ABC27 WHTM Pa. committee approves small games of chance bill

Pa. committee approves small games of chance bill

Legislation that would allow veterans organizations, fire companies and other social clubs to increase the prizes awarded in small games of chance is closer to a vote in the state House of Representatives.

The legislation, House Bill 169, was passed out of the House Gaming Oversight Committee Tuesday by a 23-2 vote.

The measure would increase limits for prize payouts from $500 to $1,000 for daily drawings, from $5,000 to $30,000 for weekly drawings and from $5,000 to $10,000 for raffles per calendar month.

Rep. Sheryl Delozier (R-Cumberland) said she authored the legislation because Pennsylvania's Small Games of Chance Act has not been updated since 1988.

"Because of this now-outdated law, which contains low payout awards, each year non-profit civic and service organizations struggle to raise funds to finance their operating expenses or upgrade their equipment," Delozier said in a statement. "The General Assembly has an obligation to revise the law to ensure it remains consistent now and in the future."

Delozier said that while most of the proceeds would be distributed for public interest purposes such as sponsoring youth sports, refurbishing local parks, or giving out grants and scholarships to local students, her legislation would allow organizations to use a small portion of the money for projects like fixing a roof or heating system.

The measure also sets stricter enforcement measures and penalties for organizations that do not comply with the regulations.