Scarnati: Small Games of Chance Reporting Requirement Delayed

The Small Games of Chance reporting requirement for local clubs and organizations has been delayed until 2015, according to Senator Joe Scarnati (R-25).

Scarnati explained that The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue has announced that Club licensees and eligible organizations will not be required to submit electronic annual reports to the Department by February 1, 2014.

“I am pleased that the Department of Revenue has recognized the need to allow local organizations more time to learn the updated reporting requirements,” Scarnati stated. “Delaying reporting requirements at this time will allow our small nonprofit organizations to be able to focus more on their charitable missions and services.”

Scarnati said that in November, legislation making changes to the Small Games of Chance Law was passed by the General Assembly and signed by the Governor. The updates took a significant step to raise the thresholds for reporting requirements, while also allowing organizations to keep more of their profits for operating expenses.

As part of reforms to the Small Games of Chance Act additional games of chance, including “pools,” “raffle auctions,” and “Race Night games,” and raised prize limits are now permitted and new reporting requirements were established that should be less stressful and burdensome for community organizations.

“Small nonprofit organizations are a crucial financial lifeline in communities across our Commonwealth and we need to make sure these important groups continue to have the ability to raise the money they need without undue restrictions,” Scarnati said.

Reporting requirements will resume for 2014 and will be required by February 1, 2015 for clubs with proceeds of $20,000 or more. More information regarding reporting requirements is available on the Department of Revenue Website at: http://www.revenue.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/small_games_of_chance/14500

The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947