Small Games of Chance Bill
Passes Senate, Heads to House
The State Senate today approved legislation (46-4) that would help non-profit organizations, including volunteer fire companies and veterans clubs, raise more money for community activities and keep their operations running, according to State Senator Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson), who strongly supported the measure.
Senate Bill 444 amends the Local Option Small Games of Chance Act to provide for increased prize limits. The bill would increase the daily cash payout from $500 to $1,000, and weekly payouts from $5,000 to $20,000. Under an amendment Scarnati voted for, clubs would be allowed to keep 30 percent of the proceeds for operating expenses.
Scarnati said that payouts for small games of chance have not increased since 1988, and many organizations and social clubs are struggling to make ends meet as a result. Expanding the prize limits and allowing them to keep a portion of the proceeds would help them raise money and pay general operating expenses.
“These volunteer organizations are vital to our communities and do wonderful work, but many are facing funding challenges because of the increasing cost of insurance, utilities and other day-to-day expenses,” Scarnati said. “In Pennsylvania, which has one of the strongest and longest traditions of volunteerism, we need to help these community organizations continue to fulfill their mission.”
Senate Bill 444 now goes to the House for consideration.
Senate Bill 444 amends the Local Option Small Games of Chance Act to provide for increased prize limits. The bill would increase the daily cash payout from $500 to $1,000, and weekly payouts from $5,000 to $20,000. Under an amendment Scarnati voted for, clubs would be allowed to keep 30 percent of the proceeds for operating expenses.
Scarnati said that payouts for small games of chance have not increased since 1988, and many organizations and social clubs are struggling to make ends meet as a result. Expanding the prize limits and allowing them to keep a portion of the proceeds would help them raise money and pay general operating expenses.
“These volunteer organizations are vital to our communities and do wonderful work, but many are facing funding challenges because of the increasing cost of insurance, utilities and other day-to-day expenses,” Scarnati said. “In Pennsylvania, which has one of the strongest and longest traditions of volunteerism, we need to help these community organizations continue to fulfill their mission.”
Senate Bill 444 now goes to the House for consideration.
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