We've seen it in the UK, millions of pounds going to 'good causes' from lottery money. We have yet to see gambling revenues buying schoolbooks, but maybe it's just a matter of time. In countries as far apart as New Zealand and the USA it is already a fact of life.

Government funding for schools in New Zealand has fallen so far behind the real running costs that schools are turning to Gaming Trusts and Charities for grants. The Charity Gaming Association says the amount has doubled in the past few years and, representing around 50% of gaming trusts, has paid out $25 million the last financial year, not including grants for sports equipment. Schools use the money for libraries, computers, new buildings, and extra teaching staff.

A 3-year study found that schools could not maintain standards of education on government money alone. John Davies the Principal of Blockhouse Bay Primary School is reported as saying that the grants buy 'luxuries' such as a computer laboratory, learning resources and sports equipment. To raise the additional $350,000 per year that the school needs they rely on parental contributions, foreign fee-paying students and, increasingly, pokies (poker machines) money.

While some school principals are hesitant about accepting money from gambling others are of the opinion that no-one forces a person to gamble and that 98% of gamblers enjoyed the pastime with no problems.

Across the ocean in the northern hemisphere a multimillion dollar advertising campaign is about to start in Florida. From October 3rd voters will be bombarded with messages in English and Spanish asking them to support an amendment that would allow Miami-Dade and Broward to bring slot machines into parimutuals - greyhound tracks, jai-alai frontons, horserace tracks. Voters go to the polls on November 2nd and much of the advertising will focus on children who, supporters of the amendment say, will be the chief beneficiaries.

Two Florida teachers' unions have endorsed the proposal that has the potential to bring millions of dollars to the state education system. 30-40% of the revenue would go to state education, estimated to be in the region of $500 million. Advertising billboards are expected to be placed at sporting venues such as baseball games.

Regulating gaming effectively and allowing people to gamble if they choose is increasingly seen as a way to boost a country's economy, and education seems a worthy beneficiary of the tax revenues and charitable trust donations.

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