Bigger John Howard jackpot?

The John Howard Society wants to increase the jackpot in its weekly televised bingo games from $15,000 to $25,000.

The society made a request to the Iqaluit city council on Dec. 11. The City is in charge of issuing bingo licences.

By raising the jackpot, the John Howard Society hopes to attract more players and, therefore, make more more money from the games.

Don Lalonde, a member of the John Howard Society, told council the group needs more money for staff salaries and programs.

Mayor John Matthews asked the society to show council financial records that outline how much it costs to run the society.

The council also wants to see how much money the bingo games bring in each week.