold 50/50 draw, were shut down.
"This action was taken by the organizing group who were having the validity of their licence in Ontario challenged by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario," said Rogers.
The Lotto Factory Global, which runs lottery websites on behalf of fundraisers, claims its Interactive Gaming Licence was granted from a Quebec-based gaming commission, from the Mohawk Territory of Kahnawake.
Rogers said the Glencoe Fair, which saw its 50/50 draw reach an unprecedented $366,806 this fall, used the same platform.
"There were numerous groups. Glencoe is the one that's known, after all that took place, it was quite large. Other groups, like ourselves, fairs and different organizations, jumped on board to try and use it [the software] to raise funds because we didn't have a fair. So, this was going to be a great way to generate some revenues to be able to ensure our fairs would go next year."
Rogers said thankfully a winning ticket in their lottery was still drawn.
"On a more positive note, out there somewhere, is an individual named Amanda, who is $35,270 richer this morning."
Rogers said the individual, whose last name wasn't revealed, will be notified by email by The Lotto Factory.
In previous years, when the fair only sold paper tickets, about $5,000 was raised with the winner claiming $2,500.